Adult ADHD Diagnosis Pathway
The Pathway to an Adult ADHD Diagnosis includes a symptom check, a conversation with your GP and a choice between providers. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition identified by observing patterns of behaviour.
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Step 1: Learn About ADHD and Screen Your Symptoms
The first step is to learn about adult ADHD and reflect on whether it may be affecting you.This step isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide whether it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional.
- Take an adult ADHD symptoms questionnaire
- Read reliable information about ADHD and how it shows up in adulthood
Step 2: Speak to Your GP
Book an appointment with your GP and have an open and honest conversation about your difficulties. This should include:
- Why you think ADHD may be relevant
- Any mental health challenges you’re experiencing
- How symptoms affect your daily life
This should not be framed as a simple “Do I have ADHD or not?” discussion. The aim is to explore your overall mental health and determine what support you need.
If appropriate, your GP may refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. Ask about expected waiting times, as this may affect which route you choose next.
Step 3: Choose Your Assessment Route
Once referral options are discussed, there are three main pathways:
If Your GP Refuses to Refer
If your GP declines to make a referral, you still have options:
- Request a second GP opinion, either formally through your practice or by booking with a different GP (make sure to mention your previous discussion)
- Change GP practices if access is limited (including NHS online GP services)
- Seek advice from ADHD support organisations
- Consider a private assessment if you are able to self-fund
- If choosing private care, ensure the clinician is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC)
If Your GP Says There’s No ADHD Service in Your Area
- England, Wales, and Northern Ireland:
ADHD services are covered by NICE guidelines. If no local service exists, your NHS trust has a duty to fund care elsewhere via an Individual Funding Request (IFR). - Scotland:
ADHD care follows SIGN guidelines, which differ from NICE.
Option 1: NHS ADHD Assessment
An NHS specialist assessment typically includes:
- A full mental health review
- ADHD screening and diagnostic assessment
- Consideration of other conditions
Assessments usually last 45–90 minutes and may involve questionnaires and structured interviews. They are carried out by psychiatrists, specialist nurses, or other qualified professionals.
If diagnosed, next steps may include discussing treatment options and shared care with your GP.
Option 2: Right to Choose (England Only)
In England, you have a legal right to choose your mental health provider under the NHS. This can allow you to:
- Access alternative providers
- Potentially reduce waiting times
If your GP is unfamiliar with or resistant to Right to Choose, support letters and guidance are available to help you advocate for this option
Option 3: Private ADHD Assessment
Due to long NHS waiting lists, some adults choose private diagnosis and treatment, despite the financial cost.
While this can be a faster route, it’s important to:
- Use qualified, GMC-registered clinicians
- Understand ongoing treatment and medication costs
Many advocacy organisations continue to push for improved NHS ADHD services so private care isn’t the only viable option.
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Step 4: Ongoing Care and Treatment
After assessment, you and your clinician will agree on a care plan. This may involve:
- Continued care with a specialist service
- Shared care between a specialist and your GP
- GP-led care once treatment is stabilised
Shared care is one of the most common arrangements, particularly for medication management.
Step 5: Moving Forward After Diagnosis
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can bring mixed emotions. Many people feel relief at finally understanding their challenges, alongside sadness or frustration about missed support in the past.
It’s important to remember:
- A diagnosis doesn’t change who you are
- It gives you clarity, language, and access to support
Learning about ADHD, noticing how it shows up in your own life, and connecting with support groups or communities can help you move forward with confidence.
Do I Have ADHD?
Start Your Journey Today
ADHD affects more people than you think. And now the stigma attached to ADHD is changing. More people are becoming open about living with ADHD, and there is a new influx of people coming forward for an ADHD assessment later in life. This is especially the case for females, as females are thought to be better at masking their symptoms.
It’s estimated that 1 in 20 people in the UK have ADHD, and due to the rise in people requesting an ADHD assessment, the NHS is becoming slower with ADHD diagnosis.
Getting treatment for ADHD quickly is important to help with any adverse effects of this mental health disorder on studies or work, which is why we are proud to offer quick and thorough ADHD assessments online with our ADHD doctors.
Getting treatment for ADHD quickly is important to help with any adverse effects of this mental health disorder on studies or work, which is why we are proud to offer quick and thorough ADHD assessments online with our ADHD doctors.
We offer appointments for ADHD titration too (treatment dosage) and autism appointments.
If you are wondering if you have ADHD, please use our free symptom checker. Research the ‘ ASRS symptoms checker’ and insert statics about the sensitivity and specificity of the symptom checker test.
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