Watch Out: What How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD Is Taking Over And How To Stop It How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

Consult your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They should take your concerns very serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.

You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in getting an appointment and beginning treatment.

1. Talk with your doctor

If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD usually seek out their doctor first. They can take your concerns very seriously and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free or you might have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.


It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It is important to remember that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why you or your child may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.

A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing or discussions that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also consider how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).

We suggest you look for a new GP if your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to get an appointment but it's worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.

Once you have been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. GPs will ask for details about your child's symptoms. the specialist should carry out an interview, questionnaire and medical examination. They will be looking at whether the presenting symptoms are mainly inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity, and how much they impact your or your child's life. They should also check if your or your child has had these symptoms previously and examine the data. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.

2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist

There are many NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD tests. You will have to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You will likely need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.

Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may request your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or day care providers about your experiences as an infant. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also related to the way in which your brain works. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.

If you're an adult, your doctor will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and remain a significant influence on your life.

You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult child or not. It is important to note that if you're diagnosed by a private doctor, you will initially receive your medication on the NHS. Private clinics is likely to be able assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.

In England, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health provider and healthcare provider. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your region. diagnosis for adhd can be a faster and more cost-effective alternative to going through your GP.

3. Ask your GP for a referral

If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is talk to your GP. They won't be able to identify you as having ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it has affected you and your family. They should then refer you to an expert to be assessed and treated. If they have a long waiting list, there is advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed things up.

Once you have been identified and accepted, you will receive an appointment with psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.

During the appointment, a psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In some cases they may have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.

If they find that you have ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. he has a good point will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.

It is vital to know that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure which provider to choose or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can make use of alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which provides a helpful guide to help you do this.

4. Request an assessment with a specialist

There are numerous specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services or directly. Most private healthcare providers will allow you to book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide information regarding your symptoms and how they impact your life and daily activities. They may also ask for information about your medical history. They will also ask whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.

Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for coping. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you have the signs of ADHD.

If you don't have a doctor who will send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis faster. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment, if needed.

A qualified psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with you. They'll also take into consideration other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.

The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. It is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more problems. This is particularly true if you did not receive the right support when you were a child.

Sometimes it is difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly when you belong to a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.