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7 Simple Tips To Totally Rocking Your How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

Consult your doctor if you think that you might have ADHD. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.


You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication, you could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment.

1. Speak to your doctor

The GP is often the first point of contact for those who suspect that they or their child may have ADHD. adhd adults diagnosis uk can be attentive and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free of charge, or you may be required to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child may have trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.

A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider the length of time the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism, anxiety or behaviour issues).

If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking a different one. It can be difficult to get a referral but it's worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.

After you've been referred to an assessment the process should go quickly. Doctors will want to know the specific details of your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire and 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 want to check if your or your child has experienced these symptoms before, so they can compare information. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.

2. Make an appointment with an expert

There are several NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD tests. You'll need to request for a referral from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. These can take a while to complete so try and complete them before your appointment if you can.

Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your school or job records, or talk with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue it's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also want to look into other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.

If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you have been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.

No matter if you're an adult or a child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, if you're diagnosed by a private doctor, you will initially receive your medication on the NHS. Private clinicians can assist you with this and provide your GP documents to sign a shared-care agreement, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.

If you're located in England you have the legal right to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP, and can be an economical alternative too.

3. Request your GP for a referral

If you think you or your child might have ADHD, the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. They will not be able to identify you as having ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there is advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page about how to speed things up.

If you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to be able to access medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.

During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they satisfy the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases it is necessary to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making their decision, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.

If they determine that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that you will be able receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix of medications and CBT is most effective. However, everyone is different.

It is vital to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem excessive, you can choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to use it.

4. Schedule an appointment with an expert

In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for a referral to these or call them directly yourself. The majority of private providers will let you book a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide information regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily routine. They may also request information about your medical background. They will also want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.

Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for dealing with stress. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.

If you don't have a doctor who is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one on your own by making an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to receive a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.

A qualified psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have doubts, they will be able to look for more evidence to support it by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health issues that could affect your ability to concentrate, such as depression or an addiction disorder.

Most people with ADHD are diagnosed as adults not as children. This is because the majority of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and can cause more problems as you grow older and encounter more difficulties. This is especially the case if you did not receive the right support as an infant.

It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis in the event that you're the minority group or are an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing your symptoms.

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