Adult ADHD Assessment

Adult ADHD Assessment and Diagnostic Services in London

Awareness of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has increased significantly in recent years. Many adults are now recognising long-standing patterns of inattention, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, or difficulty with organisation that may have been present since childhood.

A correct diagnosis of Adult ADHD can be life changing. It can provide clarity, validation, and access to appropriate treatment and support. At the same time, ADHD is a nuanced diagnosis that requires careful, thoughtful assessment. Symptoms often overlap with other psychological, emotional, or neurodevelopmental experiences, and a superficial or rushed assessment risks missing the full picture.

At Central Health London, we provide rigorous, consultant-led Adult ADHD assessments informed by the UK Adult ADHD Network quality framework. Our approach prioritises accuracy, clinical depth, and a holistic understanding of you as an individual, not a checklist of symptoms

Understanding Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and may persist into adulthood. While hyperactivity is often less visible in adults, difficulties with attention, focus, memory, emotional regulation, time management, and task initiation frequently remain.

Many adults seeking assessment have already spent years developing coping strategies. Others present during periods of increased pressure, such as career progression, parenting, relationship changes, or burnout. These life stages often expose difficulties that were previously masked.

It is also common for individuals to arrive having completed online screening tools or read personal accounts on social media. While these can be helpful starting points, they are not diagnostic. A reliable diagnosis requires careful clinical assessment across both childhood and adult life.

A Thoughtful and Rigorous Diagnostic Process

Our Adult ADHD assessments are designed to be comprehensive and clinically robust. We do not base diagnostic decisions on a snapshot of current symptoms alone. Instead, we explore:

• Early developmental and childhood experiences

• Educational history and functioning

• Current cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns

• The presence of coping strategies and compensatory behaviours

• Input from people who know you well, such as a parent or partner, where appropriate
  

This depth is essential. ADHD does not exist in isolation, and symptoms can overlap with anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties, or other neurodevelopmental differences. Our clinicians take time to explore what is driving your decision to seek assessment now, and whether ADHD is the most accurate explanation.

Consultant-Led Adult ADHD Care at Central Health London

Central Health London offers a specialist, multidisciplinary environment for Adult ADHD assessment. All pathways include a full psychiatric assessment, ensuring medical oversight and diagnostic clarity.

Our assessments are informed by the UK Adult ADHD Network Adult ADHD Assessment Quality Assurance Standard (AQAS). This framework reflects best practice and is increasingly important when considering onward care, including shared care arrangements with NHS GPs.

We encourage in-person assessments whenever possible, as they allow for a more thorough and nuanced evaluation. Follow-up appointments may offer some flexibility depending on clinical need.

Psychiatric ADHD Assessment Pathway

This pathway is led by a Consultant Psychiatrist and is suitable for individuals who prefer continuity with a single senior clinician throughout their assessment.

The psychiatrist will conduct a detailed clinical assessment, exploring ADHD symptoms alongside broader mental health considerations. This includes evaluating for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, or mood disorders, which may influence diagnosis and treatment planning.

This option may be appropriate if you are seeking a clear diagnostic outcome with medical oversight and would prefer to work with one clinician throughout the process.

Combined Psychology and Psychiatry ADHD Assessment Pathway

Our combined assessment pathway offers a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing on the complementary expertise of both a Consultant Psychiatrist and an experienced Clinical Psychologist.

This approach allows for a deeper exploration of how your developmental history, psychological patterns, and current circumstances interact. In addition to a diagnosis where appropriate, you will receive a brief clinical formulation that explains the root of your experiences and how they connect to present-day symptoms.

This pathway is particularly valuable for individuals who want a fuller understanding of themselves, are considering psychological therapy or coaching alongside medication, or may present with complex or overlapping difficulties.

What This Pathway Includes

• A two-hour appointment with a Clinical Psychologist using a semi-structured ADHD diagnostic interview, including DIVA-5

• Additional validated measures and questionnaires, administered and scored

• An informant report where possible, incorporating input from someone who knew you in childhood

• A psychiatric assessment lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes

• A tailored diagnostic report including formulation and treatment recommendations
  

This multidisciplinary report is often more acceptable to NHS GPs when considering shared care arrangements.

Medication, Titration, and Ongoing Care

If medication is indicated, this will be prescribed and titrated by a Consultant Psychiatrist. Medication decisions are made carefully, with discussion of benefits, risks, and expectations.

Ongoing prescriptions may be managed in several ways:

• Continued prescribing by our psychiatric team

• Delegation to our Private GP London service

• A Shared Care Agreement with your NHS GP, where appropriate
  

It is important to note that shared care arrangements have become less straightforward due to increasing pressures on NHS services. Our experience suggests that comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessments supported by detailed clinical reports are more likely to be accepted by NHS GPs.

Beyond Diagnosis: A Holistic View of ADHD

A diagnosis is only one part of the process. Many adults benefit from additional support to understand how ADHD affects their work, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and self-esteem.

Where appropriate, we may recommend psychological therapy, coaching, or support from our Psychology & Counselling service. This allows care to be aligned with your goals and preferences, rather than limited to symptom management alone.

What to Expect From Your Assessment

Your assessment at Central Health London is designed to be thorough, respectful, and unhurried. You can expect:

• Clear explanations at every stage

• Time to explore your experiences in depth

• Thoughtful consideration of differential diagnoses

• A personalised and clinically grounded outcome

• Guidance on next steps and treatment options
  

Our aim is to provide clarity and confidence, whatever the outcome of the assessment.

Book an Adult ADHD Assessment

If you are considering an Adult ADHD assessment and want a rigorous, evidence-based approach led by senior clinicians, our team is here to help.

Appointments are available with our Consultant Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists in central London. We welcome enquiries and are happy to discuss which assessment pathway may be most appropriate for you.

What is involved in an adult ADHD assessment?

An adult ADHD assessment involves a detailed clinical evaluation of both current symptoms and childhood experiences. At Central Health London, assessments include a full psychiatric review and, where appropriate, psychological assessment using validated diagnostic tools such as structured interviews and questionnaires. The aim is to determine whether ADHD is the most accurate explanation for your experiences, while also considering other possible contributing factors.

How long does an adult ADHD assessment take?

The length of an adult ADHD assessment depends on the pathway chosen. A combined psychology and psychiatry assessment typically involves several hours of clinical contact across multiple appointments. This allows time to explore developmental history, current functioning, and informant input where available. Taking sufficient time is essential for a rigorous and clinically sound diagnosis.

Is a private adult ADHD diagnosis accepted by the NHS?

NHS acceptance of a private adult ADHD diagnosis varies between GP practices and local areas. In our experience, diagnoses supported by comprehensive assessments and detailed multidisciplinary reports are more likely to be accepted. All assessments at Central Health London follow UK Adult ADHD Network quality standards, which can support shared care discussions with NHS GPs.

Do I need to provide information from childhood for an ADHD diagnosis?

Yes. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood. Evidence of symptoms before the age of 12 is an important diagnostic criterion. Where possible, we request information from someone who knew you as a child, such as a parent or caregiver. If this is not available, clinicians will explore alternative sources of developmental history.

Can anxiety or depression be mistaken for adult ADHD?

Symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and burnout can overlap with ADHD, particularly in adults. Difficulties with concentration, memory, and motivation are not specific to ADHD. A thorough assessment is therefore essential to differentiate ADHD from other conditions or to identify co-occurring difficulties that may also require treatment.

Will I be prescribed medication if I am diagnosed with adult ADHD?

Medication is considered only if clinically appropriate and after a full discussion of benefits and risks. If medication is recommended, it will be initiated and titrated by a Consultant Psychiatrist. Not everyone diagnosed with ADHD chooses medication, and alternative or additional psychological approaches may also be recommended.

What is the difference between the psychiatric and combined assessment pathways?

The psychiatric pathway involves assessment by a Consultant Psychiatrist alone and may suit individuals seeking continuity with a single clinician. The combined psychology and psychiatry pathway offers a multidisciplinary perspective, including a detailed psychological formulation. This can be particularly helpful for complex presentations or for those seeking a deeper understanding of their experiences.

Can adult ADHD be diagnosed later in life?

Yes. Many adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, often after years of coping strategies or during periods of increased demand. Late diagnosis does not mean symptoms were not present earlier. Assessment focuses on understanding how ADHD may have shaped your experiences over time.

Is an in-person ADHD assessment required?

We recommend in-person assessments wherever possible, as they allow for a more comprehensive and nuanced evaluation. Some follow-up appointments may offer flexibility depending on individual circumstances and clinical need.

What happens after my adult ADHD assessment?

Following your assessment, you will receive a detailed diagnostic report outlining conclusions and recommendations. This may include medication options, psychological therapy, coaching, or further support. Your care plan is tailored to your needs and aligned with your preferences and goals.