ADHD Diagnosis: 10 Things I'd Loved To Know Earlier How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People suffering from ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequality.

Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do Read Far more get an accurate diagnosis?


ADHD is an illness of the mind and can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking diagnosis.

It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.

To determine if you have ADHD medical professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, including at home, school, or work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities that you do on a regular basis.

A specialist will consider all of the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will apply criteria such as being persistently distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention or difficulty focusing at work or school and having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning, and if there is a distinct pattern that has been evident for at least six years.

In recent months, there has been an increase in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. 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 is expensive. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.

What happens during the process of assessment?

The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"

You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your evaluation. It is crucial to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.

The assessment will usually include 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 discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medication.

Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the evaluation. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed over time.

You may have tests performed as part of your assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical issues your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these, too.

If adhd uk diagnosis -refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private evaluation however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.

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

There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide an earlier 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 reference. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your problems, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.

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

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. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent 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 think of long titration cycles.

Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very positive and reassuring and can assist to discuss your experiences with others who understand.

How can I receive treatment?

GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much quicker and more efficient, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200, although often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.