ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. However, not all healthcare professionals are trained to diagnose ADHD.

Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper checks. We went undercover to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication might help. You will need to provide information about your symptoms and any issues they are causing. You will also be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it useful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They will be able to recall them later. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two main ways to get an adult ADHD assessment There are two main ways to get an assessment for ADHD: the NHS or private. The GP must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you for an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama programme raised concerns about the long-term effects of powerful drugs being handed out by doctors as well as a lack of proper care and consideration for the medical history of patients.
If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. There's a great resource on the Psychiatry UK website which offers tips for doing this and templates for letters that you can use to present your request.
Private psychiatric services provide the fastest and most qualified diagnosis, especially in London. Costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds, and are able to provide a tailored treatment plan, especially if you are highly skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also test for and offer help with any co-morbidities that are typically associated with ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and use the DSM V criteria to determine whether you qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to show six characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your current life, and how they have affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then will advise you on your options and next steps. You can decide to begin treatment, which may involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug and therefore controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed only by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that means the identification of a condition, disease or injury. A doctor will provide diagnosis and often follow it with an action plan. The diagnosis is an essential component of the curriculum of medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors in all areas of medicine. The term is often used in medical journals and in health-related articles.
There are several ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and request them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. A private psychiatrist can also make the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to provide a faster more efficient, professional, and more understanding process. They also have a better understanding of the other conditions that can cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
Once you have received a diagnosis and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This may include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments like relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide whether you'd like to pursue the option that best meets your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly important in the case of DSA as it assists those who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily routine.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat ADHD Be aware that these are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you're concerned about this, your doctor can refer you to an GP who may prescribe a different form of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and stressful process. There are a myriad of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-funded, making it easy for GPs and other health professionals, to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. It is a good idea to take a list of your symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as you can when explaining them.
How can I obtain an medical diagnosis?
If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD, the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting a diagnosis. It can be an emotional process, but it is crucial to recognize that the condition is not a sign of laziness or lack of intelligence; it is simply a neurological condition. It is essential to recognize that the proper treatment will aid you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A professional will diagnose you by combining a detailed medical history and a detailed review of your present symptoms, and analyzing the results of the questionnaires and scales that are designed to determine ADHD among adults. They then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the evaluator might decide to conduct cognitive tests or medical examinations to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be open about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, at school or at work. This is so that the assessor can determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder that contributes to your symptoms.
Once the assessment is complete the doctor will discuss your options regarding medication in the event that you are considering these. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medication, but they can do other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you choose to seek a prescription, your clinician will prepare paperwork for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you'll be receiving on the NHS and with whom.
Before private adhd assessment uk go for a private diagnosis It is a good idea to ask your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have expertise in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read reviews online regarding the services in your area and learn more about their methods. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to match within a matter of 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have a right to choose which mental health practitioner you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to make sure that your GP will accept either full care or a'shared care agreement' when your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also check waiting times on this website before deciding to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and when they began, if you GP refers to an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This is to help your provider understand the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website you can find out more about exercising Your Right to Choose. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't provide an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you are diagnosed through this route, you might still not be able access the medication that you require.
There are a number of alternatives to an ADHD diagnosis that include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide quick, cheap diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These practices could have serious consequences, such as if you are trying to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs and are therefore subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are convicted of committing an offence when you are taking these drugs, you may be punished with a substantial fine, or even a prison sentence.
In addition to the above If you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you'll be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Income Support and/or Attendance Allowance depending on the severity of your condition. You will need to supply a letter from your provider that proves this, along with an original copy of your medical records.