How To Get ADHD Diagnosis
Get an ADHD assessment by first speaking to your GP for a referral through the NHS or by booking a private assessment with a qualified psychiatrist, psychologist, or paediatrician. NHS routes may have long wait times, while private assessments offer quicker access but cost between £800 and £1,200.
The Full Answer:
If you’ve been wondering whether you or someone you care about might have ADHD, you’re not alone in seeking answers. For many people, especially adults, the path to understanding begins with years of confusion, self-doubt, or feeling like things are harder than they should be. Getting clarity through an ADHD assessment can be a huge relief – but the process can feel daunting at first.
In the UK, you can’t simply request a diagnosis on demand. What you’re seeking is an assessment, which will determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. That assessment needs to be carried out by a qualified professional, and the outcome depends on your individual history, experiences, and symptoms – not just a questionnaire or a gut feeling. For more detailed and specific information on how ADHD can present in women, take a look at our article ADHD Symptoms Women.
This guide will walk you through what to expect, from recognising the signs of ADHD to choosing between the NHS and private assessment routes. At Oxford CBT, we offer private ADHD assessments for those in London, Oxford and surrounding areas. We’ll also explain what kind of evidence helps, how the process differs for adults and children, and why many people find diagnosis later in life to be not only valid but genuinely life-changing.
Whether you’re exploring this for yourself or your child, this article will help you take the next steps with clarity, confidence, and support.
First Things First: You’re Seeking an Assessment, Not a Diagnosis
One of the most important things to understand early on is that you can’t simply get an ADHD diagnosis on request. Despite what some people claim, it isn’t easy to receive a diagnosis as it isn’t based on a checklist or a single conversation, it’s the outcome of a detailed clinical assessment carried out by a qualified professional. That assessment will explore your personal or developmental history, your current challenges, and how these symptoms affect your daily life.
To meet the criteria for ADHD, the clinician(s) must be satisfied that the symptoms are present consistently, have been evident from childhood (even if not previously recognised), and cause significant impairment in more than one area of life – for example, at work, school, home, or in relationships.
Who Can Carry Out an ADHD Assessment?
In the UK, an ADHD assessment must be conducted by a suitably qualified healthcare professional with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. This may include:
- A psychiatrist (typically for adult assessments)
- A paediatrician (for children and young people)
- A clinical psychologist with relevant training in ADHD diagnosis
These professionals will follow recognised diagnostic frameworks – such as the DSM-5 or ICD-11 – and will use a combination of interviews, behavioural observations, and standardised tools to inform their conclusions.
Why It’s Worth Pursuing an Assessment
Seeking an ADHD assessment is about gaining clarity, understanding how your brain works, and accessing appropriate support.
For some, diagnosis provides a long-overdue explanation for years of struggles with attention, memory, organisation, or emotional regulation. For others, it opens up access to adjustments at work or school, structured psychological support, or medication where appropriate.
Whether the outcome confirms a diagnosis or not, the process itself can bring insight and direction and may help identify other underlying factors contributing to current difficulties. An assessment is not a quick fix, but it’s an important and often empowering starting point.
ADHD Symptoms and What Clinicians Look For
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person concentrates, manages energy levels, and controls impulses. During an assessment, clinicians look for patterns of behaviour that fall into three core areas: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity [1]. A diagnosis may be made if there are persistent symptoms in one or more of these areas that impact daily life across different settings [2].
The Three Core Areas: Inattention, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity
- Inattention involves difficulty with focus, organisation, listening, and completing tasks.
- Hyperactivity includes restlessness, excessive movement or talking, and a sense of being “always on the go.”
- Impulsivity covers behaviours such as interrupting others, acting without thinking, and struggling to delay gratification.
Some individuals experience symptoms across all three areas, while others may show traits in just one or two.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
Clinicians use established symptom lists as part of the diagnostic process. These include signs such as:
- Often losing items needed for tasks (keys, phones, homework)
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming in seats
- Talking excessively or blurting out answers
- Struggling to wait their turn in conversations or queues
The key is not just whether these behaviours happen occasionally, but how frequently they occur and how much they interfere with everyday life [2].
How Symptoms May Differ in Adults vs Children – and in Women
In children, ADHD may look like bouncing off the walls, being disruptive in class, or forgetting instructions. In adults, the signs can be more subtle such as chronic disorganisation, poor time management, or emotional dysregulation.
Many women and girls are underdiagnosed because their symptoms are more internalised. They may appear “daydreamy” rather than hyperactive, mask their struggles to fit in, or be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression [3].
Clinicians take these developmental and gender differences into account during assessment.
Everyday Examples of How ADHD Can Show Up
ADHD often affects the “small” daily tasks that others manage without much thought. Examples include:
- Forgetting why you walked into a room
- Struggling to follow through on plans, even when motivated
- Feeling emotionally overwhelmed by minor stressors
- Jumping between tasks without finishing any
- Constantly fidgeting, tapping, or needing to move
- Losing track of time or underestimating how long things take
These behaviours can be misinterpreted as laziness, carelessness, or disinterest – which is why a professional assessment is so important in understanding the why behind them.
How to Get an ADHD Assessment Through the NHS
In the UK, the first step toward an ADHD assessment through the NHS is to speak with your GP. They are responsible for making a referral to the appropriate service, such as a paediatric team (for children) or an adult mental health or neurodevelopmental service.
The First Step: Speaking to Your GP
Booking an appointment with your GP is the starting point. If possible, plan ahead for this conversation. You don’t need to have all the answers, but it helps to explain why you believe an assessment is appropriate.
For adults, especially those seeking assessment later in life, it’s common to feel unsure about how to explain your concerns, especially if you’ve done well academically or professionally. But ADHD doesn’t only affect people in crisis. It can create significant internal pressure, exhaustion, and inconsistent functioning over time, even in those who are outwardly coping.
What to Say to Your GP
When preparing for your appointment, focus on how symptoms affect your day-to-day life. Be ready to give examples of struggles with attention, organisation, impulsivity, or emotional regulation – at work, in relationships, or in managing everyday tasks. If symptoms have been present since childhood, mention this too.
You might say something like:
“I’ve been finding it difficult to concentrate, stay organised, and manage time. These difficulties have been ongoing since I was young and are affecting my work and relationships. I’ve been reading about ADHD and I’d like to be referred for an assessment.”
If you have completed any screening questionnaires (like the ASRS for adults), you can bring these along as supportive evidence.
What Happens Next?
If your GP agrees that an assessment is appropriate, they will refer you to a local NHS service. This could be a Community Paediatrics team for children or a Specialist Adult ADHD Service depending on your location and age. Some areas have long waiting lists – often years [1] – so it’s important to ask your GP what the current wait times are in your area.
NHS Right to Choose (England only)
If you live in England and are facing a long wait, you may have the right to choose another NHS-approved provider through the NHS Right to Choose scheme. This allows your GP to refer you to a commissioned private provider (such as Psychiatry UK) with no cost to you, provided it’s part of the NHS system.
Not all GPs are familiar with this route, so it’s worth researching and bringing information to your appointment if you wish to explore this option.
While the NHS route can be slow, it remains a free and legitimate way to access a full diagnostic assessment, followed by NHS-based support and treatment where needed.
Private ADHD Assessment
Private ADHD assessments are often chosen due to long NHS waiting times. While the cost can be a barrier, the benefits include shorter wait times, more flexibility, and faster access to treatment or support.
Who Can Assess Privately
Qualified assessors include psychiatrists, paediatricians, and clinical psychologists. Always check that they’re registered with the GMC or HCPC, and that their reports are recognised by GPs or schools if you may need shared care or educational support.
What the Assessment Involves
A typical private assessment includes:
- Pre-assessment questionnaires
- A structured interview exploring symptoms and developmental history
- Review of supporting evidence
- A written report with diagnosis and recommendations
Assessments usually last between 1.5 and 3 hours, either in-person or online.
Cost and Considerations
Costs typically range from £800 to £1,200. This may or may not include follow-up sessions or medication reviews. Be sure to check exactly what’s included before booking.
Why Choose Private
The private route appeals to many people for one key reason: speed. While NHS assessments are free, waiting times can be long often stretching months or even several years [1]. For someone already facing significant challenges, the idea of waiting that long can feel unmanageable.
This is especially true for people who are already struggling with serious impact in daily life. A child who is unable to focus in class, constantly getting into trouble, or falling behind academically may miss out on vital support without a formal diagnosis. A teenager approaching GCSEs or A-levels might be expected to sit exams without the reasonable adjustments they’re entitled to because the paperwork isn’t in place yet.
For adults, the effects can be just as disruptive. Many seek assessment after repeated problems at work – such as missing deadlines, difficulty with organisation, or managing emotional reactions in high-pressure environments. Without a diagnosis, they may not be offered the workplace adjustments they need to perform at their best, or worse, may face disciplinary action or job loss.
Others might be trying to access therapy for anxiety or low mood, but sense that ADHD may be a root cause that hasn’t been addressed. Without assessment, treatment may feel like it’s only tackling half the problem.
Choosing a private assessment offers faster access, with appointments often available in a matter of weeks. It also gives you choice over the clinician, which can be especially valuable if you want someone experienced in working with adults, women, or co-occurring conditions like autism or anxiety.
Private assessments are typically comprehensive and clearly written, often with detailed recommendations for school, university, or the workplace. And in many cases, once a diagnosis is made, support (whether that’s therapy, coaching, or medication) can begin without delay.
For many people, especially those who have spent years feeling overlooked or misunderstood, the private route isn’t just faster, it’s a chance to finally be heard, understood, and supported.
What Evidence Is Helpful for Your Assessment
Whether you’re pursuing an ADHD assessment for yourself or your child, supporting evidence can strengthen the process and help the clinician build a full picture of how symptoms show up in daily life.
For children, teacher input is especially valuable. Educators can comment on attention, behaviour, and classroom challenges, often using structured forms or behaviour rating scales.
For adults, helpful input might come from line managers, university tutors, or group leaders who’ve observed similar difficulties such as poor time management, distractibility, or impulsivity.
Additional useful evidence includes:
- School records or report cards, especially if they show consistent concerns over time
- Employment history that reflects difficulties with focus, task completion, or organisation
- Daily examples – such as forgetting appointments, missing deadlines, or losing items
- Screening tools or ADHD tests, which help frame the discussion, though they aren’t diagnostic by themselves
One of the most important elements is a developmental history. For adults, this often involves reflecting on childhood patterns or gathering information from family members who can recall early traits, even if they were missed or misunderstood at the time.
This combination of evidence helps the clinician understand not just what you’re experiencing now, but how long it’s been present, in which contexts, and with what impact.
Conclusion
Pursuing an ADHD assessment isn’t about chasing a label, it’s about understanding how your brain works, recognising long-standing challenges, and opening the door to meaningful support. Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or your child, the assessment process can bring clarity and direction, even before a formal diagnosis is made.
Many people first consider ADHD in adulthood, often after years of feeling overwhelmed, disorganised, or emotionally exhausted. This doesn’t mean the condition only appeared recently as ADHD begins in childhood, but awareness often comes later, especially if symptoms were masked or misunderstood.
Seeking help at any stage is valid. The decision to pursue an assessment can be a turning point, helping you make sense of past experiences, improve day-to-day life, and explore the right tools, strategies, and support systems going forward.
At Oxford CBT, we support individuals and families with private ADHD assessment, also offering tailored coaching and therapy for attention, emotional regulation, and executive function, including CBT for ADHD. Whether you’re navigating diagnosis or learning how to manage symptoms, our team is here to help.
References
- NHS UK. ‘ADHD in Children and Young People’ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-children-teenagers/
- Mayo Clinic. ‘Adult ADHD’ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878
- ADHD Centre. ‘Why is ADHD Underdiagnosed in Women?’ https://www.adhdcentre.co.uk/why-is-adhd-underdiagnosed-in-women/
Author – Tom Murfitt
With over a decade’s experience in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Tom has worked in both the NHS and private sector to help adults and children to overcome a range of difficulties and improve their mental wellbeing. In addition to being an experienced CBT therapist, Tom is also an accredited Mindfulness teacher, providing courses locally, in businesses and schools. You can read more about us here.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.
