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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

Getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS can be difficult. The waiting lists can be lengthy and, in some cases, people are diagnosed with a different condition that could be a better explanation for their problems like depression or anxiety.

Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you have ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.

1. Consult your GP

In England and Wales there is access to the ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you may be able to get it. You will need explain to your GP what you think you might be suffering from ADHD and the impact it has on your life. Your GP will take this seriously and ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to specialists for an assessment. For adults, it is particularly important to make a list of the specific ADHD traits and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to provide examples when you are asked.

Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will employ a variety of tools and techniques, such as checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you very well. self assessment adhd test will then write an assessment based on the information they have received. They will then discuss with you what their recommendation is which could be that you have an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate to begin treatment with medications.

If you find that your GP is unwilling to refer you for an evaluation or doesn't prescribe ADHD medication through the NHS or other health insurance, it could be worth looking for another physician who is more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful information on this topic.

In England you have a legal right to choose where your GP refers you to get an ADHD assessment, as long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost you more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can approach ICAS for help when making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You can attempt to get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.

2. Request a recommendation

Depending on where you live in the UK there are two different options you can choose to get an ADHD assessment. The first is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. It can be a lengthy procedure, and in some cases you'll have to wait years to get a diagnosis. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right of Choice route. This is a legal right which allows you to request an appointment with private providers in the event that you believe the NHS wait time for an ADHD assessment is too long.


If you choose to do this then your GP must accept this, and also sign a "shared-care agreement" with the healthcare provider you have chosen. However, a majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients who have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.

In most cases, you'll be able to make an appointment with the private provider you prefer. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The doctor will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.

If it is determined that ADHD could be the root cause of your problem In most cases, you will be sent home with additional questions for your school or workplace. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss options for treatment. If they determine that medication is required then your GP will be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. Any other recommendations relating to assistance at school or at work will be discussed with your physician and any charges are discussed prior to starting. Many private providers offer free advice and support in between appointments through email or phone calls.

3. Get an assessment

Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health disorders. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist with experience in the condition.

You might have to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to Choose', a new NHS initiative that gives you the right to choose the clinic that you're referred to for your assessment. This allows you bypass the NHS waiting lists and can make the entire process quicker.

The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily routine. They will then conduct a structured clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to write down your experiences and be familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when they talk about them.

The test will also consist of physical examinations and interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. It is crucial to ensure that the data gathered is accurate and as complete as possible, so the psychiatrist will be able to provide the most accurate diagnosis.

If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child suffer from ADHD, they will send you for a complete diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be an additional appointment which could include a range of tests including psychological tests and brain images to determine the severity of ADHD.

Some people opt to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting list continues to grow. There are many organizations in the UK which offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on the location you reside in. You can find a list here, or you can consult your GP about which one would be best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.

4. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For example, it can affect work or relationships. An accurate diagnosis can aid in resolving these issues. Unfortunately, due to the rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be lengthy. Some people choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment sooner.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is putting a treatment plan together. This could involve CBT or medication. This is something to consider before your evaluation. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.

You could be eligible for an ADHD assessment through the NHS based on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the situation you'll be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms, and then make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.

Self-referral is available in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This process is typically faster than the NHS route, however it is crucial to confirm that your GP is willing to sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with your private clinician.

If you are tested for ADHD the doctor will ask questions about your past and present behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these characteristics are affecting your life right now. Before you go to an appointment, it is important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing event. It can open up various treatment options and provide a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously undiagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a happier life.

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