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The No. 1 Question Anyone Working In ADHD Diagnosis Should Be Able To Answer
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.

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

How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they feel stuck in their current situation and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking the diagnosis.

You can get an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.

In assessing you for ADHD healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, including at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you take part in on a regular basis.

A specialist will review all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will make use of criteria, like being constantly active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at school or work or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.

In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.

What happens during the test?

The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"

You may need to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your assessment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. 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 psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which could include medication.

It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.

You might have some tests taken as part of the assessment, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical conditions.

If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.

What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?

You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of things in your favor. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color or were born female or if they have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.


If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. You could also find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This can be a very thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).

You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy time periods of titration.

Joining a support group either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and reassuring. It can also help to share your experiences with others who can relate to.

How do I get treatment?

Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from one person to another. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial, such as education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, although the evidence on these is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they need on the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation cannot be endured and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and society. It is time to invest in this area.

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