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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

Talk to your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They must consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.

You may also qualify to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to medication shortages.

1. Talk to your doctor

Doctors are often the first point of contact when people suspect they or their child may have ADHD. They can take your concerns seriously and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live, it may be free or you may have to pay. You can find more information on the NHS website.

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to know that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child may have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.

A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also take a look at the length of time the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also look at whether your child's or your symptoms can be explained better by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).

If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking another one. It isn't easy to ask for an appointment, but it is worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.

After you've been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a 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 will also determine if you or your child experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.

2. Book an appointment with a specialist

There are a number of NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD evaluations. You will have to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You will probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a long time to complete so try and do them in advance of your appointment if you can.


diagnosis adhd will evaluate your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your school or job records, or speak with your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD is not only a problem with behavior - it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning, and may want to look into other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.

If you're an adult, you'll be asked by a specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood, and they'll continue to have a significant impact on your life.

If you're an adult or a child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, if you're diagnosed by a private doctor then you'll initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. The private doctor will be able to help you in this and will provide your GP documentation to sign a shared-care agreement, which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.

If you're in England, you have the legal right to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment online with a specialist. This is often a quicker option than visiting your GP and could be cheaper too.

3. Ask your GP to refer you

Talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. While they may not be in a position to identify you with ADHD formally, they will 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 are on a long waiting list, they can find guidance on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed things up.

Once you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required for access to medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.

During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if you are in line with 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 might need to exclude other conditions prior to making their decision, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol use out.

If they decide that you suffer from ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is the most effective, but everyone is different.

If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's important to know that you have a legal right to choose which provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to pick or if NHS wait times are too long you can select one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which provides a helpful guide about how to do this.

4. Request an assessment with an expert

There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly. The majority of private providers will allow you to book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, and how they affect you and your daily life. They may also request information about your medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.

Your psychiatrist will talk about the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.

If you don't have a GP who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one on your own by making an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment, if needed.

A competent psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other health issues that could affect your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.

Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they can cause more problems as you get older and face more difficulties. This is especially true if you didn't receive the proper support as a young person.

It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in the event that you're a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.

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