There Is No Doubt That You Require ADHD Diagnosis How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind and is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.

It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and may refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.

When assessing for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, including at school, home or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day or having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance.

In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your symptoms.

What happens during the test?

If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"

You may need to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your examination. Complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. adhd diagnosis uk adults should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.

The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.

It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and over time.

As part of the examination, you may have to undergo certain tests, like an allergy test. If you suffer from any other medical problems Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for these, too.

You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.

What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?

You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a variety of things in your favor. Some groups may be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance that they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.

It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you the reason.

In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.


It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.

What can I do to get treatment?

GPs can refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. adhd uk diagnosis can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies between individuals. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence is not as extensive.

It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.