7 Small Changes That Will Make A Huge Difference In Your ADHD Diagnosis How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I get an medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only by diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find a diagnosis.

It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is in.


To assess your ADHD, healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, like at school, home, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in regularly.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will make use of criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there's an identifiable pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.

In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your health issues.

What happens during the test?

The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting 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 other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognize the signs and how they impact your life in detail.

The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options, which may include medications.

It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and over time.

As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, like the test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check for any medical issues.

If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that even though you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and request a referral. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your problems including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.

It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not always plan for long intervals of titration.

Joining a support group either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and calm. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.

How do I get treatment?

Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. adhd uk diagnosis , the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to plan long-term funding and create health, social, and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.