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10 Mistaken Answers To Common ADHD Diagnosis Questions Do You Know The Right Ones?
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental illnesses often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.

You can get an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is available.

When assessing for ADHD, healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time or having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up with school or work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.

In recent months there has been an increase in celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is essential to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer honestly about your health issues.

What happens during the test?

Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"

You may need to fill out different forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is important to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.

The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medications.

Keep in mind that nurses and doctors are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the evaluation. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas including your work, your relationships, and then over time.

You may have tests taken in the course of your examination like a blood test to check for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these, too.

You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a variety of things in your favor. Some groups may be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.

If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.


You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the requirements, they will inform you the reason.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on your local area. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long time periods of titration.

It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be supportive and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.

How do I get treatment?

Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).

Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. Most people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful, such as education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. adhd adults diagnosis -term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.

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