Getting a formal ADHD diagnosis in the UK involves more than a quick chat with your GP. Here's what the actual process looks like, and the real difference between your NHS and private options.
In the UK, ADHD is diagnosed by a psychiatrist, usually via GP referral. A proper assessment typically includes:
Wait times for an adult ADHD assessment through the standard NHS route are typically 1-3 years, though this varies a lot by region and NHS trust.
Private assessments typically cost £800-£2,000 and can usually be completed within weeks. The diagnosis must come from a GMC-registered psychiatrist to be formally recognised.
In England, you can ask your GP to refer you to a private provider funded by the NHS under the Right to Choose scheme. Wait times through this route are often significantly shorter than the standard NHS pathway - typically weeks to months. Providers like Psychiatry UK are commonly used this way.
A self-screening quiz isn't a diagnosis, but it's a genuinely useful starting point for a GP conversation - especially paired with specific, concrete examples of how symptoms actually affect your daily life. GPs tend to take specific examples more seriously than a general "I think I might have ADHD."
Some GPs try to talk people out of a referral, particularly if you seem to be "coping fine" on the surface. You're entitled to ask to see a different GP, bring a support person to the appointment, or escalate through a formal complaint if needed. Adult ADHD assessment is your right under NHS guidelines.
Take our free 18-question screening quiz first - it only takes about 5 minutes and gives you a concrete starting point for that GP conversation.
Take the Free ADHD QuizThis article is for informational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD. If you're concerned about ADHD, please consult a GP or clinician.