A diagnosis isn't the end of the process. Here is what typically comes next: your report, treatment options under NICE guidance, medication and shared care, reviews, and the support beyond medication.
Getting a diagnosis often brings relief, and then a practical question: now what? What happens next depends partly on whether you were assessed on the NHS or privately, but the main steps are similar.
Your assessment should end with a written report setting out the diagnosis and the clinician's recommendations. Keep a copy. Your GP, your employer and some funding bodies may ask to see it. If you're going private, ask the clinic what its report includes before you book, as we explain in what to expect from a private assessment.
NICE, which sets clinical guidance for the NHS in England, recommends a comprehensive, holistic treatment plan that covers psychological, behavioural and occupational or educational needs. For adults, its guidance on medication works like this:
Medication is a choice, not an obligation. Many people also use psychological support, such as CBT-based approaches, and practical strategies alongside it or instead of it.
The NHS says ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. That usually involves a period of titration, where the dose is adjusted until it works well with manageable side effects. We explain how it works in our guide to ADHD medication and titration in the UK.
NICE recommends that your need for medication is reviewed at least annually by a healthcare professional with ADHD expertise. In practice that typically includes regular checks on things such as blood pressure, pulse and weight.
Once your dose is stable, a GP can only continue prescribing under a shared care agreement with the specialist. GPs aren't legally obliged to accept one, and practices set their own policies. If you were diagnosed privately, check this before you pay for the assessment. Our guide to what to do if your GP refuses shared care covers your options.
A diagnosis is a starting point rather than a fix. It can open doors to treatment and support, but you'll often need to ask for each of them. It helps to keep your report somewhere easy to find.
If you're still working out whether an assessment is right for you, our free 3-minute screener is a starting point, and our directory lists accredited private ADHD clinics across the UK.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified clinician. ADHD Navigator is not a medical provider and does not offer diagnostic or treatment services.
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