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How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

It can be a challenge to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and there are times when people are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their challenges better like anxiety or depression.

Your GP should be able to listen to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should then refer you to the NHS to conduct an assessment.

1. Consult your GP

In England and Wales you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it might be possible to access medication if this is appropriate for you. You'll need to tell your GP why you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool prior to referring you to specialists to conduct an assessment. Adults should make an outline of specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples when requested.

Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will make use of a variety of tools and methods, including checklists for symptom identification and behaviour rating scales. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family, and others who know you very well. The psychiatrist will write an account based on the information they have received. They will then discuss their recommendation with you, which could mean that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with a medication.

You may find that some doctors aren't willing to recommend you to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS, in which case it's best to find another GP who will be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.

In England you have a legal right to choose where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long that the service is offered through the NHS and does not cost more than going through the NHS directly. If you're not able to reach an agreement with your local CCG you can ask ICAS for help in making an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales the NHS has different guidelines and regulations. You can access services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK also has some tips on this.

2. Ask for a referral

Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two distinct options you can choose to receive an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to refer you. This could be a lengthy process, and you'll have to wait several years to receive a diagnosis. Alternately, you can opt for the 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be directed to a private service by this method.

If how to get adhd assessment choose to do this you must inform your GP must agree to this, and also sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider that you have chosen. However, a majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.

In most cases, you will then be able to make an appointment with the private service of your choice. The ADHD specialist will carry out an interview and questionnaire with your child and you (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The specialist will then provide you with an exact indication of whether they believe that your symptoms could be due to ADHD or not.

If it is found that ADHD could be the root cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires to your workplace or school. Then, they'll schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and discuss the diagnosis. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss the options for medication. If they determine that medication is necessary and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. Your doctor will also discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or at work. Any fees will be discussed prior to beginning. Many private providers provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either via emails or short phone calls.

3. Get an assessment

Getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK isn't easy and often, it's mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health disorders. The best method of diagnosing ADHD is to have an assessment conducted by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.

You might have to wait for an assessment to be completed by the NHS. Talk to your GP for advice if you're concerned about the wait time. Right to Choose is an exciting new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you are recommended. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and could make the process much quicker.

The psychiatrist will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then carry out an assessment of your clinical condition using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down some examples and become familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget their experiences when they talk about them.

The test will also consist of a physical examination and interviews with family members, teachers and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete data to make the most accurate diagnosis.

If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child have ADHD and they'll refer you for a full diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This will be a further appointment that could involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder.

Some people opt to go private to get their ADHD assessed. This is becoming more popular as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Depending on where you live in the UK there are a number of organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or talk to your GP about which one is best for you. Private examinations can be faster than those conducted through the NHS. However, your health insurance won't cover the cost.

4. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas like relationships or work, and an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, due to a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be long. Some people choose to pay for their assessments privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment sooner.

After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could include medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you have your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best course of action for you is.

Depending on where you live in the UK You may be able access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case, you must be referred to an expert psychiatrist or paediatrician who will evaluate your symptoms and provide a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.


If you do not get an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health provider. This is typically quicker than the NHS option, however you must ensure whether your GP has the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.

Your specialist will ask questions about your past and current behaviours. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about the way these traits impact your life today. Before going to an appointment, it's important to know the criteria used to determine ADHD and to write examples of how these characteristics have affected your life.

A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It opens the door to a variety of treatment options and may provide an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilling life.

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