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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They will consider your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.

You may also qualify to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.

1. Speak with your doctor

If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD will often consult their GP first. They can be attentive and refer you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on your location the assessment could be free of charge or you may have to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.

It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child's trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.

A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD through observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also consider how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms could be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism, anxiety or behaviour issues).

We suggest you find a new GP If your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for an appointment with. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.

The assessment process should be completed quickly once you have been referred. The doctor will ask you or your child for details about your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a medical exam. 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 will also determine if you or your child experienced these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD is only made by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.

2. Book an appointment with an expert

There are many NHS specialization centers that can conduct ADHD tests. You will have to ask your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. diagnose adhd may take a while to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.

Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They might ask for your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers or day care providers about your experiences as an infant. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior - it is also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to check for other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.

If you're an adult, you'll be asked by a specialist what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and they will still have a significant impact on your life.

If you're an adult or a child you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor, your medication will firstly be provided by the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement for shared care to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.

If you're in England you have a legal right to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment on the internet with an expert in your area. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and could be a more cost-effective option too.

3. Ask your GP to refer you to a

Speak to your GP If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. Although they won't be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD formally but they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and you. They should then refer you to an expert to be assessed and treated. If they have a lengthy waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page about how to speed up this process.

If you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.


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

If they decide that you have ADHD they will write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.

If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you're not sure which one to pick or if NHS wait times seem excessive it is possible to choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which has a very helpful guide about how to do this.

4. Book an assessment with an expert

In the UK there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services or call them directly yourself. The majority of private providers will let you book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video call. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with specific details about any medical history. They will also ask whether any family members have ADHD.

Your psychiatrist will guide you through the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will use this information to assess whether or not you have the symptoms of ADHD.

If you don't have a GP who will refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It's more expensive, however you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.

A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they will be able to look for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also take into account other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction disorders or depression.

The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is because the majority of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more problems as you age and encounter more challenges. This is especially true if you didn't get the right support as a young person.

It can be difficult to get a diagnosis when you're a minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone with ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.

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