How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis as an Adult

Your First Step to an ADHD Psychiatric Diagnosis

As many as 1.5 million adults in the UK could be going through life without the diagnosis or support they need to be happy and fulfilled and make the most of their neurodiverse talents. If you’re wondering how to get an ADHD Diagnosis as an adult, Onebright offers assessments, therapy treatment plans and support at every stage of your journey.

A diagnosis of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) as an adult can open the door to a whole new understanding of the self and, with the right treatment to manage the condition, can lead to a new lease of life.

Book an assessment

What are the signs of ADHD in adults?

Around 3-4% of the adult population has ADHD, but the majority of these individuals remain undiagnosed. The only way to know if you have ADHD is to undergo an ADHD assessment with a mental health specialist trained in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. The condition has a number of possible symptoms, and they can easily overlap with those of other conditions, like depression or anxiety. These can include:

Poor organisational skills
Inability to focus or prioritise
Forgetfulness
Speaking out of turn
Impulsiveness

Unsure whether you should book an assessment? If a number of these apply, you may want to seek Onebright’s assistance.

Learn more

Clear diagnosis pathways

We know what happens next is an important step for you. Some online assessment options may not be clinically led by mental health professionals, and others take too long and do not provide you with the necessary support options once the assessment is complete.

The Onebright ADHD assessment involves:

Questionnaires are sent to you and a close friend or family member
Consultation with a Psychiatrist
Screening for other common mental health conditions
A full psychiatric report
A diagnosis where one can be made
Treatment recommendations

Download ADHD Assessment Brochure

All our clinicians are carefully chosen, not just for their clinical excellence but also for their empathy, warmth and understanding. The Onebright difference is that all our treatments and services are delivered by trusted experts who genuinely care about supporting you every step of the way.

Book an assessment

Why Onebright psychiatry

Convenient and timely

A nationwide network of psychiatrists offering consultations to meet your schedule.

Tailored assessment and treatment around individual’s needs

We pride ourselves in finding you the right psychiatrist to meet your needs without lengthy waiting times.

You can be sure you’re in safe hands

All our consultants are members of the General Medical Council (GMC) and Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Learn more about neurodiversity

Adult ADHD Overthinking and Intrusive Thoughts

ADHD in Adults: Overthinking and Intrusive Thoughts

Read article

ADHD In Women: Managing Work-Related Stress and Workplace Wellbeing

ADHD in Women: Stress & Workplace Wellbeing

Read article

Frequently Asked Questions about ADHD in Adults

Once an ADHD diagnosis is given, the clinician will meet with you to discuss the next steps. In many cases, the condition can be managed with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that aims to change negative thinking patterns and reframe how you feel about yourself and your symptoms of ADHD.

Psychiatrists have extensive training in differential diagnosis and are usually the best specialists to seek when ADHD is present alongside symptoms of depression, severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other serious psychiatric conditions.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health and can also prescribe medication for ADHD.

Yes, ADHD does tend to run in families, suggesting that there is a genetic component to the disorder. Research has found that children who have a parent or sibling with ADHD are more likely to develop the disorder themselves compared to children who do not have a family history of ADHD.

However, it is important to note that having a family history of ADHD does not necessarily mean that a person will have the condition.

The assessment is with a mental health specialist who is trained to diagnose and treat ADHD. The assessment normally takes between 1 - 3 hours. It's important to keep in mind that an accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

ADHD can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, but typically boys are more likely to get diagnosed in childhood. Women with ADHD may present with symptoms different from the stereotypical symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity typically associated with the condition. Young girls with ADHD may be more likely to exhibit symptoms of inattention, which may be less disruptive in a classroom setting and, therefore, less likely to be identified.

Request an assessment