ADHD Assessment FAQs
About the Assessment
An ADHD assessment explores patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, including how these characteristics affect everyday life. The clinician may ask about developmental history, education, work, relationships and other relevant experiences. Questionnaires, clinical interviews and information from people who know you may also be considered. The assessment evaluates whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met and whether other explanations need to be explored.
The duration depends on the person's age, individual circumstances and the assessment process. Some assessments can be completed within an appointment, while others may require additional appointments or information before a conclusion can be reached. Check MyPsych's current appointment duration and expected process before booking.
ADHD assessments may be available in person or remotely, depending on the provider and the individual's circumstances. An online assessment still needs to gather sufficient clinical information to evaluate the relevant diagnostic criteria. Confirm which formats MyPsych currently offers and whether a remote assessment is suitable for your needs.
An ADHD diagnostic assessment should be conducted by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional with relevant training and experience in ADHD. The professional's role and qualifications may vary according to the person's age and the assessment pathway. Before booking, check the clinician's credentials and the scope of the service.
Referral requirements depend on whether you are accessing an NHS service, an NHS-funded pathway or a private assessment. NHS pathways commonly involve referral through a GP or another appropriate healthcare professional. Some private providers accept direct bookings. Check MyPsych's current referral requirements before arranging an appointment.
Yes. ADHD can be assessed in both children and adults. An assessment considers how symptoms affect the person's life and whether the diagnostic criteria are met. For children, parents, carers and sometimes school staff may provide relevant information. Adult assessments may explore childhood history alongside current experiences at work, in relationships and in daily life.
Diagnosis & Results
The timeframe depends on the provider's reporting process, the complexity of the assessment and whether additional information is needed. MyPsych should confirm its expected turnaround time before booking and explain whether any follow-up appointment is required before the report is finalised.
An ADHD report generally outlines the assessment process, relevant clinical findings and whether the diagnostic criteria have been met. It may include information about symptoms, developmental history, functional impact, other relevant conditions and recommendations for support or treatment. The exact contents depend on the assessment and provider.
If the assessment does not result in an ADHD diagnosis, the clinician should explain the findings and the reasons for the conclusion. You may still receive information about the difficulties identified and recommendations for appropriate next steps. Depending on your circumstances, further exploration of other conditions or support needs may be suggested.
You can generally ask to share your report with your GP, subject to the provider's procedures and appropriate consent. The report may help your GP understand the assessment findings and recommendations. However, acceptance of a private diagnosis or recommendations for treatment and medication depends on the clinical circumstances and the receiving service.
A report from an appropriately qualified professional can provide important clinical evidence of an ADHD diagnosis. However, NHS services may need to review the report, assess treatment needs or follow their own prescribing and monitoring procedures. Recognition of a diagnosis does not automatically guarantee access to a particular treatment or shared-care arrangement.
Pricing & Booking
The cost depends on the type of assessment, the person's age and what is included in the service. Check MyPsych's current pricing information for the applicable fee. If adult, child or priority pathways have different prices, these should be clearly explained before booking.
Inclusions vary by provider and assessment pathway. The fee may cover clinical appointments, questionnaires, diagnostic evaluation, a written report and a feedback appointment, depending on the service. Check whether follow-up appointments, medication reviews or ongoing treatment are charged separately.
If MyPsych offers a Priority Complete Pathway, this section should explain how it differs from the standard assessment route, including the appointments, services included, eligibility and expected timeframe. Confirm the current pathway details directly with MyPsych before publishing so that visitors receive accurate information about what is included.
Payment options depend on MyPsych's current booking policies. If instalments are available, explain the payment schedule, eligibility requirements and any conditions relating to appointments or reports. Confirm the current payment terms before publishing this information.
Cancellation and rescheduling arrangements depend on the provider's terms and conditions. Check the required notice period, any applicable fees and the process for changing an appointment. MyPsych should make its current cancellation policy available before customers confirm their booking.
Start by reviewing the available assessment options and confirming which service is appropriate for your needs. Follow MyPsych's booking instructions or contact the team to ask about eligibility, appointment availability, fees and the information required before your assessment.
NHS & Right to Choose
In England, eligible patients may have a legal right to choose certain providers for planned NHS healthcare services. This may include an appropriate ADHD assessment provider when the relevant eligibility criteria are met. Availability depends on the provider, service and individual circumstances. Right to Choose does not operate in the same way across all UK nations.
ADHD assessments may be available through the NHS following referral and assessment under the relevant pathway. In England, some eligible patients may also be able to access an appropriate provider through Right to Choose. Whether MyPsych offers NHS-funded ADHD assessments, and under which arrangements, must be confirmed before this is advertised.
A private assessment may be an option for people who prefer to arrange an assessment independently. Before booking, check the clinician's qualifications, assessment process, report inclusions, total cost and follow-up arrangements. Private assessments are generally paid for by the individual unless another funding arrangement applies.
NHS waiting times vary depending on location, age group, referral pathway and service capacity. Some people may wait several months or longer. Contact the relevant NHS service or ask your GP about local waiting times. Published estimates should not be treated as a guarantee of when an assessment will take place.
This depends on MyPsych's current commissioning arrangements and the specific service offered. Confirm directly with MyPsych whether it accepts NHS referrals through Right to Choose, which age groups are eligible and what referral criteria apply. Do not describe MyPsych as an approved provider unless its current status has been verified.
Treatment & Medication
Medication may be considered after an ADHD diagnosis when clinically appropriate. A clinician will assess your symptoms, medical history, potential risks and treatment preferences before recommending medication. A diagnosis does not automatically mean that medication will be prescribed. Confirm whether MyPsych provides medication assessment, initiation and follow-up services.
ADHD medication may include stimulant medicines, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine, and non-stimulant medicines in appropriate circumstances. The choice depends on factors such as age, symptoms, medical history, potential side effects and individual treatment needs. Medication should only be prescribed and monitored by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Shared care is an arrangement in which responsibilities for ongoing treatment are shared between specialist services and a GP. For ADHD, this may involve a specialist initiating medication and stabilising the dose before asking the GP to manage repeat prescriptions and routine monitoring under an agreed plan.
Shared care requires the agreement of the relevant professionals. It is not automatic, and arrangements can vary between GP practices and local services.
A GP may decline a shared-care request if they are unable to accept the proposed responsibilities or if the arrangement does not meet their clinical or local requirements. If this happens, contact your specialist to discuss the reasons and available alternatives. You may need to continue specialist-led prescribing or explore another appropriate care arrangement. Do not stop prescribed medication without discussing it with your clinician.
No. Medication is one possible treatment option, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Treatment may also include psychoeducation, practical strategies, psychological support, environmental adjustments and help with organisation or daily routines. The most appropriate plan depends on your symptoms, preferences and individual circumstances.
Not necessarily. Medication may require a separate clinical review, medical history checks, baseline observations and a discussion of benefits and risks. Some people may need additional investigations or follow-up before treatment begins. The timing depends on the assessment findings and the provider's prescribing process.
Support After an ADHD Diagnosis
Support depends on individual needs and may include understanding ADHD, developing practical coping strategies, improving organisation, managing daily responsibilities and exploring appropriate treatment options. Some people may benefit from psychological support, workplace adjustments or help with education and relationships.
Yes. ADHD may affect attention, organisation, time management, impulsivity and emotional regulation. These experiences can create challenges at work, in education or in relationships, although their impact varies between individuals. Clear communication, suitable strategies and appropriate adjustments can help address some of these difficulties.
Yes. ADHD can occur alongside autism, anxiety, depression and other conditions. Some symptoms may overlap, so a comprehensive clinical assessment considers the person's developmental history, current difficulties and possible co-occurring conditions. Identifying these needs can help guide appropriate support and treatment.
An ADHD diagnosis may help explain the difficulties a person experiences and support discussions about possible adjustments. Examples may include written instructions, structured tasks, reduced distractions or additional organisational support. The appropriate adjustments depend on the individual's needs and the setting. In the UK, legal obligations depend on the relevant criteria and circumstances.
Some people with ADHD may qualify for financial support if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria. For example, PIP in England, Wales and Northern Ireland considers how a condition affects daily living and mobility, rather than relying on a diagnosis alone. Scotland has a different disability benefit system. Check the current official guidance for the benefit and location concerned.
ADHD Assessment for Adults & Children
Yes. ADHD can be diagnosed in adulthood, even if it was not recognised during childhood. An adult assessment considers current symptoms, the impact on everyday life and evidence of symptoms during childhood. The clinician will also consider whether other conditions or circumstances could better explain the difficulties.
A child ADHD assessment explores attention, activity levels, impulsivity, developmental history and how symptoms affect everyday life. Information from parents, carers and school may be relevant. The clinician considers whether symptoms are persistent, occur across relevant settings and meet the diagnostic criteria.
Yes. Parents or carers may be asked to describe the child's development, behaviour and everyday experiences. Information from school or other professionals may also help the clinician understand how the child functions in different settings. The exact process depends on the child's age and circumstances.
ADHD can present differently between individuals. Some women and girls may experience less obvious hyperactivity or develop strategies to compensate for difficulties with attention and organisation. This can contribute to ADHD being overlooked. A proper assessment considers the individual's symptoms and developmental history rather than relying on stereotypes.
Online Assessment & Screening
Some providers offer remote ADHD assessments. However, the assessment must still be sufficiently comprehensive to evaluate the relevant diagnostic criteria and the person's circumstances. Confirm whether MyPsych offers online assessments, what the process involves and whether additional appointments or in-person checks may be required.
An ADHD screening test is a preliminary questionnaire that identifies symptoms that may warrant further exploration. A diagnostic assessment is a more comprehensive clinical evaluation that considers symptom history, everyday impact, developmental information and other possible explanations. A screening score alone cannot establish an ADHD diagnosis.
No. An online questionnaire may help you recognise symptoms associated with ADHD, but it cannot independently confirm a diagnosis. If the results raise concerns, consider discussing your experiences with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
A screening result may indicate that further assessment could be helpful, but it does not mean that you definitely have ADHD. A qualified professional can explore your symptoms, developmental history and everyday experiences to determine whether a full assessment is appropriate.
An online assessment is not automatically invalid simply because it takes place remotely. Important considerations include the professional's qualifications, the quality and completeness of the assessment and whether the relevant clinical standards are followed. Acceptance of the resulting report for medication, NHS care or another purpose may depend on the receiving service's requirements.
