A Provocative Rant About UK ADHD Assessment ADHD Assessments in the UK

ADHD symptoms can have a major impact on your work and life. A diagnosis can help you better understand your challenges and discover ways to deal with these symptoms.

In the UK there is the option of having an NHS ADHD assessment through your GP. This is a candid discussion about your concerns and may include a questionnaire or screener.

What is ADHD assessment?

An ADHD assessment is an extensive evaluation of symptoms that might suggest attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The test involves obtaining information from a variety of sources, such as a medical background as well as observations from family, friends members, and teachers. The test can also include neuropsychological testing which provides more understanding of strengths and weaknesses and helps identify the presence of comorbidities.

The NHS has a system in which patients may request an ADHD assessment at the health provider they choose. This allows for a more individualized approach to mental health and could be beneficial for people who are having difficulty obtaining NHS appointments.

However the NHS has a bureaucracy, which means that patients can wait for a long time before they can be seen. Adults and children who have symptoms of the disease can find this very distressing. Private organisations offer an alternative to the NHS in order to assess those who need it.

During the evaluation an experienced psychiatrist or clinical psychologist will listen to the person's story and observe their behavior in different contexts. They will ask about their school, work and home life, and whether their problems are due to ADHD or other conditions like anxiety or depression. They will then use the information they've gathered to build an image of the person's issues and come up with a diagnosis.

The doctor will also look over the medical history of a patient to determine if there are factors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Some people may have a tendency to ADHD and have had symptoms since the age of. Other people may have thyroid disorders that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD.

During the evaluation, it is important that the individual is honest with the clinician. It may be difficult to admit to having trouble staying focused and organized but it is vital to receive the right treatment. Patients who do not receive treatment for ADHD could suffer serious consequences, such as missing work deadlines and failing classes, which could cause social or financial difficulties.

What happens during an ADHD assessment?

A psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist with expertise in ADHD will typically conduct an ADHD assessment. They can offer treatment and diagnosis options that could help you or your child.

During the examination the healthcare professional will go over your medical history as well as your symptoms. They will also be looking to determine how your symptoms impact your work and social life, as well as the causes of any other ailments that trigger them. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental illness, particularly if any of your relatives has been diagnosed with ADHD.

Then, you will be asked to complete an symptom checklist. This will allow the healthcare professional to identify whether you are experiencing a predominantly inattentive presentation, a predominately hyperactive-impulsive presentation or a combined presentation. Generally, you will need at least six established symptoms of either inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. Children will require more signs to meet the criteria for an assessment.

The healthcare professional will then ask you or your children about their behavior and how it affects their daily activities. They will also inquire about any other problems that your child or you are suffering from, such as anxiety disorders or learning disabilities.

The healthcare professional will suggest additional diagnostic testing according to the results of your interview and questionnaire. This could include a blood test or a brain scan to identify medical reasons behind the symptoms in your child or you.

If your GP suspects that you or your children have ADHD the doctor will refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist who will conduct an official assessment. The NHS procedure to receive an ADHD diagnosis is free, but it can take longer than the private method. A diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be very useful. It allows you to request adjustments at work or school that will improve your performance. This could include things like a quiet workspace and extra time during tests, or being able to use your lunch break to attend an appointment with a doctor.

How long will an ADHD assessment last?

In general, it takes between 2 to 3 hours for a psychiatrist to complete an ADHD assessment. This includes one-on-one interviews, reviewing questionnaires (rate how often and how severely you're experiencing symptoms) and an examination of your behavior, if necessary. Preparation is key. Keep a symptom journal and complete the questionnaires prior to your appointment. This will help your appointment run smoothly and means that no critical information is missed.

During the interview your consultant will inquire about your lifestyle and your mental health history and any mental health issues you or your children may be suffering from. The consultant will also consider whether you have been diagnosed with ADHD in the past, as this can influence the type of medication and dosage recommended. If you have a partner, or children it's an ideal idea to bring them along since they may be able to share their perspectives too.

Answering questions honestly and being honest with the evaluator is vital. It can be a challenging process, particularly for adults, however honesty is the key to ensuring the most accurate diagnosis. Patients often report symptoms, but not all. This can affect the outcome of the test. This could lead to a misdiagnosis and an inaccurate treatment plan, which can cause significant difficulties.

The length of the examination will depend on the amount of background information is required. The longer the assessment if you have a complicated medical or mental health background.

If you're evaluated by a specialist, they'll create an extensive ADHD assessment report and, with your permission you'll be able to send it to your GP. This will help your GP to better understand the issue and also get you the most effective treatment. We also offer advice and assistance between appointments by email or short phone calls. This service is offered free of charge. If you need a letter for your workplace or school, there is an additional charge dependent on the time it takes to write this.

What happens after an ADHD evaluation?

Prior to your appointment, we'll send you the appropriate forms to fill in. These include self-report ratings of your symptoms, as well as questions regarding your family history along with a comprehensive medical and psychiatric health assessment. These forms assist us in keeping on track with our schedules and allow the psychiatrist to spend the most time possible on evaluating your condition for ADHD. Please complete these forms before your appointment to allow the psychiatrist to review them prior to meeting you.

Your assessment will be carried out either by a psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert. In the UK only these specialists are qualified to diagnose ADHD. Doctors can discuss your concerns with you, but they cannot officially refer you to an assessment. Your assessment is likely to be conducted via video-call, though in some cases you might be able to visit your doctor in person.

During the ADHD test, you will be asked about your current symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is crucial to tell the truth and recall the symptoms you may have experienced in your childhood. This is because, according to current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD it is believed that the diagnosis of ADHD in adults is only confirmed if the symptoms were present in childhood.

You may be asked for details about your work as well as your relationships, and other aspects of your everyday life. This will help your psychiatrist obtain a complete picture of your struggles, so that they can make an informed decision on whether or not you have ADHD.

If you are assessed for ADHD the doctor will discuss with you treatments options. click to find out more can recommend medications, CBT and other treatments to manage the disorder. They will also be able to discuss any possible side effects.


A diagnosis from a professional of ADHD can be a major relief for many people. It can help ease doubts or feelings of uncertainty by confirming that ADHD is the reason for your difficulties, and not some personal flaw. It can also help your family members understand your struggles more, and build empathy for you.