Why Nobody Cares About ADHD Diagnosis How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal duty to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.

Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I get an accurate diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness and can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions often report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for a diagnosis.

how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.

To assess your ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.

A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused or keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance.


In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about your health issues.

What happens during the process of assessment?

If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"

You may have to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on where you are going for your evaluation. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and how they affect your life in detail.

The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which could include medication.

It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will help you explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed over time.

As part of the examination, you may have to undergo certain tests, like a test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical conditions.

If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.

What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?

There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, those who are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your issues like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they require.

You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the requirements, they will inform you why.

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. adhd diagnosis uk adults may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration.

Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very supportive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with others who understand.

How do I receive treatment?

Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. 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, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to care, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).

Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.

The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs from person to. The majority of people are treated using medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an effective sleep schedule can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive.

It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.