How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

If you suspect you have ADHD, talk to your GP. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment should consider your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.

You could be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in receiving an appointment and beginning treatment.

1. Talk to your GP

GPs are often a first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They will be attentive and refer you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free or you could have to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.

It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It's important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why your child or yourself might have trouble staying focus or executing impulses.

A specialist will determine whether you or your child has ADHD based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they affect your life. They will also consider whether your child's or you're symptoms are better explained by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).

If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking a different one. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for an appointment with. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.

The assessment process should be completed in a short time after you have been sent to a specialist. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 check if you or your child has suffered from these issues in the past so they can compare. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.

2. Make an appointment with an expert

There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll have to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to fill out, so try to complete them prior to your appointment, if you are able to.

Your physician will assess your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your school or work records or talk with your teachers, parents or day care providers about the way you behaved as a child. It's 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 examine your overall functioning and may want to examine other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.

If you're an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and will continue to impact your life.

You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. You should be aware that if you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially be obtained from the NHS. Private clinicians is likely to be able assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care so that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.



If you're located in England, you have a legal right to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment online with an expert. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and could be a more cost-effective option too.

3. Have your GP to refer you

Speak with your GP If you think you or your child might have ADHD. They won't be able to identify you as having ADHD however they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting you and your family. They must then refer you an expert to be assessed and treated. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there's information on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed things up.

Once you have been identified and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to obtain medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.

During this visit the psychiatrist will take a look at your symptoms and determine 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 some cases they may need to rule out conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a final decision. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol addiction out.

If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix of medications and CBT is 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 the legal right to choose which provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you are unsure about which one to go with or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to use it.

4. Schedule an appointment with an expert

There are a variety of specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for the referral, or contact them directly yourself. You can schedule a diagnostic assessment via video or phone call with most private providers. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, along with specific details about any medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.

Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they've 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 send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one on your own by making an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will get the diagnosis more quickly. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.

A good psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can gather more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.

The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they can cause more problems as you age and encounter more problems. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a child.

It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed if you're a member of an ethnic minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing the signs.