20 Trailblazers Setting The Standard In ADHD Diagnosis How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across a network gatekeepers. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.

Some private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How do I obtain a diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialized expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and are desperate for help. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for the diagnosis.

It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait while the specialist is in.

When assessing for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, like at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do often.

A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at an assessment. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day, having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.

In recent months, there is a surge in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms.

What happens during the assessment?

If you're self-referring or referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, "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 to your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your examination. It is important to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise them and discuss the ways they affect your life in detail.

The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.

It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and then over time.

There may be tests done as part of your assessment, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest additional tests to look for these, too.

If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you are having a hard time getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about the issue and ask for the referral to a psychiatrist. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).

You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.

In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on your local area. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not always plan for long time periods of titration.

It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be very supportive and reassuring, and it can help to discuss your experiences with people who understand.

What can I do to receive treatment?

Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to care, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).

Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and can assist with titration until the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from one person to another. The majority of people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However, adhd diagnosis uk adults for these treatments is not as extensive.


It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.