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ADHD is diagnosed through a clinical assessment covering developmental history, symptom profile and functional impact. There is no blood test for ADHD. This guide explains the full diagnostic process for children and adults in the UK.
ADHD is diagnosed through a clinical assessment that evaluates the person’s developmental history, the current pattern of ADHD symptoms and the functional impact of those symptoms across multiple settings. There is no blood test, brain scan or genetic test that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The assessment is based on gathering information from multiple sources, observing the person’s behaviour and functioning and applying diagnostic criteria. A formal ADHD diagnosis in the UK requires that the symptoms are consistent with DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria and that they cannot be better explained by another condition.
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In the UK, ADHD can be diagnosed by consultant psychiatrists, paediatric neurologists, clinical psychologists and specialist ADHD assessment teams. A GP cannot diagnose ADHD but can make a referral to an appropriate specialist service. For children, referral is typically to community paediatric services or CAMHS. For adults, referral is typically to specialist adult ADHD assessment services or adult psychiatry.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically covers developmental history from childhood, the current pattern of ADHD symptoms across multiple domains, the onset and duration of symptoms, the settings in which symptoms are present, the functional impact of symptoms on education, work, relationships and daily life, mental health, any co-occurring conditions and the person’s cognitive profile. For children, information from parents and teachers is an essential part of the assessment.
Validated tools used in ADHD assessment include behavioural rating scales completed by parents and teachers for children, such as the Conners Rating Scale, and self-report rating scales for adults, such as the ASRS. Cognitive assessments measuring attention, working memory and processing speed may be included in some assessments. These tools support but do not replace clinical judgement: the diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician based on the full picture.
DSM-5 requires at least 6 symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for children under 17, or at least 5 symptoms for adults aged 17 and over, with symptoms present across multiple settings, causing functional impairment, with onset before age 12 and not better explained by another condition. ICD-11, which the NHS uses alongside DSM-5, has broadly similar criteria. The specific threshold and criteria are applied by the assessing clinician.
NHS ADHD assessment waiting times vary considerably across England. Some areas offer assessment within a few months; others have waits of two to five years or more. Private ADHD assessment is available from consultant psychiatrists and specialist ADHD clinicians and is typically available within a few weeks. A private ADHD diagnosis should be accepted by GPs, schools and employers. Shared care arrangements allow GPs to prescribe ADHD medication following a private diagnosis in many areas.
Following an ADHD diagnosis, the assessing clinician should discuss treatment options, which may include medication and/or non-medication approaches. A referral for a medication review or a prescription for ADHD medication may be given. Information about support organisations including ADHD UK, ADHD Action and the ADHD Foundation should be provided. Post-diagnostic support and psychoeducation about ADHD helps individuals and their families understand and manage the condition effectively.
For related information see our articles on ADHD Quiz Online Screening Tool and Getting an ADHD Assessment in the UK.
ADHD is diagnosed through a clinical assessment by a qualified specialist, typically a consultant psychiatrist, paediatric neurologist or clinical psychologist. The assessment covers developmental history, current ADHD symptoms, their onset and duration, their impact across multiple settings and the exclusion of other explanations. There is no blood test or brain scan for ADHD.
NHS ADHD assessment waiting times vary significantly by area, with some areas having waits of several months and others of several years. The assessment process itself typically involves one or more appointments. Private assessment can often be completed within a few weeks.
No. A GP cannot diagnose ADHD. The GP’s role is to assess whether a referral for a specialist ADHD assessment is appropriate and to make that referral. In some areas, following a private diagnosis, GPs can enter into a shared care arrangement to continue prescribing ADHD medication. If you are concerned about ADHD in yourself or your child, see your GP and ask for a referral.
Visit our Understanding ADHD hub for more guides on signs, diagnosis, types, medication, executive function and co-occurring conditions.
The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about ADHD or any neurodevelopmental condition, speak to a qualified healthcare professional. SENDhelp Education Limited accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this content. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement of their content.
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