Understanding ADHD & Assessment
Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined Type.
Yes. Many people move between presentations as they age. Hyperactivity in childhood, for example, often becomes inattentiveness or restlessness in adulthood.
Combined type is the most frequently diagnosed, though inattentive ADHD is significantly under-recognised, particularly in women.
No. Treatment is personalised to the individual and their presentation. Medication is one option and not always the first one considered.
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, impulsivity and activity levels. It can present differently from one person to another, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms.
For adults, ADHD can affect areas such as work, relationships, organisation, time management and everyday responsibilities. Some people recognise these difficulties from childhood, while others only begin to explore the possibility of ADHD later in life.
Understanding what is behind these experiences can be an important first step towards getting the right support.
ADHD can affect people in different ways. You might experience difficulties with concentration, organisation, restlessness, impulsivity or managing everyday tasks. You may also find that you put a great deal of effort into keeping on top of things, even when it appears easy to others.
These experiences do not automatically mean you have ADHD. Similar difficulties can occur for other reasons, which is why a professional assessment is important if you want to understand what’s happening.
ADHD is diagnosed through a specialist clinical assessment. This looks at your symptoms, personal history, how difficulties affect your everyday life and whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met.
The clinician will consider evidence of symptoms over time, including whether they were present during childhood, alongside other relevant information. Questionnaires and additional assessment tools can help build a fuller picture, but no single questionnaire or test can diagnose ADHD on its own.
Talking to a specialist is an important part of an ADHD assessment, but it is not the whole picture.
A thorough assessment considers your experiences, symptoms, personal history and how these affect your day-to-day life. At Assessment UK, every assessment is consultant-led and includes QB Check, a computer-based assessment tool that provides additional information about attention and activity.
The consultant considers all relevant findings together before reaching a clinical conclusion. This helps ensure the assessment looks beyond individual symptoms and considers the wider picture.
An ADHD assessment is about understanding your experiences, not simply confirming a diagnosis.
Sometimes, an assessment finds that the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are not met. Other factors may help explain the difficulties you have been experiencing, and these will be considered as part of the clinical assessment.
Whatever the outcome, the aim is to provide a clearer understanding of the findings, explain the recommendations and help you consider appropriate next steps. You do not need to receive an ADHD diagnosis for an assessment to be useful.
About Our Assessment Service
A private ADHD assessment with Assessment UK costs £990, including QB Check as standard.
We want you to understand what you are paying for before booking. Your assessment is carried out by a consultant and includes a clinical evaluation of your symptoms, personal history and the impact ADHD-related difficulties may be having on your life.
QB Check is included in the price, rather than charged as an additional extra. The assessment fee covers the assessment itself; any subsequent treatment or ongoing care is separate.
Every Assessment UK ADHD assessment is consultant led.
Your assessment is carried out by a consultant psychiatrist with specialist clinical expertise. They will explore your symptoms, personal history and current circumstances, consider the information gathered during the assessment and determine whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met.
Our service is supported by Athona’s more than 20 years of healthcare experience, with a focus on providing a professional, clinically governed assessment service.
QB Check is a computer-based assessment tool that measures aspects of attention, activity and impulsivity. It provides objective information that can support the clinician’s overall assessment.
At Assessment UK, QB Check is included in every ADHD assessment. We believe it is important to consider more than one source of information when assessing ADHD.
QB Check does not diagnose ADHD on its own. Your consultant will interpret the results alongside your symptoms, personal history and other relevant clinical information.
Yes. Assessment UK currently provides ADHD assessments remotely, so you can attend your appointment online rather than travelling to a clinic.
Your assessment remains consultant-led and follows a clinical process designed to explore your symptoms, history and how your experiences affect everyday life.
You will need a suitable private space and a reliable internet connection to take part. Any instructions or questionnaires required before your appointment will be provided as part of the booking process.
The £990 fee includes your consultant-led ADHD assessment and QB Check.
The assessment considers your symptoms, personal history and the impact of any difficulties on your everyday life. Your consultant will review the relevant information before reaching a clinical conclusion, and the outcome will be explained to you.
You will also receive a report setting out the assessment findings and relevant recommendations. If ADHD is diagnosed, the next steps can be discussed with you.
Medication titration, medication costs, prescriptions and ongoing follow-up appointments are not included in the initial assessment fee.
After Your Assessment
Once your assessment is complete, your consultant will explain the findings and whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have been met.
You will receive a report outlining the assessment outcome and relevant recommendations. Depending on the findings, this may include discussing treatment options, considering other sources of support or exploring whether further investigation is appropriate.
If ADHD is diagnosed, you can discuss the next steps with the clinical team. If it is not diagnosed, the assessment findings and recommendations can still help you understand what to consider next.
If your assessment confirms an ADHD diagnosis, your consultant will explain the findings and discuss appropriate next steps with you.
Depending on your circumstances and clinical needs, these may include medication, psychological support, practical strategies or other forms of ongoing care.
If you wish to explore medication, this involves a separate titration process. A diagnosis does not automatically mean medication is required or suitable for everyone, and any treatment decisions will be based on your individual clinical needs.
ADHD medication titration is the process of finding a suitable medication and dose, where medication is clinically appropriate.
At Assessment UK, titration is provided separately from the initial assessment and involves nurse-led appointments with clinical monitoring. The process can involve up to four appointments, depending on individual needs and progress.
Your clinician will review how you respond to medication, consider any side effects and make appropriate adjustments. The aim is to find a safe and suitable treatment approach. Medication, prescriptions and any associated pharmacy costs are separate from the initial assessment fee.
No. The £990 fee covers your consultant-led ADHD assessment and QB Check. Medication titration is a separate service, and medication and prescription costs are additional.
If you receive an ADHD diagnosis and want to explore medication, the clinical team can explain the next steps and the relevant costs before you decide whether to proceed.
You are not required to pursue medication after your assessment. Treatment options depend on your clinical needs, preferences and suitability.
Your GP may be able to take over prescribing through a shared care arrangement, but this is not guaranteed.
Shared care arrangements depend on factors including your GP’s agreement, local NHS policies and the clinical requirements for your ongoing treatment. A private ADHD diagnosis does not automatically mean your GP will accept responsibility for prescribing or monitoring medication.