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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I get a diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind and can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for a diagnosis.

You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.

To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have had in the past and your family history. They will be observing you in various environments, such as your home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do frequently.

A specialist will review all the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing or keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance.

In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of well-known individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your health issues.

What happens during the test?

If you're self-referring or referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"

You may have to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your evaluation. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth.

The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health in general, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss treatment options with you, which can involve medication.

Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you attend the evaluation. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.

You might have some tests performed in the course of your examination like the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check for any medical problems.

If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private evaluation however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

There are many factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS.


The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).

You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you why.

In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.

It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can assist to talk through your experience with people who understand.

How can I receive treatment?

Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.

Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are 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. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. adhd uk diagnosis can't be endured and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.

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