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Why No One Cares About How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

Consult your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They must be attentive and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.

You may also be eligible for Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. Due to the shortage of medications and delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.

1. Speak to your doctor

The GP is often the first port of call when people suspect they or their child might have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free, or you might be required to pay. You can find more information on the NHS website.

It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD, especially when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child's difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.

A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who knows you. They will also consider how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they affect your daily life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms might be better explained by another condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).

If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking another one. It can be difficult to request a referral however it's well worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.

The assessment process must be completed swiftly after you've been recommended. The doctor will ask you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a questionnaire and a medical exam. 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 verify if you or your child has had these symptoms before to be able to compare information. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.

2. Book an appointment with an expert

There are many NHS specialist centres that are able to perform ADHD assessments. You will have to request your GP to recommend one of these. You will probably need to fill out some questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.


Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask to see your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or day care providers about your experiences as a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behaviour problem - it is also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.

If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.

You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. Be aware that when you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially be provided by the NHS. Private clinicians can assist you in this and will provide your GP documentation to sign a shared-care agreement, which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.

In England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and healthcare provider. So, if you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book a private appointment online with an expert in your area. This is a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to going through your GP.

3. Ask diagnose adhd for a referral

If you think you or your child may have ADHD the first step to do is talk to your GP. They will not be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD however they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting you and your family. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there is advice on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed things up.

If you've been referred, you will be given an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.

During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria. 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 other conditions before making a choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol abuse out.

If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send a form to your GP for a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix of medications and CBT is most efficient. But, everyone is different.

If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose which provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose and applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure the best choice for you or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can choose one of the alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which has a very helpful guide to help you do this.

4. Make an appointment with an expert

There are a variety of specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for a referral to these or directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination via phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily routine. They may also want to know details of your medical history. They will be looking to find out if any of your family members have ADHD.

Your psychiatrist will guide you through the assessment process. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD.

You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not know a physician who will recommend you to one. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest way to receive a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they will refer you to NHS for further treatment.

A good psychiatrist will be able to determine pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to search for more evidence to support it by asking you questions or speaking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions which can affect your ability to focus, such as addiction and depression.

The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they can cause more issues as you age and confront more challenges. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the proper support as in your early years.

It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed in the event that you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing your symptoms.

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