ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis in Wigan: What to Expect

In short: An ADHD assessment is a detailed clinical evaluation, carried out by a suitably qualified specialist, that looks at your current difficulties, your childhood history and how symptoms affect different areas of life. In the UK it should follow NICE guideline NG87, which says ADHD is diagnosed using a full clinical and psychosocial assessment rather than a questionnaire alone. At Ready Health in Standish, assessments follow this structured approach and end with a clear explanation of the outcome and next steps.

This guide, written by Ready Health's clinical team, explains what happens before, during and after an ADHD assessment.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition. It affects attention, activity levels and impulse control. Symptoms usually fall into two groups:

• Inattention: difficulty sustaining focus, losing things, forgetfulness, trouble organising tasks and following through.
• Hyperactivity and impulsivity: restlessness, fidgeting, talking a lot, interrupting, acting without thinking.

ADHD begins in childhood, but many people are not recognised until adulthood, particularly those whose symptoms are mainly inattentive or who developed ways of coping.

How is ADHD diagnosed in the UK?

NICE guideline NG87 sets out the expected standard. In summary:

• Diagnosis should be made by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD.
• It should be based on a full clinical and psychosocial assessment, including a developmental and psychiatric history and observer reports.
• Symptoms should meet the criteria in DSM-5 or ICD-11, should have started in childhood, and should cause at least moderate impairment in more than one setting, such as home, school, work or relationships.
• Rating scales and questionnaires are useful supporting tools but should not be used on their own to make a diagnosis.
• Other explanations, and conditions that commonly occur alongside ADHD (such as anxiety, depression, autism, learning difficulties or sleep problems), should be considered.

What happens during an ADHD assessment?

1. Screening and pre-assessment information. You may be asked to complete questionnaires and, where possible, provide school reports or information from someone who knew you as a child.
2. Clinical interview. A detailed conversation about your current difficulties, childhood, education, work, relationships, mental and physical health, and family history. For children, parents or carers are involved and school information is usually requested.
3. Structured tools. The clinician may use recognised rating scales and a structured diagnostic interview to check symptoms against diagnostic criteria.
4. Considering other explanations. The assessor looks at whether other conditions could explain or contribute to your symptoms.
5. Outcome and report. You will be told whether a diagnosis is made, the reasons for the conclusion, and recommendations. A written report is provided, which can be shared with your GP.

What happens after an ADHD diagnosis?

NICE recommends that support is tailored to the person. Options may include:

• Information and education about ADHD for you and your family.
• Practical adjustments at school, college or work.
• Psychological support, such as ADHD-focused coaching or cognitive behavioural approaches, and parent training programmes for families of children.
• Medication, which may be considered when symptoms continue to cause significant impairment. Before any ADHD medicine is started, a prescriber carries out a baseline health check (including heart history, blood pressure, pulse, weight and, for children, height). Whether medication is appropriate is an individual clinical decision, and it requires regular monitoring.

If treatment is started privately, some people later ask their GP to take over prescribing under a shared care agreement. GPs are not obliged to accept shared care, so it is worth discussing this early.

Is a diagnosis without an assessment valid?

No. Online self-tests can help you decide whether to seek an assessment, but they cannot diagnose ADHD. Ready Health's ADHD questionnaire is a starting point for a conversation with a clinician, not a diagnosis.

ADHD assessment in Standish, Wigan: what to expect at Ready Health

Ready Health is a CQC-registered clinic in Standish, serving people from Wigan, Chorley, Bolton and surrounding areas. Your assessment is carried out by a clinician with training and experience in ADHD, following the NICE NG87 approach described above. You will have time to ask questions, and you will receive a written report explaining the outcome and any recommendations. Please check the service page for the age groups currently seen and how to prepare.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an ADHD assessment take?

The main clinical interview often lasts 1.5 to 3 hours, although total time depends on the complexity of your history and how much information is gathered beforehand.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

Not for a private assessment. It is still helpful to let your GP know, particularly if you may later ask them about shared care. In England, adults referred by their GP for an NHS-funded assessment may be able to use the NHS Right to Choose to select a provider.

What should I bring to my assessment?

Useful items include school reports, previous medical or psychology reports, a list of current medicines, and, if possible, input from a parent, sibling or partner who knows your history.

Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?

Yes. Many people are first diagnosed as adults. The assessor will still look for evidence that symptoms began in childhood.

Will I automatically be given medication?

No. Medication is one option among several and is only considered after a prescriber has assessed whether it is suitable for you.

Key takeaways

• ADHD should be diagnosed by an appropriately qualified specialist following a full clinical assessment, in line with NICE NG87.
• Questionnaires support, but never replace, a clinical assessment.
• The assessment considers childhood history, impairment across settings and other possible conditions.
• Support after diagnosis may include education, adjustments, psychological approaches and, where appropriate, medication with monitoring.
• Shared care with a GP is possible but not guaranteed.

Sources and further reading

• NICE NG87: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management
• NHS: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• NICE CKS: ADHD

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

To find out more or arrange an assessment, visit our ADHD testing and diagnosis service in Standish, Wigan. You may also find our guide on what to expect from an ADHD assessment helpful.