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Why You Should Focus On Improving How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.

You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to employment. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.

1. Talk to your GP

People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD will often consult their GP first. They can take your concerns seriously and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free, or you might have to pay a fee. More information is available on the NHS website.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and a diagnosis can help you to understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulty staying focused or acting on impulses.

A specialist will assess whether you or your child has ADHD based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's issues could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).

If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get an alternative one. It can be a challenge, but it's worth asking for referral. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you speak to your GP.

Once you have been referred to an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for details about your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 check whether you or your child have suffered from these issues in the past so they can compare. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.

2. Book an assessment with a specialist

There are several NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD evaluations. You will need to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is best to do them before your appointment.

Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may request your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also want to assess you for other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

If you are an adult, your physician will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now know otherwise. 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. It is important to note that in the event that you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication on the NHS. The private doctor will be able to assist you in this and will provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care arrangement so that you only pay the NHS prescription fee.

If you're located in England, you have the legal right to select your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book a private appointment online with a specialist in your region. This could be a quicker and less expensive alternative to going through your GP.

3. Request your GP for an appointment

Speak with your GP if you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. While they may not be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way but they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and yourself. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there's guidance on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed this up.

Once you have been diagnosed, you will be given an appointment to see a psychiatrist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.

During this appointment, the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and assess whether they are in line with 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 it is necessary to exclude other conditions prior to making their decision, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol use out.

If they decide that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication through the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most effective, but everyone is different.

It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of 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 the "Right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you are unsure about which provider to choose, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can make use of alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to use it.

4. Book an assessment with a specialist

In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with most private providers. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with information about any relevant medical background. They will be looking to find out whether any family members have ADHD.

Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've changed with time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.

If you don't have a physician who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It's more expensive, however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If needed, your psychiatrist can refer you to NHS for further treatment.

A competent psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If adhd diagnosis adult are in doubt, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They may also look into other health conditions which can hinder your ability to concentrate, such as depression and addiction disorders.


The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed as adults not as children. This is because the majority of symptoms appear as adults and can cause more issues as you age and encounter more problems. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the proper support when you were a child.

It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed in the event that you're an ethnic minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.

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