What Happens in an ADHD Assessment?

Have you ever wondered whether you might have ADHD? Or maybe you’ve noticed signs in your child and aren’t sure what to do next. According to NICE, around 3-4% of adults and 5% of children have ADHD.

Many more people live with symptoms without being assessed so the actual number could be much higher.

Taking the first step towards an assessment can feel daunting, especially with long NHS waiting lists and uncertainty about what’s involved. That’s where we come in. Our expert consultant psychiatrists make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. We’ve been helping people get the support they need since 2009, with over 3,000 of our clients benefiting from shared care agreements with their GP. Whether you need a diagnosis for yourself or your child, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

We offer comprehensive ADHD assessments led by experienced consultant psychiatrists. With no long waiting lists, you can get an assessment quickly, often within a few weeks. The process is structured, evidence-based, and designed to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

If you decide to pursue a private ADHD assessment, you do not need a GP referral, but your doctor can provide valuable input, particularly when sharing medical history and any relevant past diagnoses. 

During your assessment, your psychiatrist will take a detailed history and discuss your symptoms, how they have developed over time, and how they impact your daily life. They will also explore your past medical history, family history, and any coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression. After gathering this information, the psychiatrist will formulate a diagnosis and create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Following your assessment, you will receive a comprehensive report within approximately two weeks. This report will outline your diagnosis and recommend the next steps. Your psychiatrist will explain the baseline health checks required before starting treatment if medication is advised. 

If you begin a medication trial, you typically need between three to six follow-up appointments to determine the correct dosage. During these follow-ups, your psychiatrist will monitor your response to treatment, track any side effects, and conduct physical observations such as blood pressure and weight measurements. They will also update your GP on your progress in line with GMC guidelines on safe prescribing.

Once your medication regime is stabilised, we can arrange a shared care agreement with your GP if they are willing to accept it. This allows your GP to take over prescribing your medication under NHS prescription rates, making ongoing treatment more affordable. While we cannot guarantee shared care arrangements with every GP, many of our clients who choose medication successfully transition to shared care.

Book an adult ADHD assessment HERE.

Step 3. Understanding the background history as best as possible. Childhood development - what school was like, their work experience and their relationship with drugs and alcohol.

Step 4.  The DIVA-5 aids ADHD-specific history-taking. It is important to understand when symptoms started and how much impairment, distress or difficulty they cause. 

Step 5. Explaining the outcome including any comorbid conditions e.g. OCD/ depression. I also take their questions and explain that they will think about their whole life until now and how ADHD may explain a lot of things they previously wondered about.

Step 6. Briefly cover treatment options, explain the need for tests and GP involvement, and gain consent.

Step 7. Offer a follow-up with investigation results and discuss medication in detail, including how they work, available options, side effects and monitoring. If patients are unsuitable for medication or do not want it, we discuss workplace adjustments and psychotherapy options.”

Children’s ADHD assessments involve an in-depth clinical evaluation of their symptoms, their evolution over time, and their impact on various aspects of life, including school, home, and social interactions. The psychiatrist will also take an entire developmental history, exploring past medical conditions, family history, and any potential coexisting conditions that may be affecting your child’s behaviour.

Following the assessment, parents will receive a detailed report via secure email within approximately two weeks. This report will confirm whether a diagnosis has been made and outline a tailored treatment plan. If medication is recommended, baseline health checks, similar to those for adults, will be required before starting treatment.

If your child is prescribed medication, they will need follow-up appointments to determine the correct dosage and monitor any side effects. These follow-ups are crucial for ensuring the medication is effective, well-tolerated and safe. As with adult ADHD assessments, our psychiatrists will liaise with your child’s GP to provide updates on their progress, and once a stable medication plan is in place, we can request a shared care agreement with your GP. While this cannot be guaranteed, most children prescribed medication through our clinic move onto shared care with their GP over time.

Book a child ADHD assessment HERE.

Receiving a precise ADHD diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and management. Since there is no single physical test for ADHD, a structured clinical assessment conducted by an experienced psychiatrist is the most reliable method for diagnosis. Our thorough assessment process ensures that symptoms are accurately identified and that any coexisting conditions, such as anxiety or depression, are considered.

Booking an ADHD assessment with us is straightforward. Visit our website and click the 'Book an Appointment' tab. Then, choose whether the appointment is for an adult or a child and whether you prefer a face-to-face consultation at our clinics in Manchester or London or an online appointment via Zoom. 

Once you’ve selected a date, you can also choose the psychiatrist you want to see by viewing their profiles, which outline their experience and background.  Many are experts in their field, having worked in the NHS for many years. 

Your appointment will be confirmed after you fill in your contact details and complete payment.

Book an assessment HERE

Our team is here to provide guidance and support throughout the assessment and treatment process. We encourage you to be open and transparent about symptoms and their impact, as this allows us to create the most effective treatment plan possible. Whether through therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication, early intervention and tailored treatment can significantly improve focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

It’s important to remember that while ADHD assessments are essential in diagnosing the condition, they do not always result in a diagnosis. Other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, and a comprehensive assessment will explore all possible explanations for a person’s symptoms. Additionally, some people may have ADHD-like symptoms but not meet the full diagnostic criteria for the condition.

Our specialist psychiatrists and coaches provide evidence-based services, including ADHD diagnosis, medications, coaching, mindfulness, and educational support. With a focus on empowering people to reach their potential, we offer ongoing support beyond diagnosis. For more information about our services, please visit our website at www.adhdcentre.co.uk

The journey with ADHD can be challenging, but with guidance and resources, it’s possible to build a balanced, fulfilling life. Our free drop-in sessions are just one of the ways we continue to support you on this path, helping you strengthen skills and build resilience with the support of experts who understand the ADHD experience. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or talk to a doctor if you feel overwhelmed. Remember, you are never alone. 

Our highly experienced team is on hand to provide expert insight, advice, support, and guidance on ADHD and how to manage it effectively and embrace some of its challenges. 

Book an ADHD assessment for an adult or a child HERE   

For more information on how we could help you: 

Call 0800 061 4276

Email enquiries@adhdcentre.co.uk 

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