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Ask Me Anything: 10 Responses To Your Questions About ADHD Diagnosis
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal duty to prevent health inequality and discrimination.

Some private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?

ADHD is how to diagnose adhd , meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.

It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.

When evaluating for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, including at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities you engage in regularly.

A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day, having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.

In the last few months, there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.

What happens during the assessment process?

If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go for your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life.

The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.

Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the assessment. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and then over time.

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

You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.

What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?

You can be diagnosed with ADHD if you have several things in your favor. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also try to rule out other causes of your issues including anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long time periods of titration.

It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting, and it can help to talk through your experience with others who understand.

How can I get treatment?

GPs can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).


Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive.

It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.

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