Understanding an ADHD Diagnosis
What ADHD diagnosis involves, who it's for, and what to expect from the process.
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control and activity levels. A diagnosis identifies whether the difficulties you’re experiencing meet recognised diagnostic criteria, and rules out other explanations.
A diagnosis is made by a consultant psychiatrist, using structured, evidence-based assessment methods – not a quiz or a single conversation.
Is it ADHD?
Common Signs of ADHD in Adults
People who go on to be assessed often recognise patterns like:
- Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks that aren’t highly stimulating
- Losing track of time, deadlines or belongings regularly
- Feeling restless or mentally “switched on” even when trying to rest
- Finding it hard to wait to get things done
- Starting things with energy but struggling to finish them
- Emotional responses that feel more intense or harder to regulate than expected
These experiences alone don’t confirm ADHD. Many overlap with anxiety, stress, or other conditions. That’s why a full clinical assessment matters.
ADHD often presents differently for different people, especially in girls and women where it can frequently be missed or misdiagnosed.
Your ADHD Assessment
How Diagnosis Works
01
Book your assessment
Choose a time that suits you and pay for your assessment package. One price, everything included.
02
Your assessment
A fully remote clinical assessment, always led by a Consultant Psychiatrist, alongside a QbCheck. In-depth, evidence-based and unhurried.
03
Your report
You’ll receive a clear written report with your consultant’s findings and guidance on next steps.
What Happens After Diagnosis?
If ADHD is confirmed, your report will outline the diagnosis and next steps, which may include:
- Discussion of treatment options
- Guidance for sharing your report with your GP, employer, or school
- Signposting to support resources
If ADHD isn’t confirmed, your clinician will discuss what the assessment did show, and what other avenues might be worth exploring.
What Your Diagnosis Means
Your diagnosis is clinically valid, whether it’s carried out privately or through the NHS. Our assessments follow the same recognised diagnostic frameworks used across the UK.
It’s important to understand what your diagnosis does, and doesn’t, guarantee:
- Your diagnosis itself is valid and can be used with employers, schools and universities to request reasonable adjustments or support.
- Ongoing care and prescribing after diagnosis is not guaranteed to transfer to the NHS. Whether your GP is able to continue care, including any medication, depends on their individual practice’s policies.
- We are not yet accredited under Right to Choose and therefore cannot guarantee NHS-funded pathway. We will be able to share your care with your GP is they are in agreement.
We recommend speaking to your GP practice before your assessment if ongoing NHS-funded care is important to you, so you understand their position in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can book an appointment from seven days after you register. That gives you time to complete the pre-assessment questionnaires before you meet your consultant: one about you, and one for someone who knows you well, as well as gathering any relevant information ahead of your assessment.
Your appointment with a consultant psychiatrist lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
You’ll have a full clinical assessment virtually with a consultant psychiatrist. They’ll review the questionnaires you completed beforehand and talk through your experiences with you.
You’ll also take QbCheck, a computer-based test of attention, impulsivity and activity levels. It tracks how much you move while you respond to shapes on a screen, and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It gives your consultant objective information alongside the rest of your assessment.
Your GP can record your diagnosis in your medical notes. However, they can only prescribe ADHD medication started privately if your GP practice agrees to a Shared Care Agreement. Assessment UK does not currently hold a shared care agreement with NHS GPs, and some practices decline them. If yours does, you would need to continue paying privately for medication and its monitoring until your care can move to the NHS. We recommend checking your GP practice’s position before you book.
Most employers accept a diagnosis from a consultant psychiatrist. Your report can support a request for reasonable adjustments at work.
You’ll receive a full written report. If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, your consultant will talk through your treatment options, which may include medication and therapy. If ADHD isn’t confirmed, you’ll still receive a full report, and we’ll point you towards support that may help.
Our pricing is simple. Our comprehensive, consultant-led assessment costs £990 which includes a QbCheck. Head to our Pricing page for full details on what is included. Treatment, if required, is priced separately.
Book an assessment
Ready
to find out?
Book your assessment today. Thorough, consultant-led ADHD assessments without the long wait.