ADHD can present with a wide range of signs and symptoms. Although many people with ADHD may experience similar struggles, each person has their own distinct difficulties. It is important for an ADHD diagnosis to be conducted by professionals who possess up-to-date expertise and knowledge in this field.
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects both children and adults. It can make it difficult to pay attention, manage impulses, and stay still for long periods. People with ADHD often struggle with staying focused, organizing tasks, and may experience impulsive behavior that impacts daily life.
ADHD is commonly classified into three main types:
Predominantly Inattentive Type:
Characterised by difficulties with sustaining attention, being easily distracted, and challenges with organisation and completing tasks.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:
Involves excessive physical activity, restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty managing self-control.
Combined Type:
A mix of symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.
It’s important to understand that ADHD exists on a spectrum, and individuals may experience symptoms across different types or notice changes over time. This is why a comprehensive ADHD assessment by a Consultant Psychiatrist is essential to accurately identify the type and develop a personalised treatment plan.
By recognising the diverse nature of ADHD, we can better appreciate each person’s unique strengths and challenges, ensuring that support and interventions are tailored to meet individual needs.
ADHD can present with a wide range of signs and symptoms, and while many people share similar struggles, every individual experiences ADHD differently. This is why a professional ADHD diagnosis, conducted by specialists with up-to-date expertise, is essential—especially for adults who may have gone undiagnosed in childhood.
In adults, ADHD symptoms can often be overlooked or mistaken for stress, anxiety, or personality traits. However, common signs include:
Difficulty maintaining attention, becoming easily distracted, and struggling to stay on track with tasks at work or home.
Acting without thinking, interrupting conversations, or making quick decisions that may later be regretted.
Challenges with structuring tasks, poor time management, frequently losing items, or feeling constantly disorganised.
Persistent feelings of overwhelm due to difficulties with attention and organisation, often leading to increased stress and worry.
While ADHD symptoms often begin in childhood, they can continue—and even intensify—into adulthood as responsibilities grow. Many adults only recognise these traits later in life when they notice ongoing struggles with focus, impulsivity, or organisation affecting their careers, relationships, and wellbeing.
If you find these challenges familiar, an adult ADHD assessment can provide clarity. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment, adults with ADHD can access effective support to manage symptoms and improve daily life.
Taking the first step towards an ADHD assessment can feel overwhelming, but receiving a diagnosis and treatment from an expert Consultant Psychiatrist can make a life-changing difference.
Our psychiatrists provide personalised ADHD assessments, carefully considering your physical health, family history, and how symptoms impact your daily life. Every assessment is tailored to your unique challenges, with a focus on identifying any related conditions (such as anxiety or mood disorders) to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
If ADHD is diagnosed, your psychiatrist will create a customised treatment plan designed to manage your specific symptoms. While there is no cure for ADHD, the right combination of medical treatment and psychological support can significantly reduce the impact of symptoms, helping you regain focus, control, and confidence in everyday life.
Book appointments with Consultant Psychiatrists who bring decades of trusted NHS experience to your mental health care.
Connect with expert psychiatrists specialising in ADHD and ADD assessments and treatment for individuals of any age.
We offer NHS Shared Care Agreements at no extra cost, subject to approval from your GP for continued support.
All assessments follow strict NICE guidelines, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care you can trust.
Dr Sai was brilliant. I was nervous for the assessment but he was very friendly, understanding, clear, patient, and professional. His friendly manner put me at ease immediately. The whole assessment went very smoothly, all of the questions were clear and easy to answer. Any question I was unsure of, Sai gave examples or happily re-explained, which hugely helped. I felt listened to and didn’t feel rushed or pressured to answer any questions at all. My overall experience was great, everything was explained in lots of detail for me to understand and he was extremely professional, friendly, and understanding. Overall, my assessment with Dr Sai was excellent and i would really recommend him to anyone. Thank you so much for such a positive experience with my assessment, i am very grateful.
Review TextI had a really positive experience with my ASD assessment with Dr. Sai. My partner had recently been diagnosed as autistic by him, so I knew right away that I wanted to be assessed by him too and I'm so glad I did. I also have ADHD, so I’m not always the clearest when trying to explain things, and I tend to mask quite heavily. I was worried I might not be able to communicate everything properly or that I wouldn’t get a clear answer. But from the start, Dr. Sai made me feel completely at ease. I was able to speak freely, and I felt genuinely listened to and understood. I was never rushed, and he was patient even when I went off topic, which I often do. I would highly recommend Dr. Sai if you’re seeking an ASD assessment. I know there are a lot of horror stories out there about the diagnostic process especially for women, and it can feel like a total minefield but I honestly can’t recommend him enough. Thank you so much!
Dr Sai Achuthan is an excellent doctor. He’s friendly, kind, thorough and professional. He had read all my notes before my appointment with him and had taken the time to know and understand me. He was attentive during the appointment and made me feel at ease immediately. I don’t always find it easy talking to strangers but I felt very relaxed and able to explain myself to him. He has a fantastic knowledge of his field and a great understanding of how autism can present in females. I was delighted to have him as my consultant and would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone undergoing an assessment for ASD or ADHD, or indeed anything else within his domain.
I felt very much at ease, respected and not patronised. I felt I could trust Dr Achuthan's assessment and could trust him enough to be myself in the interview which is hard for me because I am usually trying to meet the expectations of the person I'm talking to. I appreciate that doing the assessment online means more people in different locations can be seen but I would have preferred to meet in person.
I am very grateful to have seen Dr Sai Achuthan. I was nervous before beginning my appointment but I quickly felt more at ease and he asked me questions that seemed to cover a lot of aspects of autism and they prompted me to remember important points that were useful for my diagnosis. I also like how he clearly explained the different levels of autism and diagnosed me with level 1 autism.
From the moment I was referred, I have been treated with an incredible amount of care and attention. Taking only four months, I was diagnosed with autism quickly, avoiding a long and lengthy process. Dr Sai was fantastic and really put me at ease. I would recommend him and Psychiatry UK to anyone.
I had my autism assessment and diagnosis with Sai, and I can not recommend him enough. He made me feel really relaxed and comfortable and was very understanding. I’m so glad I chose him. Thank you for giving me the answers I have longed for! If I had to do it all over again I would 100% chose sai again.
ADHD assessments are tailored to each individual, ensuring a comprehensive and personalised approach. The full assessment is carried out in four parts, typically totalling around 3 hours of appointment time:
Pre-Assessment Questionnaires
Before your appointments, you'll receive a series of questionnaires and rating scales to complete on your phone or computer. These help us gather essential background information.
Part 1: Specialist Clinician Appointment (1 Hour)
You’ll meet with a specialist clinician who will guide you through the respected DIVA-5 assessment, considered the gold standard for ADHD evaluation.
Part 2: Consultant Psychiatrist Appointment (1 Hour)
Next, you’ll meet with an expert Consultant Psychiatrist with extensive NHS experience. Using all the information gathered, they will conduct a diagnostic assessment and, where appropriate, provide a diagnosis. If medical treatment is agreed upon, it can begin immediately after this session.
Part 3: Specialist Psychologist Appointment (1 Hour)
When ready, you’ll have an initial therapy session with a psychologist, focusing on managing ADHD-related challenges. This session introduces effective psychological treatment options, either alongside or as an alternative to medication.
Additionally, if necessary, we may gather insights about your childhood behaviour through remote questionnaires sent to someone familiar with your early years (typically a parent).
For those who wish to explore their diagnosis or treatment plan further, an optional feedback session is available (additional fees apply) to address any questions or discuss aspects in more detail.
Yes, your formal diagnosis report can be used to access support in both workplace and educational settings. Many employers, universities, and schools recognise official assessments when providing reasonable adjustments, such as extra time for tasks, flexible working arrangements, or additional learning support. We ensure that your report is comprehensive and meets the necessary standards to help you request the accommodations you need.
Many individuals receive a formal diagnosis during their Part 2 appointment with a Consultant Psychiatrist, where all gathered information is carefully reviewed. However, in some cases, the psychiatrist may determine that a different condition—or a combination of diagnoses—is more appropriate based on your symptoms.
If no diagnosis is made, you will still receive clear, practical guidance on the next steps. This may include recommendations for further testing, additional assessments, or advice on how to manage any ongoing difficulties. Our goal is to ensure you leave the process with clarity and a path forward, whether or not a diagnosis is given.
