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The Reason The Biggest "Myths" About How To Get An ADHD Assessment Could Actually Be True
How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK

It can be difficult to obtain an ADHD assessment through the NHS. The wait lists can be long and, in some cases, patients are diagnosed with a other illness that might explain their issues better for example, depression or anxiety.

Your GP should take your concerns seriously and consider the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. The doctor should then refer you to the NHS for an assessment.

1. Check with getting assessed for adhd

In England and Wales you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS and it could be possible to get medication if it is suitable for you. You'll have to go to your GP and explain why you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP should take this seriously, and they will request you to complete some questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Adults should create an inventory of the specific ADHD symptoms and characteristics they experience on a daily basis. Prepare to provide examples if you are asked.

Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you to determine whether or not you have ADHD and will employ a variety methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, as well as interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. They will review the information they get and write a report. They will then discuss with you what they recommend, which may be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, and if appropriate it is recommended that you begin treatment with medications.

You might find that some doctors aren't willing to make an appointment for an assessment or not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this instance, 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 are entitled under the law to decide where your GP recommends you to receive an ADHD assessment, so long it is provided through the NHS and it doesn't cost more than going through the NHS directly. If you're unable to agree with your local CCG you can contact ICAS for help when submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales The NHS has different guidelines and rules. You might be able to try contacting services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry UK has some advice on this subject here.

2. Request a reference

There are two ways to receive an ADHD evaluation, depending on where you live. You can first take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could 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 option. This is a legal option that allows you to request a referral to a private provider if you think the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.

If you do this then your GP must accept this, and must also sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've selected. However, most doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they're not 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 you and your child (if over the age of 11) prior to completing an initial assessment. The doctor will inform you whether they believe your symptoms are due to ADHD or not.

If it is found that ADHD may be the cause of your problem You will typically be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then set up an appointment for a follow-up to discuss the findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss the options for medication. If it is determined that medication is needed and you are unable to get it, your GP will be informed and be asked to prescribe the medication to you. The doctor will also discuss other suggestions for support at school or work. The cost of any fees will be discussed prior to starting. Most private providers will also provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either via email or brief phone calls.

3. Take advantage of an assessment

It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, and it is often misdiagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD is with an assessment done by a specialist psychiatrist who specialises in the disorder.

It could take for a while before you can receive an assessment from the NHS. Consult your GP to discuss the time it takes to wait. Right to Choose is a new NHS initiative which gives you the option of choosing the organisation to whom you're being referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list, and makes the process much faster.

When you visit for your ADHD assessment The psychiatrist will take an in-depth account of your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a structured clinical evaluation using regularized questions. Before your appointment, it can be beneficial to write down some examples and become familiar with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget their experiences when discussing them.

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

If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children have ADHD, he will recommend a treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. This is a follow-up appointment and may involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging, which will determine the severity of the disorder.

Some people choose to take a private ADHD assessment. This is becoming more popular as waiting lists through the NHS continue to increase. Depending on where you live in the UK there are many organisations that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can find a listing here or talk to your GP to determine which option is the best one for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS however, it's important to know that health insurance does not cover the cost.

4. Get a diagnosis

ADHD can cause major issues in a variety of areas, for example work or relationships, so an accurate diagnosis can help with these issues. Unfortunately, due to the rise in people needing ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their test. This allows them bypass NHS waiting lists to start treatment earlier.

Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to get a treatment plan together. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is crucial to consider this prior to when you make your assessment because it will help you determine what the best course of action for you will be.

Depending on where you live in the UK You may be able to access an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If this is the case you will be referred to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis on the basis of the NICE 87 guidelines.

You can self-refer even if you don't have GP referral. A private mental health provider will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is typically quicker than the NHS route, but you must ensure that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private physician.

Your specialist will ask questions about your past and present behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about how these characteristics affect your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and write down examples of the ways you have experienced these traits in your life prior to making an appointment.


If you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be a life-changing experience. It opens the door to a myriad of treatment options and can give you a sense of self-understanding and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults discover particularly beneficial. It can also lead to improved relationships and a more fulfilling life.

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