What happens in an adult ADHD assessment
The questionnaires, the interview, who you speak to and what the report contains. A walk-through so you know what a good assessment looks like.
People put off getting assessed for years because they do not know what it involves. Here is what a good adult ADHD assessment in England looks like, step by step, so you can judge any clinic against it, including ours.
Before the appointment
You'll be sent questionnaires. Usually a self-report rating scale for ADHD symptoms, a couple of short screens for mood and anxiety, and sometimes a questionnaire about alcohol. There's often a second form for someone who knew you as a child, such as a parent or older sibling, because ADHD starts in childhood and the assessor needs a picture of you then as well as now. If nobody like that's available, say so; it does not stop the assessment, it just means the assessor relies more on your own memories and any school reports you can find.
You'll also be asked about your medical history, any heart problems in the family, other diagnoses, and the medicines you take. This matters later if medication is being considered.
Take your time with the forms. Rushed, half-completed questionnaires make the assessment harder and can mean a second appointment.
The assessment itself
The main part is a structured interview, usually 60 to 90 minutes, by video or in person. A good assessor uses a recognised interview tool rather than a chat. The one most UK clinics use walks through each ADHD symptom in turn and asks for real examples from adult life and from childhood. Expect questions like "tell me about a time you lost something important" or "what were school reports like", and expect to be asked how much each thing affects you at work, at home and in relationships.
The assessor will also ask about mood, anxiety, sleep, and anything else that could explain the symptoms or sit alongside them. That is not them doubting you. Several conditions overlap with ADHD, and a diagnosis is only useful if it's the right one.
Who makes the diagnosis
National guidance says the diagnosis should be made by a clinician with training and expertise in ADHD, on the basis of a full assessment. Many good services split the work: a trained clinician carries out the assessment, and a consultant reviews it and confirms the diagnosis. That works well when the consultant reviews the whole assessment, not just a short summary, and can speak to you if anything is unclear. If a service works this way, ask what the consultant sees and whether they'll meet you when needed.
At Kavana a clinician trained in adult ADHD assesses you and gives you your results. Our consultant psychiatrist reviews every full assessment and confirms the diagnosis, and meets you too if anything needs a closer look.
The report
You should receive a written report whether the outcome is a diagnosis or not. It should say what was assessed, what the questionnaires showed, what you described, what the assessor concluded and why, and what happens next. A one-page letter with a diagnosis and no reasoning is not enough, and GPs are less likely to accept shared care on the back of one.
With your consent, a copy goes to your GP. Ask to see it first.
What happens after
If ADHD is confirmed and you want to try medication, the next stage is titration: starting a medicine and adjusting it over a few weeks with regular reviews. If you would rather not, or medication is not suitable, coaching and practical support are the alternatives. The assessment does not commit you to anything.
Questions to ask any clinic
- Which assessment tool do you use?
- Who assesses me, and who confirms the diagnosis?
- What is in the report, and can I see an example?
- What happens if the outcome is not ADHD?
- What do you charge, and is the price the same for everyone?
Clear answers to these questions are a good sign.
This article is general information about how ADHD assessment works in England. It is not medical advice and does not replace a conversation with your GP or a specialist.