Getting an ADHD Diagnosis as an Adult in the UK: Your Simple Guide
What is Adult ADHD?
ADHD isn’t just for kids—it affects many adults across the UK, often for years without anyone realizing why things like focus, organization, or impulsiveness are constant struggles. Adults with ADHD may find everyday life harder, missing keys, feeling restless, or jumping between projects.
Do These Sound Familiar?
Inattentive signs:
Losing track of keys, wallet, or phone often.
Forgetting important dates or tasks.
Struggling to complete work or home projects.
Organizing time feels impossible.
Impulsive & hyperactive signs:
Feeling “on edge” or restless most of the day.
Interrupting friends or co-workers without realizing.
Making snap decisions that backfire later.
Finding it next to impossible to wait your turn.
Women often have more subtle, inattentive symptoms compared to men—so ADHD can go undiagnosed for even longer and may look like anxiety or depression instead.
Getting Diagnosed: The Pathways
NHS Route
Speak to Your GP
If these symptoms are making life harder, your GP is the first step. Explain your challenges at work, home, or in relationships, and ask about an ADHD assessment referral.Specialist ADHD Assessment
If referred, an NHS psychiatrist will review your symptom history (including childhood), talk to someone who knows you well if you’re happy to share, and rule out other conditions.
What’s the wait like?
NHS waiting times can be as short as 12 weeks or as long as 4+ years, depending on where you live. On average, it's several months to a year—over 196,000 adults are waiting, and clearing the backlog could take 8 years if things don’t change.
Pro tip:
NHS Right to Choose lets you pick another NHS clinic or provider, sometimes slashing your waiting time. Some private clinics accept NHS-funded referrals.
Fast Track: Going Private
Why go private?
Most people get an assessment in 6–8 weeks—not months or years.
Appointments are flexible, including weekends and online.
Quicker access to diagnosis and treatment.
Average private costs
Adult assessment: Around £1,200.
Follow-up visits: Roughly £173 each.
In-person costs are about 9% higher than online options.
Simple process:
Book and pay—forms sent in 3-5 days.
Fill out your paperwork, send it back—booking is usually within 1-2 weeks.
Most complete the process within 6-8 weeks after payment.
How Do Specialists Diagnose ADHD?
Your assessment will likely include:
A chat about your life and symptoms (clinical interview).
Standard questionnaires, like the ASRS or Conners’ scales.
Collateral info: Partners, friends, or family input if you’re comfortable.
A look at your medical history.
Common tools:
DSM-5 criteria
ASRS screening questionnaire
DIVA structured interview
Conners’ rating scales
What Happens After Diagnosis?
Medication
ADHD medications must be prescribed and monitored by specialists.
You’ll usually start titration (testing doses) 10–14 weeks after diagnosis.
Other options include:
ADHD coaching for practical support.
CBT to tackle negative thinking.
Exercise, sleep, and nutrition tweaks.
Tips for managing at work and home with apps or routines.
Ready to Get Started?
NHS route:
Book a GP appointment—mention ADHD and ask for a referral.
Request NHS Right to Choose for a potentially faster assessment.
Private route:
Book directly with our expert ADHD clinic—appointments within weeks.
Complete your paperwork and get assessed online or face-to-face.
Receive a diagnosis and personalized plan fast.
Still unsure?
Try our quick online screener—it only takes a few minutes and can help you decide if a full assessment makes sense.
