ADHD Diagnosis UK: What Adults Need to Know
Many adults struggle with focus, restlessness, or impulsivity and wonder if ADHD might be the cause. If you’ve faced these challenges without a clear reason, learning how to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK can provide answers.
About 3 to 4% of adults in the UK have ADHD, but many don’t know it or are told they have something else.[1] More doctors are learning how to spot ADHD in adults, and programs like Right to Choose can help people get tested faster.
Whether you choose an NHS assessment or go private, this guide explains what to expect and how to navigate each route. Getting diagnosed may seem complex, but it’s an important step toward managing symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Understanding ADHD in Adults
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can look very different from those in children. Hyperactivity is easier to see in kids, but adults with ADHD often show it in quieter ways, like trouble focusing, feeling restless, or acting on impulse.[2]
Many adults with ADHD struggle to stay organised, plan, or manage time effectively. Emotional challenges like irritability, mood swings, and frustration can also be common.[2]
These symptoms can make daily life harder, affecting work, relationships, and keeping up with household tasks. Since they can look like stress or anxiety, ADHD in adults is often missed or diagnosed as something else.
Why Many Adults Go Undiagnosed
Adult ADHD can often be overlooked or misunderstood, leading many people to live with symptoms for years without a diagnosis. Several factors contribute to this:
- Development of coping mechanisms: Many adults with ADHD, especially women, learn ways to hide their symptoms.[2] This can include working too much, being very organised, or getting ready far ahead of time for events.
- Co-occurring mental health conditions: ADHD often occurs with other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. These overlapping conditions make ADHD harder to recognise.[2]
- Less obvious symptoms: Adults tend to experience more symptoms of inattentiveness, rather than hyperactivity. These symptoms can be less obvious and easily mistaken for general stress or forgetfulness.
Because of these reasons, adult ADHD is frequently missed or misunderstood. However, your experiences and difficulties are valid and deserve proper recognition and support.
Why Getting a Diagnosis Matters
Getting tested for ADHD as an adult can feel scary, but it’s an important way to understand yourself and your challenges.
A clear diagnosis can explain why some daily tasks feel so hard and can help reduce self-blame and frustration.
Diagnosis as a Gateway to Support
An official ADHD diagnosis opens doors to the right kind of help and support tailored to your needs. With a diagnosis, you can:
- Access ADHD therapy, coaching, and, where appropriate, medication to help you manage your symptoms.
- Request accommodations at work or school, which can help you perform at your best and access the same opportunities as your peers.
- Start building personalised strategies to tackle your daily responsibilities and tasks.
Without a formal diagnosis, accessing these types of support can be difficult or impossible. But once you have a diagnosis, you gain a foundation to build on for long-term success and wellbeing.
What to Expect From an ADHD Assessment
If you’re considering an adult ADHD assessment in the UK, knowing what to expect can help ease any worries and prepare you for the process.
Clinical Interviews and Questionnaires
An adult ADHD assessment in the UK involves an in-depth conversation with your healthcare professional. This is done over one or two sessions.
They’ll ask about your current symptoms, the challenges you face, and any experiences or struggles you had as a child.[3] It can help to write down your symptoms and take the list to your appointment.
You may also be asked to complete a questionnaire, such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist (ASRS). This helps to gather additional and helpful information about your symptoms and daily challenges.
The Role of Childhood History
Adults with ADHD typically start developing their symptoms in childhood.[3] Thus, your clinician will look for evidence that your ADHD symptoms were present when you were a child.
This doesn’t mean that you need to have a childhood diagnosis to be diagnosed as an adult. But you might need to ask family, friends, or people who knew you as a child to help show when your symptoms started.
Use of Structured Tools Like DIVA‑5
Some clinicians in the UK use structured diagnostic interviews like the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA).
These structured interview guides help guide the conversation around your ADHD symptoms. They help clinicians ask questions that lead to a full assessment based on set diagnostic rules.
Getting Diagnosed Through the NHS
For many adults, the most common path to an adult ADHD diagnosis in the UK is through the National Health Service (NHS). While the process can take time, the NHS provides access to specialist assessments and ongoing care without direct cost.
Talking to Your GP
The first step in getting an ADHD diagnosis via the NHS is to book an appointment with your GP.
During this visit, your GP will ask about your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and any difficulties you face. This conversation helps your GP understand whether an adult ADHD assessment is appropriate for you.
If your GP agrees that an ADHD assessment is appropriate, they’ll refer you to a specialist. If your GP isn’t familiar with adult ADHD or doesn’t believe your symptoms indicate ADHD, you might want to seek a second opinion.
Challenges With NHS Wait Times
One of the biggest hurdles to getting assessed for ADHD is how long it can take.
In many parts of the UK, NHS waiting lists can vary and might stretch from a few months to a year or longer.[4] This delay can be frustrating, especially if your symptoms are impacting your quality of life.
Using Right to Choose to Speed Things Up
If you live in England, the Right to Choose scheme can help you get assessed faster.
Under this scheme, you have the legal right to pick your preferred mental healthcare provider for your ADHD assessment. The only conditions are that they are located in England and have a contract with the NHS.
Some providers in this scheme have shorter waits and may offer remote assessments, making it a good choice if you want to avoid long delays.
Considering a Private ADHD Assessment
If you can afford it, a private ADHD assessment might be one of the fastest ways to get diagnosed and treated for ADHD in the UK. Private clinics often have shorter waits than the NHS, sometimes seeing patients in weeks instead of months.
What a Private Assessment Looks Like
A private assessment typically involves interviews, questionnaires, and a detailed review of your symptoms by a qualified professional. This is usually a registered psychiatrist or an ADHD specialist nurse.[5]
If your healthcare provider diagnoses you with ADHD, there are options you can discuss with your provider for ongoing care. The more affordable path would be to opt for shared care with your GP, where your GP provides the prescriptions for your medication under the NHS.
Pros and Cons of Going Private
The main benefit of choosing a private assessment is speed and flexibility. You can select your preferred clinician and avoid long NHS wait times.
However, private assessments can be expensive, and not all GPs may agree to shared care for medication prescriptions. It’s a good idea to check with your GP before pursuing a private diagnosis if you anticipate needing medication.
Common Barriers to Getting Diagnosed
Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be hard, but knowing the common barriers can help you be ready and stay motivated.
GP Hesitation or Lack of Knowledge
Not all GPs have extensive experience with adult ADHD. Some may hesitate to refer you for an assessment or misunderstand your symptoms. If this happens, don’t be discouraged.
You can advocate for yourself by clearly explaining how ADHD affects your daily life, work, or relationships. Writing down specific examples can help.
If needed, consider seeking a second opinion from another GP who may be more familiar with adult ADHD.
Proving Childhood Symptoms
To make an accurate adult ADHD diagnosis, clinicians usually need evidence that symptoms started before age 12.
Your teacher’s comments on old school report cards offer the best evidence. But if you don’t have these, you should talk to your parents, relatives, or childhood friends, who can describe how you behaved as a child.
Managing Long Delays
Long waiting times for NHS assessments can be frustrating, especially when symptoms affect your daily life.
Remember, seeking an assessment is a positive and important first step. To reduce waiting times, consider using the Right to Choose scheme if you live in England.
Alternatively, if you have the means, a private assessment can offer faster access to diagnosis and care.
After Diagnosis: What Comes Next?
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can bring up a wave of mixed emotions.
You might feel worried or anxious about what this spells for your future. But you might also gain a sense of clarity and even relief, knowing that the challenges you face have a recognised medical reasoning behind them.
Here’s what you can expect after an ADHD diagnosis.
Shared Care and Ongoing Support
If medication is recommended, it will usually be prescribed by a specialist and can then be managed by your GP under a shared care agreement.
Along with medication, you might be offered therapy, ADHD coaching, or other support to help you build skills and strategies that work for you.
Accommodations and Lifestyle Changes
With a formal diagnosis, you may be eligible for workplace adjustments or other forms of support.
Under the Equality Act 2010, you have the legal right to request reasonable accommodations at your workplace.[6] Examples of these include:
- A quiet, low-distraction workspace
- Regular breaks during the workday
- Flexible working hours
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Additional training or supervision
Many adults also find that simple lifestyle changes help manage ADHD. Having a set routine, using planners or timers, and getting better sleep can all help with focus and wellbeing.
Trusted ADHD Resources in the UK
Knowing the symptoms, how ADHD is diagnosed, and the treatment options in the UK can help you feel more confident about your care choices.
Where to Learn More or Get Help
Here are some reliable resources to explore:
- ADHD Directory: Directory of ADHD coaches in the UK
- NHS UK: Guidance on adult ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
- ADHD 360: Online ADHD screening and clinical provider for ADHD diagnosis and treatment
- Psychiatry UK: NHS Right to Choose assessment provider
An ADHD Assessment Can Be Life-Changing No Matter Your Age
Getting assessed for ADHD takes courage and time. But it’s worth it, especially as an adult juggling many responsibilities. You deserve support, and it’s never too late to get it.
A good place to start is by booking an appointment with a GP you know and trust. They can point you in the right direction for a specialist referral.
If you want to learn more about ADHD, check out ADDA+. This online platform is packed with expert resources, courses, and webinars. It’s also a supportive space to connect and seek advice from other adults on a similar journey as you.
References
[1] NHS England. (2024, March 28). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Programme Update. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-programme-update/
[2] Williams, O. C., Prasad, S., McCrary, A., Jordan, E., Sachdeva, V., Deva, S., Kumar, H., Mehta, J., Neupane, P., & Gupta, A. (2023). Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a comprehensive review. Annals of medicine and surgery (2012), 85(5), 1802–1810. https://doi.org/10.1097/MS9.0000000000000631
[3] Musullulu H. (2025). Evaluating attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a review of current methods and issues. Frontiers in psychology, 16, 1466088. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1466088
[4] NHS. (2025). ADHD in adults. NHS.UK. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/
[5] NICE. (2019, September 13). Recommendations | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management | Guidance | National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87/chapter/Recommendations#diagnosis
[6] Equality Act 2010. (2010). Legislation.gov.uk; Gov.UK. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents
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