Clinically reviewed
Who Can Diagnose ADHD in the UK?
Direct answer
Who can diagnose ADHD?
In the UK, NICE NG87 says ADHD should be diagnosed only by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD, following a full clinical and psychosocial assessment. GPs, teachers and online questionnaires can raise the possibility of ADHD but cannot diagnose it.
- Specialist with ADHD training and expertise
- Psychiatrists, paediatricians or other qualified professionals
- Professional registration should be checkable
- GPs refer; they do not usually diagnose
- Screening tools are not a diagnosis
What NICE says
NICE NG87 recommends that a diagnosis of ADHD is made only by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD. It should be based on a full clinical and psychosocial assessment, a full developmental and psychiatric history, and observer reports where possible.
Professionals who may assess and diagnose
- Consultant psychiatrists (adult or child and adolescent) — GMC registered
- Paediatricians, usually for children — GMC registered
- Other registered healthcare professionals — such as specialist pharmacists, nurses or psychologists — with documented ADHD training, working within clinical governance and their professional scope
- Every clinician's registration (GMC, GPhC, NMC, HCPC or BABCP) can be checked on the public register
Who cannot diagnose ADHD
Teachers, SENCOs, employers, coaches and online test providers can describe difficulties and suggest assessment, but cannot diagnose. GPs can recognise symptoms and refer, and may later prescribe under shared care, but diagnosis is a specialist task.
Who assesses at ADHD Path
ADHD Path assessments are carried out by named clinicians whose qualifications and professional registrations are published on their profiles, each linked to the relevant public register. See our clinical team for details of who assesses adults, adolescents and children.
Book an ADHD Assessment
Structured clinical assessment and written outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Can my GP diagnose ADHD?
GPs do not usually diagnose ADHD. They can recognise possible symptoms and refer you to a specialist service.
Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?
A psychologist with appropriate ADHD training working in a specialist service can contribute to or make a diagnosis, depending on the service's governance.
How do I check a clinician is registered?
Search their name or number on the relevant public register — for example the GMC, GPhC, NMC, HCPC or BABCP. ADHD Path links each clinician's profile to their register entry.
Will a private diagnosis be recognised?
A diagnosis made by an appropriately qualified clinician following NICE guidance is a valid diagnosis. GP practices decide individually whether to enter shared care for prescribing.
Related questions
Related ADHD Path services
Clinical authorship & review
Written by
Mark Thornton-JonesMPharm (Liverpool John Moores, 2010), Non-Medical Prescribing (Distinction), CPPE General Practice Pathway, ADHD diagnosis & management (2025) · Specialist ADHD Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber
GPhC 2076283
Clinically reviewed by
Shamir PatelMPharm, Independent Prescriber · CQC Registered Manager & Clinical Pharmacist
GPhC 2049338- Published
- 11 October 2026
- Last reviewed
- 11 October 2026
- Next review
- 11 October 2027