Adult ADHD Assessment for Adults (UK)
This service offers a comprehensive psychiatric assessment for adults who are considering whether ADHD may be a relevant diagnosis.
The purpose of the assessment is clarity – not speed, not reassurance, and not a guaranteed outcome. We aim to establish whether diagnostic criteria are met and, just as importantly, whether ADHD is the most accurate explanation for your difficulties.
This is a structured clinical service delivered by experienced psychiatrists, grounded in UK standards of practice.
Before you proceed, check if this assessment is right for you.
Who this assessment is for
This assessment may be appropriate if you are an adult who experiences ongoing difficulties with attention, organisation, impulsivity, or regulation that have had a significant impact on work, relationships, or daily life.
Many people seeking assessment have lived with these patterns for years and want a clear, professional opinion rather than speculation or screening-tool results.
This service is not suitable if you are seeking a rapid diagnosis, confirmation of a self-diagnosis, or medication without careful evaluation.
What this assessment is designed to do
The assessment is designed to answer three core clinical questions:
- First, whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met.
- Second, whether symptoms are better explained by another condition or context.
- Third, what form of support is most appropriate going forward.
The focus is on accuracy, not labels.
How the assessment is carried out
Assessment is conducted through a structured psychiatric consultation. This includes a detailed developmental history, exploration of childhood attention and regulation patterns, and a careful review of current symptoms across different areas of life.
We examine functional impact rather than isolated traits, and we actively consider alternative or co-existing explanations such as stress-related difficulties, trauma, sleep disruption, anxiety, or mood disorders.
Our approach aligns with established UK guidance, including standards set by NICE, while relying on clinical judgement rather than checklist scoring alone.
How diagnostic decisions are made
An ADHD diagnosis is made only when there is clear evidence that core symptoms were present in childhood, persist into adulthood, and cause meaningful impairment.
Where criteria are not met, this is explained clearly and respectfully. In many cases, people leave with a more accurate understanding of what is driving their difficulties, even when ADHD is ruled out.
A diagnosis is never assumed and never guaranteed.
We believe transparency matters when it comes to diagnosis.
An ADHD diagnosis is never based on a single questionnaire, screening tool, or short consultation.
Our decision-making process involves the following principles:
1. Specialist-led assessment
All diagnoses are made by a GMC-registered psychiatrist with training and experience in adult ADHD. The assessing psychiatrist retains full clinical responsibility for the diagnostic outcome.
2. Whole-person clinical evaluation
We carry out a full psychiatric and psychosocial assessment. This includes current symptoms, functional impact, mental state, life history, and relevant developmental information from childhood onwards.
3. Evidence of impairment, not just symptoms
Symptoms alone are not sufficient. We look for clear evidence of ongoing functional impairment across more than one setting, such as work, education, relationships, or daily living.
4. Developmental continuity
For adults, we assess whether ADHD-related difficulties were present in childhood, even if they were not formally recognised at the time. Retrospective evidence is considered carefully.
5. Differential diagnosis is essential
We actively assess for alternative or co-existing explanations for attention or executive difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep problems, autism spectrum conditions, substance use, and life stressors. ADHD is not diagnosed if another explanation better accounts for the presentation.
6. Use of tools as support, not decision-makers
Validated rating scales and questionnaires are used to support clinical understanding, not to determine diagnosis on their own.
7. Proportionate and transparent conclusions
A diagnosis is made only when the clinical evidence clearly meets recognised diagnostic criteria. Where criteria are not met, we explain this openly and provide guidance on next steps or alternative support.
8. Diagnosis and treatment are separate decisions
Receiving a diagnosis does not automatically lead to medication. Any discussion about treatment options happens later and is based on individual needs, preferences, and clinical appropriateness.
Our aim is to provide a clear, ethical, and clinically sound opinion that supports informed decision-making, rather than certainty at any cost.
What you receive after the assessment
Following the assessment, you will receive a clear summary of findings. Where a diagnosis is made, this includes confirmation of whether criteria are met and an explanation of how conclusions were reached.
Recommendations may include guidance on next steps, options for follow-up support, and discussion of whether further input would be helpful.
The emphasis is on clarity and practical direction.
Medication – how decisions are approached
Medication is not an automatic outcome of assessment.
Where ADHD is diagnosed, medication may be discussed as one possible option. This conversation includes expected benefits, limitations, potential risks, and whether medication is appropriate in the context of your overall health and circumstances.
Any prescribing follows UK regulatory standards and careful monitoring. Where medication is not indicated, this is explained openly.
If ADHD is not the answer
Not everyone who struggles with attention has ADHD.
Some people experience similar symptoms due to burnout, trauma, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or life overload.
If you do not meet criteria for ADHD, we explain why – clearly and respectfully – and help you understand what is contributing to your difficulties.
For many people, this level of clarity can be an important step forward.
Important eligibility and boundaries
This service is available to adults aged 18 and over who are based in the UK. We are unable to provide assessment or prescribing for individuals who are permanently resident outside the UK.
The assessment provides a clinical opinion and guidance but does not replace ongoing care where this is needed.
Clear boundaries protect both patient and clinician.
Fees and next steps
Fees for adult ADHD assessment are listed transparently on our Fees page.
If you are unsure whether an assessment is the right next step, you may find it helpful to first review our decision-support page.
– Learn more about adult ADHD
– Is this right for me?
If you decide to proceed, the next step is to request an appointment.