Adult ADHD Assessment: What to Expect

More adults than ever are asking whether ADHD could explain problems they have had for as long as they can remember. If that is you, booking an assessment can feel like a big step. Knowing what happens can make it much less daunting.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition. It affects attention, activity levels and impulse control. Symptoms begin in childhood, but many people, particularly those who did well at school or who are women, are not recognised until adulthood.

In adults, ADHD often looks like:

• trouble keeping attention on tasks, reading or conversations
• disorganisation, losing things and forgetting commitments
• procrastination, then last-minute bursts of effort
• poor sense of time and frequent lateness
• inner restlessness and difficulty relaxing
• impulsive decisions, spending or interrupting
• intense focus on things that are interesting (“hyperfocus”)

Everyone has some of these sometimes. In ADHD they are persistent, started in childhood, and cause real problems in more than one area of life, such as work, relationships and managing a home.

Who can diagnose ADHD in adults?

In the UK, NICE guidance says ADHD should be diagnosed by a specialist psychiatrist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD. A diagnosis is based on a full clinical assessment, not on an online quiz or a single questionnaire.

Before your assessment

You may be asked to complete questionnaires. It really helps to prepare:

• Examples. Jot down specific examples of your difficulties at work, at home and in relationships.
• Childhood information. School reports or comments from teachers are valuable. So is input from a parent, older sibling or someone who knew you as a child.
• Health history. List your current medicines, any mental or physical health conditions, and any family history of heart problems.
• Your questions. Write down what you want to ask.

During the assessment

At Happy Clinic, the initial ADHD assessment is a 60-minute video consultation with a Consultant Psychiatrist. It usually covers:

1. Current symptoms. How attention, restlessness and impulsivity affect you now.
2. Childhood. Whether symptoms were present when you were young, often using a structured interview.
3. Impact. How symptoms affect work or study, relationships, finances and daily tasks.
4. Other explanations. Anxiety, depression, sleep problems, substance use, trauma and other conditions can look like ADHD or occur alongside it.
5. Physical health. This is important if medication might be considered.

Be as honest as you can. There are no right or wrong answers.

After the assessment

Your psychiatrist will explain their findings. Possible outcomes include:

• ADHD is diagnosed, and treatment options are discussed
• more information is needed, such as collateral history or another appointment
• ADHD is not the best explanation, and other causes and support are discussed

A diagnosis cannot be guaranteed. A good assessment is about finding the right explanation, whatever it is.

Treatment options

ADHD treatment can include education about the condition, practical strategies, workplace adjustments and support for co-existing problems. Medication can be very effective for many adults.

If medication is appropriate, you may need physical health checks first, such as blood pressure, pulse and weight. Treatment is then started at a low dose and adjusted gradually in titration reviews. At Happy Clinic these are 20-minute follow-ups.

Once treatment is stable, your psychiatrist may propose a shared care agreement so your GP can take over prescribing, if your GP agrees.

How much does it cost?

At Happy Clinic, the ADHD initial assessment is £400 and follow-up and titration reviews are £200. See all fees.

Is it worth getting assessed as an adult?

For many people, a diagnosis brings relief and a new understanding of past struggles. It can also open the door to treatment and reasonable adjustments at work. Whatever the outcome, a careful assessment can point you towards the right help.

Want to find out more? Read about adult ADHD assessments at Happy Clinic or book an appointment.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. If you are in crisis, call 999, go to A&E, call NHS 111 or call Samaritans free on 116 123.