ADHD Diagnosis: How, Why and Real Stories
If you’ve been exploring whether you have ADHD or are Neurodivergent then you may have been questioning – ‘Should I get diagnosed?’.
For many of us, deciding to seek a diagnosis is deeply personal. The reasons vary, but the goal is often the same: to gain clarity and understand why certain patterns, behaviours, or challenges have been present throughout our lives.
I have decided to create a series of blogs to help understand this process, firstly, in this blog, we’ll delve into HOW to get an ADHD diagnosis, WHY others have done the same and WHAT advice they have for you if you’re considering it.
The second blog will focus on the importance of self-diagnosis and why in today's current climate it’s completely valid. Lastly, I will share a blog on my own personal neurodivergent journey – one that you might relate to.
This blog is written with the input from other business owners who have sought out a diagnosis and I want to thank each of them for taking the time to do so! THANK YOU!
Let’s dive in!
Understanding ADHD
In today’s society (in the UK) according to ADHD UK, around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, but only 600,000 have a formal diagnosis. This means that over 80% of people with ADHD in the UK are undiagnosed.
If you want to understand more about what ADHD is, how it represents and some further statistics and information then please read either my own blog, ADHD 101 or check out this article from ADHD UK.
Why Seek an ADHD Diagnosis?
For some, a diagnosis comes after years of feeling out of step with the world. Others seek answers when their coping strategies are no longer enough or it could be that you were diagnosed as a child.
Many of the people I interviewed had one clear answer in common.
"I wanted to know what was wrong with me"
This need for understanding is a common theme among those seeking an ADHD diagnosis, as many want to make sense of the difficulties they've faced. It also shows how behind we are in education and acceptance around ADHD as so many people believe something is ‘wrong’ with them.
“When I chose to get diagnosed, I was already 55 years old. I’ve always felt different and ‘other’ like I flew in from another planet.” Siobhan
"I was looking into ADHD for my son when I realised how many traits I shared. It was a big 'aha' moment for me. I needed a professional diagnosis to believe it though, I wanted validation from someone else." Lauren
Why Are So Many People Seeking an ADHD Diagnosis Now?
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable surge in people seeking an ADHD diagnosis, and it’s no surprise. With the rise of social media platforms and accessible information, more people are recognising the signs and symptoms of ADHD in themselves or their loved ones that they have been experiencing for LIFE!
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have created spaces for neurodivergent individuals to share their experiences, breaking down stereotypes and shedding light on what ADHD can look and feel like on a daily basis.
We also know so much more about ADHD now than ever before. Research has advanced, and the understanding of how ADHD presents itself has grown too. While we recognise more traits like Executive Dysfunction, Emotional Dysregulation and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria we still have a long way to go, especially in understanding how ADHD fully presents itself in women or those assigned female at birth.
ADHD diagnosis pathways
Let’s explore how you can get a diagnosis here in the U.K.
NHS: This is the most accessible option in terms of cost because it’s free of charge, however, wait times can be extremely long, sometimes taking up to several years. It requires you to see your GP and they will make a referral.
Right to Choose: This option allows you to choose a private provider for your assessment, funded by the NHS. It can reduce wait times significantly, but you'll still need a GP referral to access this service. Not all GP surgeries promote it, so you may need to advocate for yourself. Not all GP Surgeries support care after you have a diagnosis either so if you are looking to get diagnosed to try medication it is worth checking with your GP practice first.
Private: Private assessments offer the quickest route, with appointments available in a matter of weeks. However, it comes at a cost, typically ranging from £500 to £1,500. Again, like with Right to Choose you may need to check with your GP surgery about supporting any follow-up care.
This page from ADHD UK has a visual way of understanding the pathway to diagnosis. If you have any questions reach out to them or me for further information.
“I initially spoke with my GP and was referred through the NHS, however due to the lack of resources & funding - I decided to go private as I was advised the wait on the NHS was approximately 4 years. The end-to-end private process took approximately 6 months.” Ray
“I went through the NHS, I wouldn't have been able to afford to do it privately. I was lucky that near me at the time (2022-2023) it only took 6-12 months for the whole process. My initial GP told me I was just anxious and depressed so I sought out a second opinion who was incredibly understanding and helpful. She referred me straight away!” Milly
The Diagnosis Process
Most people are asked to complete a screening questionnaire first to submit to their GP. You can do this online here via ADHD UK.
Once you have spoken with your GP they should then be able to make you a referral. If your GP is against making a referral, please seek a second opinion.
Depending which pathway you choose will depend on how long you wait, where you go and exactly how they work but most pathways include:
Completing forms and questionnaires
Your family or someone close to you (who ideally knew you from a young age) complete a questionnaire too. (If you don’t have anyone don’t worry, you can still continue the process.)
Having an interview/discussion with a psychiatrist
You may be asked to complete certain activities
You may have to come back for a separate assessment – say for example, if they want a second opinion.
The diagnosis process is a lot, it can feel exhausting, and it’s a lot to process especially if you have processing issues. Allow yourself time to be kind to yourself, decompress and rest.
“The assessment itself was honestly very hard. Answering lots of questions about childhood and adult life and discussing issues and problems I was facing. It was very mentally draining. At the end of the assessment, they said I had ADHD symptoms, but also have Generalised Anxiety Disorder. It was so unclear whether that had actually diagnosed me with ADHD. So I had to ask, which they then confirmed. However, I didn't truly believe it until I had my write-up sent to me 3 weeks later, it just didn't feel real before that.” Millie
How does getting a diagnosis impact you?
Once diagnosed, many experience a newfound sense of self-understanding.
“For the first time in my life I truly understand who I am. And that's not the weird loner I spent my life thinking I was. Constantly wondering why I was so different to everyone else and desperately wanting to be 'normal'. I am at peace with who I am and have accepted that following my lifestyle isn't weird, it's what I need to do to be my authentic self.” Mel
“I finally felt like I understood myself. I was struggling with anxiety and while that hasn’t gone away it certainly has become a lot easier, I understand why and how it impacts me now. I felt really relieved and empowered but I did also feel a little sad because it dawns on you that it’s a life-long condition. It doesn’t go away!” Lauren
Should you go for it or not?
While that decision is totally yours and yours alone here is some advice from other business owners now they have a diagnosis.
“I would encourage anyone considering it, to go for it! Be open-minded and arm yourself with knowledge. Your life will become easier once you have a better understanding of how your brain works. The best support I've had is working with ADHD coaches like Rachel and a wonderful therapist who totally understood neurodiversity!” Mel
“I’d say to anyone who is considering being assessed that it’s completely normal to have a grieving process for the ‘you’ that struggled. Your wheels can really fall off afterwards. Regardless of whether or not you get a diagnosis, though, if you feel that you’re neurodivergent, that’s enough!” Siobhan
What do you do now?
I want you to know, I and many others understand how much of a lonely place this feels but it doesn’t have to be. I understand the knockbacks from Doctors, friends and family who just don’t get it and why you would be seeking validation, clarity and answers. It’s ok to feel that way.
So, if you are considering getting diagnosed please reach out for support. If you are in a position to do that from a partner, friends or family then amazing. If you are not please try your GP, some of them are super kind and supportive too.
If both of those don’t work out then find your tribe – join some community groups, reach out to connections or even message me. One I highly recommend is NeuroBuzz.
Check out the next blog soon on the importance of self-diagnosis and why it is completely valid!
If you would like to book some time to chat, then you can book a cuppa catch-up with me here.
If you are local to Dorset then I host an in-person community group and you can also join the online Facebook Group.
