What Happens in an ADHD Assessment? Key Steps and What to Expect

Many people wonder what really happens during an ADHD assessment. An ADHD assessment involves talking with a specialist about your symptoms, medical history, and daily life, often including questions about school or work and how you manage attention, activity, and behaviour. This process often includes input from families, teachers, or others who have regular contact with the person being assessed.

These appointments can last about an hour and may take place in person or as a video call. Assessments are done by professionals like paediatricians or psychiatrists, who use their experience to understand what you are going through and to decide if an ADHD diagnosis fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

• ADHD assessments are led by trained specialists and may include family or teacher input.

• The main focus is to learn about symptoms and daily challenges.

• Seeing a specialist is the only way to get an official ADHD diagnosis.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental condition. People with ADHD may find it hard to focus, organise tasks, or sit still.

Common ADHD symptoms include:

• Difficulty paying attention or following instructions

• Fidgeting, restlessness, or talking a lot

• Forgetfulness and losing things often

• Impulsiveness, such as interrupting others

ADHD affects both children and adults. Some people are not diagnosed until they are older. Adult ADHD can look different from ADHD in children. Adults may struggle with time management, work tasks, or maintaining relationships.

ADHD is considered a neurodivergent condition. This means the person's brain works differently from what is typical. ADHD is part of the broader idea of neurodiversity, which includes autism spectrum disorder and other conditions. Some people have both ADHD and autism.

There is no single test for ADHD. Instead, professionals look at patterns of behaviour over time. It is not caused by bad parenting or a lack of effort. ADHD is a recognised medical condition.

Who can diagnose ADHD?

Several professionals can diagnose ADHD. Each has different training and may offer unique insights.

Common types of professionals who diagnose ADHD include:

• Psychologists

• Psychiatrists

• Paediatricians

• General Practitioners (GPs)

• Neurologists

• Clinical Social Workers

• Nurse Practitioners

• Other licensed mental health professionals

A psychologist can carry out interviews, behavioural observations, and use rating scales. They focus on understanding emotional and cognitive patterns.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can assess, diagnose, and prescribe medication. They often handle more complex cases, especially when other mental health issues are present.

Paediatricians and GPs sometimes diagnose ADHD in children or adults, especially if the symptoms are clear. They may refer to a specialist if needed.

A neurologist may get involved if there are signs of nervous system problems.

The table below shows common professionals and their roles:

A referral is sometimes needed, depending on the setting and the patient’s age. Most assessments involve gathering history, behaviour reports, and, in some cases, standard questionnaires.

Not every healthcare professional can both diagnose and begin treatment, so it is important to ask about their specific qualifications.

What Happens In An ADHD Assessment?

An ADHD assessment usually starts with a clinical interview. The psychiatrist or psychologist asks detailed questions about symptoms, behaviour, and daily life. They also talk about medical history and family mental health conditions.

A physical exam is often part of the process. This helps rule out other reasons for symptoms, such as hearing or vision problems.

Professionals use tools like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to guide the diagnosis. They compare the person’s behaviour to the criteria for ADHD found in this manual.

Parts of an ADHD Assessment:

• Interview with the person and sometimes family members

• Review of past records (school or work)

• Standardised questionnaires or rating scales

• Behavioural observation

• Physical examination

• Screening for other mental health conditions

Sometimes, psychological testing is included. These tests look at memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

The assessment aims to see if the symptoms match those required for an ADHD diagnosis. Other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, may be considered at the same time.

ADHD assessments are carried out by professionals trained in mental health. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other clinician with experience in diagnosing ADHD.

Can I Have A Private ADHD Assessment?

Private ADHD assessments are available for adults and children in the UK. Many people consider this route for faster results, more choice in providers, and a more flexible experience compared to the NHS.

Benefits Of Private ADHD Assessment

A private ADHD assessment can often be booked much sooner than an NHS appointment. Some private clinics offer self-referral, so a GP referral is not always required.

Private assessments give individuals more options for choosing a specialist. Many providers let you select between in-person and video consultations. This flexibility can be useful if travel is difficult or if a particular service is preferred.

Costs for private ADHD assessments in the UK usually start around £795 for adults and £1,395 for children. It is important to check that the clinic and specialist are registered with the General Medical Council. Some people may want to use the NHS Right to Choose pathway, which can allow patients to be assessed by an approved service outside their local NHS trust, funded by the NHS.

Below is a quick summary comparing private and NHS assessment routes:

What Usually Happens In An ADHD Assessment?

An ADHD assessment typically starts with a clinical interview. A specialist, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or another trained mental health professional, will ask questions about symptoms, behaviour, and daily challenges. They look for signs of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Pre-assessment questionnaires are often sent out before the appointment. These forms help gather information about medical history, family history, and previous experiences with symptoms. Key areas like concentration, impulse control, and emotional regulation are also explored.

During the appointment, the clinician may use screening tools or rating scales. These help measure inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. In most cases, feedback is requested from both the individual and people who know them well. This can include parents, teachers, or partners.

A detailed developmental and clinical history is reviewed. The clinician will ask about early childhood behaviour and any other health problems. Executive functioning skills, such as organisation and planning, are also discussed.

Sometimes, the process involves direct observation. This allows the clinician to watch for signs of hyperactivity or inattention. The assessment does not use a single test; instead, it collects information from many sources to build a full picture.

Most assessments finish with a discussion about the findings and what might happen next. If ADHD is diagnosed, treatment planning and support options are considered.

How Long Does An ADHD Assessment Take?

An ADHD assessment usually takes between 90 minutes and 3 hours. The length depends on the assessment method, the person’s needs, and the clinician’s approach.

Most of the time is spent talking one-to-one with a specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, or other mental health professional. The specialist gathers details about symptoms, behaviour, and history.

Sometimes, they will also speak with someone who knew the patient as a child. This helps to check for symptoms during childhood, which is important for diagnosis.

A typical appointment may include:

• A review of the person’s medical and mental health history

• Discussion about when and where symptoms appear (for example, at work or school)

• Questionnaires or rating scales

• An assessment of current difficulties with focus, hyperactivity, or impulsivity

Some clinics may ask about previous treatment options or any use of medication. They may talk about possible approaches like behavioural therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the future.

It is not uncommon for the clinician to discuss possible next steps near the end of the assessment. This may involve talking about a tailored treatment plan, whether ADHD medication might help, or other support.

The assessment is usually done in one session, but follow-ups can be needed, especially for treatment planning or further testing.

Ready Health ADHD Assessment

Ready Health’s fully remote ADHD assessment, available for adults and children - includes pre-assessment forms, a 60–90-minute video consultation with a qualified clinician, a clear written diagnostic report within 1–2 weeks, and optional follow-up or medication reviews to support you long after your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do they do in an ADHD assessment?
A specialist gathers your history and symptom details, uses questionnaires and observations, rules out other conditions, and then advises on support or treatment.

What are the 5 main symptoms of ADHD?
Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, trouble following instructions and difficulty organising tasks.

What questions are asked in an ADHD assessment?
Questions focus on childhood and current behaviour, work or school challenges, family history and how symptoms affect daily life.

What is the 24 hour rule for ADHD?
A self-help tip to wait 24 hours before making big decisions to curb impulsivity.

What is the 80 20 rule for ADHD?
A productivity hack to focus on the 20 per cent of tasks that yield 80 per cent of results.

Can you work full time with ADHD?
Yes - many do, especially with clear routines, regular feedback and reasonable adjustments.

What jobs are hard for people with ADHD?
Roles requiring long, silent focus or heavy paperwork without breaks often prove most challenging.