Private ADHD Assessment for Adults

The cost of an ADD/ADHD assessment is £1000. 

ADHD can sometimes present differently in men and women. Traditionally, ADHD has been more noticeable in men, especially in childhood, and is often characterised by overt hyperactivity and impulsiveness. In contrast, women with ADHD might display symptoms that are less obvious, such as inattentiveness, internalised restlessness, and disorganisation, sometimes leading to their ADHD being overlooked. It’s not uncommon for women to be diagnosed later in life, as their symptoms might have previously been misattributed to anxiety or mood disorders. 

If you’re navigating ADHD, it’s important to be aware that it can often come with additional challenges. You might find that you struggle with anxiety and/or depression, learning disabilities or substance use disorders. Sleep issues are also common in ADHD. Recognising and addressing any interconnected conditions will be key to effectively managing your ADHD and enhancing your overall wellbeing.

You might be wondering if you need a referral from a doctor, and the answer is no. Most people self-refer for an ADHD assessment. This means you can directly reach out to us without needing to go through your GP first.

An ADHD assessment in the UK typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the provider. It usually involves a detailed clinical interview covering your symptoms, medical history, and how ADHD affects your daily life. You may also complete questionnaires or rating scales, and sometimes information from family members or teachers is requested. Some assessments may be spread over multiple sessions or include follow-ups.

To prepare for an ADHD assessment, gather relevant medical records and a detailed personal history, including childhood behaviour, educational performance, and work experiences. Make a list of your symptoms, focusing on how they affect daily life, such as attention, organisation, and impulsivity. If possible, ask family members or close friends for input on your behaviour. Complete any pre-assessment questionnaires your clinician provides and bring a list of any medications you’re taking. Being honest and open during the assessment will help ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Understanding what leads to ADHD in adults is crucial for both those experiencing it and for those around them. ADHD is not a condition that suddenly appears in adulthood. It’s a biological condition and a part of the broader spectrum of neurodiversity.

ADHD is rooted in brain function and development. If you have ADHD as an adult, you’ve likely had it all your life, even if it wasn’t recognised. Once receiving a diagnosis, it’s common for people to look back and identify behaviours and difficulties from their childhood that align with ADHD symptoms. This might include difficulties in school, social challenges, or unique ways of processing information.

Some adults with ADHD may have been diagnosed with other conditions, particularly if their ADHD symptoms were misinterpreted. Anxiety, for instance, often coexists with ADHD or is mistaken for it. This overlap can lead to a misunderstanding of the root causes of your experiences.

You might wonder, “If I’ve had ADHD all my life, why am I only noticing it now?” The answer often lies in the adaptive strategies you’ve developed over time. Many adults with ADHD have found ways to function well in certain areas of life, perhaps even excelling or thriving in certain environments. These coping mechanisms can mask ADHD symptoms, making them less noticeable until a change in circumstances brings them to the surface.

ADHD can be both a challenge and a strength. On one hand, it can lead to difficulties like procrastination, disorganisation, and trouble focusing on tasks. On the other, it can manifest as a unique ability to multitask, rapidly process information, and adapt quickly to changing situations. This ‘superpower’ aspect of ADHD allows many adults to juggle tasks effectively and think outside of the box.

The impact of ADHD varies widely. For some, it can be debilitating, significantly impacting daily life, work, and relationships. For others, it’s a part of their identity that, when understood and managed effectively, contributes to their success and creativity.

Understanding how your ADHD manifests is the key to managing it effectively and harnessing its potential.

Adult ADHD is a multifaceted and often misunderstood condition, presenting itself in a number of ways that are as unique as you are. ADHD isn’t just about being unable to focus or being overly active; it’s a complex interplay of symptoms that can impact every area of your life.

You might find yourself in a constant state of physical or mental motion, indicating hyperactivity. This could look like wanting to move all the time or a mind buzzing with thoughts, making it hard to find a moment of peace. 

Alternatively, inattention could be your primary struggle, manifesting as challenges in maintaining focus. Those struggling with ADHD often feel as though their minds are being pulled in multiple directions, making it difficult to complete tasks or fully follow conversations.

But ADHD is more than these core symptoms. Do you find yourself riding a rollercoaster of emotions? Adults with ADHD can experience intense and rapidly changing emotions. Impulsivity may lead to quick decisions that overlook long-term consequences, affecting various aspects of life, from your relationships to career choices.

Ultimately, your own personal experiences with ADHD will be pivotal in painting the full picture. You might have felt misunderstood or labelled unfairly throughout your life. That said, you might also recognise the creative and dynamic thought processes that ADHD brings, viewing it as a source of unique perspectives and talents as well as challenges.

From a clinical standpoint, diagnosing ADHD in adults involves a thorough understanding of not just your current symptoms but your history as well. It’s about piecing together your life’s narrative, and identifying persistent patterns over time.

Remember, ADHD doesn’t manifest the same way in everyone. While some thrive in high-energy, creative roles, others might find these types of demands more challenging. Understanding this variability is key to tailoring our treatment approach to meet your unique needs.

Adult ADHD is a complex, multifaceted condition, far beyond a simple issue of focus or activity levels. It encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences and therefore requires a tailored approach to understand and manage effectively. Our goal is to recognise these differences and work with you to address your specific challenges as well as harness your unique strengths.