How to get an ADHD assessment in the UK

Step 1: talk to your GP

If ADHD symptoms are affecting your studies, work or relationships, the NHS suggests booking a GP appointment to find out what support is available.^[1] The GP will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life, and may consider other conditions that could explain them, such as autism, Tourette’s or anxiety. They may then refer you for an assessment with a mental health professional who specialises in ADHD.^[1]

If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child and need help with symptoms now, the NHS says to talk to your GP about a referral.^[1] NICE also recommends that adults who were treated for ADHD as children and who present with symptoms suggestive of continuing ADHD should be referred to general adult psychiatric services for assessment.^[2]

How to prepare for the appointment

GP appointments are short, and it is easy to freeze or forget things. A little preparation goes a long way:

• Examples, not labels. Write down three to five recent, specific examples of how attention, organisation, restlessness or impulsivity affect you — and the impact (missed deadlines, debts, conflict, accidents).
• Childhood evidence. Specialists will ask whether symptoms started when you were a child.^[1] School reports, or a short note from a parent or sibling, can help.
• More than one setting. NICE says symptoms should occur in two or more important settings, such as home, work and social life.^[2] Include examples from different parts of your life.
• Your health picture. List other conditions, sleep, mood, alcohol or drug use, and any medicines.
• Be direct. It is fine to ask, “Could you refer me for an ADHD assessment?”

Step 2: the NHS referral

If your GP agrees, they will refer you to an appropriate service. The Royal College of Psychiatrists says this is often a Community Mental Health Service or a specialised neurodevelopmental service.^[3] NICE states that ADHD should only be diagnosed by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD.^[2]

The NHS is clear that waiting times vary, and that you may have to wait several months or years to access specialist services.^[1] How long you wait can depend on where you live.^[3]

Right to Choose (England only)

In England, if a GP needs to refer you for a physical or mental health condition, in most cases you have a legal right to choose the service you would like to go to — including some private providers, if they provide services to the NHS and it does not cost the NHS more.^[4] This is set out in the NHS Choice Framework.^[5]

For ADHD, the NHS says you may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting lists through your GP using Right to Choose, and that you can ask for an NHS appointment at any clinic, including a private clinic, if it provides ADHD services for the NHS in England.^[1] ADHD UK has a detailed guide to the process.^[6]

Private assessments

Some people choose to pay for a private assessment. The Royal College of Psychiatrists advises that specialist NHS adult ADHD services will check that a private report includes all the necessary detail before accepting you, because prescribers need complete information to prescribe safely. Before booking, make sure the assessment will be accepted by your local NHS service.^[3]

Questions worth asking a private provider:

• Who will assess me, and what are their qualifications and experience in adult ADHD?
• Does the assessment follow NICE guideline NG87?
• What will the written report include?
• If medication is recommended, will my GP be asked to enter a shared care agreement — and what happens if they decline?

What happens at the assessment

The NHS says your appointment will be with an ADHD specialist, such as a psychiatrist. They will ask about the history of your symptoms — particularly whether they started in childhood and how they affected you at school — and about different areas of your life, including work and education, family and friends, and your medical and mental health history. The specialist may want to contact someone who knows you well, such as a family member or close friend.^[1]

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, a thorough assessment report should include, at least:^[3]

• the role, qualifications and experience of the assessor
• a discussion of your symptoms and whether they meet diagnostic criteria, usually supported by structured tools and questionnaires
• a full review of your mental health
• information about your childhood, development, schooling and day-to-day functioning
• a review of any physical health problems
• information from others who know you, especially about you as a child, if available

After the assessment

If you are diagnosed, the specialist will talk to you about what this means and what support may be available.^[1] Many people feel a mix of emotions — relief at an explanation, and sometimes frustration that it was not recognised sooner.^[3] Both are normal.

The NHS explains that ADHD can be managed in many ways, including lifestyle changes, changes at work and medicines, and that not everyone needs or wants medication. ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by a specialist; a GP may take over prescribing under a shared care agreement.^[1] NICE guidance describes environmental changes, psychological support and medication options for adults.^[2]

While you wait

Waiting can be hard. Learning about ADHD, trying practical strategies (see ADHD coping strategies) and connecting with others — for example through ADHD UK’s support groups — can help.^[8] At work, you can ask about reasonable adjustments: Acas says a worker does not need a diagnosis to be considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010, and that employers should offer support whether or not someone has a diagnosis.^[9]

The NHS notes that people with ADHD may be more likely to experience anxiety and depression, and are at higher risk of suicide.^[1] If your mental health gets worse while you wait, contact your GP or NHS 111. If you are in crisis, call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123.^[10]

Common questions