Assessment Process

The first stage allows us to gather information to see if an ADHD diagnosis is likely (if the diagnosis is unlikely, we will signpost you to alternative resources). We then speak to your selected friends/family (you are not required for this, and it is normally held remotely). The final stage is the second assessment which includes psychoeducation, reflections on the previous discussions and discussions on the different treatment options.

There are emerging computer-based programmes to help assess an individual’s response to a stimulus, these can use virtual reality or a camera looking at your eye movements. At present there is a lack of research on their use in adults.

Initial Assessment

Before attending for your appointment we will email you some information about the topics we will discuss during your assessment appointment, this allows you to make some notes and ensures there are no ‘surprise’ topics that you might feel uncomfortable discussing. Most of the topics we discuss are based on the DIVA-5 assessment process and take about an hour to get through.

Depending on your medical history, it might be useful to have some routine blood tests to ensure there are no anaemias, thyroid issues, or diabetes. There is an extra charge for biochemical tests, some prefer to have these tests conducted with their GP. Please see our costs page for more details.

During this appointment (or you can email us before) you will provide the contact details of two individuals who have known you for a long period. Ideally, at least one should be able to talk about you as a child/teenager/young adult; this could be a family member or a long-standing friend. We contact these individuals to arrange a mutually agreeable time and a list of questions is emailed to them before the discussion.

Family/Friends Assessment

An informal discussion takes place with family or friends who can recall you in your early years. As ADHD is a ‘neurodevelopmental’ disorder the American DSM criteria requires some features of ADHD to be present before the teenage years.

Second Assessment

We normally schedule the second appointment at least 2 weeks after the first appointment. This allows us to contact your friends/family and to commence your report. The second assessment allows you to clarify any questions from the previous interactions. We provide feedback from your friends/family discussions and supply you with information on ADHD.

Finally we work with you on deciding if any treatment options are required.