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4 Dirty Little Secrets About ADHD Diagnosis And The ADHD Diagnosis Industry
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and are desperate for help. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.

It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, adhd diagnoses IamPsychiatry may be required to wait until a specialist is available.

When assessing for ADHD healthcare specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, including at home, school or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in often.

A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will apply criteria, for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years.

In recent months there has been a rise in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences 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. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer questions honestly about your symptoms.

What happens during the process of assessment?

The procedure of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"

You may need to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your assessment. It is crucial to complete these forms in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.

The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options, which may include medication.

It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and over time.

You may have tests performed as part of your assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical issues.

If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.

What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?

You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a variety of factors that favor you. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your symptoms like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a long process, and adults may not have all the information they require.

You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you why.

If you have 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 might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the area you live in. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long intervals of titration.

Joining a support group whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very positive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with people who understand.

How do I receive treatment?

Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.

Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dosage of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200, although often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies between individuals. The most commonly used treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.


It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.