How to get an adult ADHD assessment in Scotland, Wales and Ireland

First: what you might be noticing

NHS inform describes adult ADHD in terms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Everyone has these experiences at times, for example after a bad night's sleep. With ADHD, they affect life regularly and in more than one area, such as work and relationships.

For most people, these difficulties begin in childhood, even if nobody named them then. You don't need to be sure it's ADHD before asking for help.

Source: NHS inform: ADHD in adults

Scotland: start with your GP

In Scotland, adult ADHD assessment is arranged through your local NHS health board, and pathways differ between boards. Your GP is the usual first step. They can talk through your difficulties and explain what your board offers.

Some boards prioritise people whose difficulties have the most severe impact on daily life. Ask your GP what the local criteria are, and what support is available while you wait.

1. Book a GP appointment and explain how the difficulties affect your daily life.
2. Ask how adult ADHD assessment works in your health board and what its referral criteria are.
3. If the GP thinks a referral is appropriate, they refer you to the local service.
4. Ask what support is available while you wait.

Source: Dumfries & Galloway Health & Social Care: ADHD assessment and support

Wales: a professional referral, usually from your GP

NHS 111 Wales lists the common signs of adult ADHD and advises speaking to your GP. Adult ADHD services in Wales are run by local health boards.

For example, the Hywel Dda adult ADHD service accepts referrals from a professional, usually your GP, and checks each referral before deciding. If it's accepted, you join the waiting list. It is not a crisis service: for mental health support in Wales you can call 111 and press option 2, or 999 in an emergency.

1. Speak to your GP or another healthcare professional about your difficulties.
2. If appropriate, they refer you to your health board's adult ADHD service. You can't usually refer yourself.
3. The service reviews the referral and may ask your GP for more information.
4. If it's accepted, you're added to the waiting list for an assessment.

Source: Hywel Dda University Health Board: Adult ADHD service

Republic of Ireland: GP, then your local adult mental health team

The HSE National Clinical Programme for ADHD in Adults sets out the public route. Your GP refers you to your local adult mental health team. If screening suggests ADHD, you may be referred on to an adult ADHD clinic for a detailed assessment, followed by a feedback session.

Adult ADHD teams are being set up area by area, so availability depends on where you live. Your GP can tell you how referral works locally.

1. Your GP refers you to your local adult mental health team.
2. The team does an initial assessment, including screening for ADHD.
3. If screening suggests ADHD, you may be referred to an adult ADHD clinic, where these exist in your area.
4. The clinic carries out a detailed assessment, then a feedback session to talk through the outcome and next steps.

Source: HSE National Clinical Programme for ADHD in Adults

How to prepare for the GP chat

Bring a few everyday examples: what happened, how often, and what it affected at home, work or study. Note when you first remember similar difficulties and anything you've already tried.

An online screening result can help you put things into words, but it is not a diagnosis. Your GP will look at the wider picture, including other possible explanations.

Source: NHS 111 Wales: ADHD in adults

Questions people ask