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Adult ADHD Assessment Process
Step 1: Learn About ADHD
Start by learning how ADHD shows up in adults. This isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide whether to seek professional support.
- Take an adult ADHD symptoms questionnaire
- Read reliable information about adult ADHD
Step 2: Speak to Your GP
Book an appointment and talk openly about your difficulties, including:
- Why you think ADHD may be relevant
- Any mental health challenges
- How symptoms affect your daily life
Step 3: Choose Your Assessment Route
There are three main options:
NHS ADHD Assessment
Right to Choose (England only)
Private ADHD Assessment
See option breakdown below:
Adult ADHD Assessment Routes
Private ADHD Assessment
- Faster but self-funded
- Use GMC-registered clinicians
- Be aware of ongoing treatment costs
Right to Choose (England only)
- Legal right to choose an NHS provider
- Can reduce waiting times
NHS ADHD Assessment
- Specialist assessment (45–90 minutes)
- Includes mental health review and ADHD evaluation
- Diagnosis may lead to treatment and shared care with your GP
If your GP refuses to refer:
- Request a second opinion or change GP
- Contact ADHD support organisations
- Consider private assessment
If no local ADHD service exists, NHS funding may still be available via alternative pathways.
Step 4: Ongoing Care
After assessment, a care plan is agreed. This may involve:
- Specialist care
- Shared care between specialist and GP
- GP-led care once treatment is stable
Step 5: Moving Forward
An ADHD diagnosis can bring relief, mixed emotions, and clarity.
- It doesn’t change who you are
- It helps you understand yourself and access support
- Learning more and connecting with others can help you move forward confidently
These are some of the common adult ADHD symptoms you may be experiencing on a day-to-day basis.
Difficulty focusing and paying attention
Forgetting important tasks
Struggle with organisation
Distracting thoughts
Poor time management
Not completing sequential tasks such as laundry and life admin
Task switching to dopamine-rich tasks
‘Doom scrolling’ and seeking dopamine-rich tasks
Difficulty focusing and paying attention
You may find it hard to maintain focus on tasks that require sustained effort or concentration, especially if they are not stimulating or interesting. This could result in zoning out during conversations, missing key details, or procrastinating on work.
How we can help you
Forgetting important tasks
This might involve misplacing items like keys or forgetting appointments, deadlines, or planned commitments. Even with reminders or organisational tools, it can feel like tasks slip through the cracks. This forgetfulness is not due to a lack of care but rather the challenges in memory retrieval and prioritisation that ADHD can bring.
How we can help you
Struggle with organisation
Staying organised can feel like an uphill battle. You might find it challenging to create or stick to systems, whether it’s managing your schedule, keeping your living or workspaces tidy, or handling paperwork. Tasks can pile up, leading to overwhelm and difficulty knowing where to start.
How we can help you
Distracting Thoughts
Your mind might constantly jump from one idea to another, making it hard to focus on the present moment. This can feel like a stream of random or unrelated thoughts pulling you away from what you’re trying to achieve, which can be both mentally draining and counterproductive.
How we can help you
Poor time management
Managing time effectively can be a significant challenge, whether it’s underestimating how long a task will take, running late, or struggling with procrastination. You might also find it difficult to prioritise, leading to rushed efforts at the last minute or missed deadlines altogether.
How we can help you
Not completing sequential tasks such as laundry and life admin
Simple, routine tasks that involve multiple steps, such as doing laundry, paying bills, or replying to emails, can feel overwhelming. You might start but fail to finish them, either because they feel monotonous or because distractions pull you away before completion.
How we can help you
Task switching to dopamine-rich tasks
Instead of sticking to less stimulating tasks, you might unconsciously switch to activities that feel more rewarding or exciting, such as scrolling through social media, gaming, or starting a new project. These activities provide quick bursts of dopamine, making them more appealing than the less gratifying task at hand.
How we can help you
‘Doom scrolling’ and seeking dopamine-rich tasks
You may find yourself endlessly scrolling through social media or news feeds, seeking quick dopamine hits from new information, memes, or videos. This habit, while initially rewarding, can lead to lost time, feelings of guilt, and increased anxiety, as it often substitutes more productive or meaningful activities.
How we can help you
Holistic Treatment for ADHD
ADHD has a strong genetic link, and people who suffer from it have a difference in their neurobiological makeup. This means their brain is built differently.
Functional MRI has shown that the prefrontal cortex area of the brain, which is responsible for executive functioning (your brain’s CEO), has less dopamine.
Medication works by increasing the dopamine uptake in this area, helping to improve attention, focus and impulse control.
There have been lots of stigmas around ADHD historically and many myths. Some myths say that ADHD is a ‘made-up’ mental disorder. Others say that people who suffer from ADHD need to ‘try harder’ or are lazy. All are incorrect. Around 70% of those with ADHD struggle with paying attention, whilst less than 5% of neurotypical suffer from this.
At Private ADHD Assessment, we believe in both medicated and holistic treatment plans for ADHD patients. Combined with medication, a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising are all highly beneficial. Just as with taking care of our physical health, mental health care is vital to living a fulfilling, healthy, and happy life.
The easiest way to describe things is that ADHD is like having a brain that is similar to a Ferrari but in the wrong gear; if you constantly rev the engine with racing ideas and thoughts, you can burn the engine out.
The medication and treatment allow you to harness the power of ADHD and achieve the potential of ADHDpreneurs such as Richard Branson and Bill Gates.
Over 40% of entrepreneurs have neurodiversity or learning impairments, having a brain that approaches solutions in a unique way will allow one to come up with unique and creative solutions that neurotypicals may not have thought of.
People with ADHD are remarkable at streamlining systems but often lack the executive function to follow through.
Book an ADHD assessment to find out whether you have ADHD.
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Stimulant Medications
Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve attention, focus, and impulse control. These medications have a rapid onset of action, often showing effects within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion.
Find out more
Non Stimulant Medication
Non-stimulant medications are an alternative for individuals who cannot tolerate stimulants or when stimulants are ineffective. These medications tend to have a slower onset of action and may take several weeks to reach full efficacy. They work by different mechanisms to improve attention, impulse control, and other ADHD symptoms
Find out more
Got a Question?
Not sure about booking an appointment just yet? Need more info about the process? Ask us anything using our contact form below!
You can also call us on 020 39897789 or email at info@privateadhd.com
Why Choose Private ADHD?
Virtual ADHD Diagnosis
Our Private ADHD diagnosis can be done both virtually and face-to-face at our London clinics. The results can then be sent to the patient's GP, psychologist, or other mental health professionals, printed as a report, and added to medical records.
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Unlock Your Mind
We believe that individuals should be able to better understand themselves and their behaviour through our online ADHD assessment. Understanding your ADHD traits, such as hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, or anxiety, can help you navigate the world more effectively.
Private ADHD Assessments
Our ADHD assessments are carried out by NHS-recognised psychiatrists who are experts in this field.
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Same Day Prescriptions
We offer same-day prescriptions for those in the London area or the next day for others for speedy treatment.
Unlock Your Mind
We believe that individuals should be able to gain a better understanding of themselves and their behaviour through our online ADHD assessment, and it’s their right to choose.
Feel Empowered
The 2 million people thought to have ADHD is the number not diagnosed yet, the actual figure is 8-10% of the population
Virtual ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD diagnosis can be done both virtually and face-to-face at our London clinics. Results can then be sent to the patient's GP, printed out as a report, and added to medical records.
Private ADHD Assessments
Our ADHD assessments are carried out by NHS-recognised psychiatrists who are experts in this field.
Same Day Prescriptions
We offer same-day prescriptions for those in the London area or the next day for others for speedy treatment.
Unlock Your Mind
We believe that individuals should be able to gain a better understanding of themselves and their behaviour through our online ADHD assessment, and it’s their right to choose.
Feel Empowered
The 2 million people thought to have ADHD is the number not diagnosed yet, the actual figure is 8-10% of the population
Virtual ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD diagnosis can be done both virtually and face-to-face at our London clinics. Results can then be sent to the patient's GP, printed out as a report, and added to medical records.
Adult ADHD Assessment FAQs
A few of our frequently asked questions about assessments
What is the assessment for ADHD?
ADHD assessments typically involve a series of evaluations to determine if an individual meets the DSM criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These assessments can include interviews with the individual, their parents or caregivers, and teachers to gather information about symptoms and behaviours. Additionally, questionnaires and rating scales may be used to assess the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Other assessments, such as cognitive neuropsychology testing and behavioural observations, may also be carried out to provide a comprehensive understanding of the individual's difficulties. Overall, the assessment process for ADHD aims to accurately diagnose the condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan to help manage symptoms effectively.
What does an ADHD assessment for adults involve?
An ADHD assessment for adults typically involves thoroughly reviewing the individual's medical history, symptoms, and behaviour patterns. It may include self-report questionnaires, interviews with family members or significant others, and cognitive testing to assess areas such as attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Is an ADHD assessment available in the UK?
Yes, ADHD assessments are available in the UK through healthcare providers, such as GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Private ADHD offers professional adult ADHD assessments and ADHD assessments for children in a safe, professional and welcoming environment. You may choose to do an online assessment or visit us at our clinic in London.
How long is an assessment?
The booking process and initial questionnaire should only take a few minutes. The assessment itself involves a 60-minute discussion, followed by a comprehensive assessment report, which will be emailed within 10 working days.
How much does an Adult ADHD assessment cost?
Adult ADHD assessments cost £650.
What happens if I'm diagnosed with ADHD?
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you will receive a proposed treatment plan along with options tailored to your diagnosis, as well as an information pack outlining the next steps for implementing your treatment plan.
What if I decide to take medication?
For adults with ADHD, treatment often includes stimulant medications such as Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and Amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall, Vyvanse). These medications help improve focus, attention, and impulse control and are usually prescribed in higher doses compared to those for children. Non-stimulant options like Atomoxetine (Strattera) are also available, particularly for adults who have additional conditions like anxiety or heart issues.
ADHD titration involves starting with the lowest dose of ADHD medication and gradually increasing it. It may take up to a week to notice a difference in your symptoms when taking the medication.
It’s common to have a few side effects with ADHD medication, but titration is how we avoid this by gradually increasing the dose. Some side effects are reduced appetite, weight loss, transient blood pressure increases, headaches and trouble sleeping.
Find out more about ADHD Medication
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