Adult ADHD assessment FAQs
Clear answers about private ADHD assessment, diagnosis, treatment, medication, shared care and costs with HG Mind Works.
Assessment & Process
Questions about preparing for your assessment, what happens during it, diagnostic review, reports and what comes next.
How do I know whether I should seek an ADHD assessment?
You do not need to be certain that you have ADHD before seeking an assessment.
Adults often consider assessment because difficulties with attention, organisation, task initiation, impulsivity, emotional regulation or managing everyday demands have been persistent and are affecting work, relationships or daily life.
An assessment is designed to understand those experiences properly. It considers ADHD alongside other possible explanations and does not assume a particular diagnostic outcome.
If you are unsure, you can complete our 2-minute ADHD screening or speak to the ADHD team before booking.
How quickly can I be seen?
We aim to move quickly. Once you have started your assessment, we will send your pre-assessment forms and review them as soon as they are returned.
Assessment appointments are often available within two to three weeks of your initial enquiry, depending on clinician availability and how quickly we receive the information needed to proceed.
Most patients complete the full process, from first contact to feedback appointment, within approximately four weeks.
We will always confirm current availability before you commit to anything. If you need an appointment within a particular timeframe, speak to the ADHD team before booking.
How long does the assessment take?
The diagnostic assessment appointment itself lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Before your appointment, you will complete structured pre-assessment forms, which are reviewed by your clinician in advance.
Your written report is completed within 10 working days of the assessment and independently reviewed before it is issued. You will then have a feedback appointment to discuss the outcome, ask questions and understand what happens next.
Is the ADHD assessment remote or face-to-face?
Most adult ADHD assessments at HG Mind Works are carried out remotely by secure video appointment. This allows you to attend from home and can reduce disruption to work, childcare and other commitments.
Face-to-face assessments are also available for patients who would prefer to be seen in person, for an additional fee. The same clinical assessment process and independent diagnostic review apply whichever format you choose.
If you would prefer a face-to-face assessment, speak to the ADHD team before booking so we can confirm the location, availability and cost.
What clinicians will I see?
Your ADHD assessment will be carried out by a named clinician with experience in adult ADHD assessment. Depending on your individual pathway, this may be a registered mental health nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will know who is assessing you, their professional role and their qualifications before your appointment. Regulated clinicians are registered with the relevant professional body, such as the GMC, NMC or HCPC.
Your diagnostic outcome is also independently reviewed by a second clinician before it is finalised. You would not usually meet this clinician as part of the assessment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and choose to consider medication, you will also be supported by a qualified prescriber as part of the treatment pathway.
What is the DIVA-5?
The DIVA-5 is the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults, fifth edition. It is a structured clinical interview used as part of an adult ADHD assessment.
It explores ADHD symptoms in both adulthood and childhood, including when difficulties first appeared and how they affect areas such as work, relationships, organisation and everyday functioning.
At HG Mind Works, the DIVA-5 forms part of a wider clinical assessment. Your clinician also considers your developmental and psychiatric history, validated rating scales, supporting information where available, and other possible explanations for the difficulties you are experiencing.
Do I need school reports or childhood evidence?
Yes. Because ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, your assessment needs to consider whether relevant difficulties were present earlier in life.
As part of the pre-assessment process, we will ask you to complete developmental-history information and to nominate someone who has known you for at least 10 years to complete a separate developmental history form.
School reports can be helpful where they are available, but they are not essential. If you do not have them, this does not prevent the assessment from going ahead.
Your clinician will review the developmental information alongside your current symptoms, clinical history and other assessment evidence before reaching a diagnostic conclusion.
How is the report produced and reviewed?
Following your assessment, your assessing clinician prepares a detailed diagnostic report covering the information considered, clinical findings, diagnostic outcome and recommendations.
Before the outcome is finalised, the assessment findings and diagnostic decision are independently reviewed by a second clinician who did not carry out your assessment.
Your final report is issued within 10 working days of your assessment appointment.
What happens after the assessment?
Once the independent clinical review is complete, your assessing clinician will explain the outcome, the reasoning behind it and what happens next.
You will receive a written report setting out the assessment findings, diagnostic outcome and recommendations. A feedback appointment is included so you can ask questions and discuss the result.
If ADHD is identified, we will explain the treatment and support options available. If ADHD is not identified, your clinician will explain the findings and discuss any appropriate next steps or onward support.
Will my assessment be recognised by my GP or employer?
Our adult ADHD assessments are carried out by appropriately qualified clinicians within a CQC-registered healthcare provider and follow a structured clinical pathway aligned with NICE NG87.
Your report includes the clinical evidence considered, diagnostic reasoning, outcome and recommendations.
However, individual GP practices, employers and other organisations may have their own policies or evidence requirements. We cannot guarantee that another organisation will accept a private assessment for a particular purpose.
If you need the assessment for a specific reason, speak to the team before booking and we can explain what documentation we provide.
Can I use my assessment for a workplace reasonable adjustments request or Access to Work application?
Your diagnostic report can provide useful clinical evidence when requesting workplace adjustments or other support.
Whether you meet the legal definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 depends on the effect your condition has on day-to-day activities, rather than diagnosis alone. Access to Work can support people with ADHD and does not require you to have a formal diagnosis before applying.
If an employer, occupational health team or Access to Work adviser asks for specific supporting information, speak to us and we can advise what documentation may be available.
Can I be reassessed if I disagree with the outcome?
If you have concerns about your assessment outcome, the first step is to discuss them with the clinical team. Your clinician can explain the evidence considered and the reasoning behind the diagnostic conclusion.
If you remain dissatisfied, you can use our formal complaints process or seek an independent second opinion from another appropriately qualified provider.
We will not discourage you from seeking further clinical advice.
What happens if I need to cancel or rebook my appointment?
If you need to change your appointment, please give us as much notice as possible.
Our cancellation and refund terms depend on the stage of the service and how much notice you provide. The full arrangements are set out in the Terms and Conditions provided before you pay.
If you are considering cancelling because you are worried about the assessment itself, you can speak to the team first and we will answer any questions about what to expect.
What support is available while I am waiting for my assessment?
Once your assessment pathway has started, our team is available to answer practical questions or discuss concerns about the assessment process.
If your circumstances change significantly before your appointment, please contact us so we can advise on the appropriate next step.
HG Mind Works is not an emergency or crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health support, use NHS 111. You can also contact Samaritans free on 116 123.
What is the difference between your service and the NHS?
Both NHS and private ADHD assessments should follow appropriate clinical guidance and use recognised assessment methods.
The main differences are how the service is accessed, funded and organised. With HG Mind Works, you can self-refer and pay privately without waiting for an NHS referral pathway.
NHS waiting times and local processes vary considerably. Our private pathway also provides direct access to treatment and titration after diagnosis where this is clinically appropriate and you choose to continue with us.
I am already on an NHS waiting list. Can I still use your service?
Yes. You can choose to have a private assessment while you are waiting for an NHS service.
Using a private provider does not automatically mean that you must remove yourself from an NHS waiting list, although local NHS pathways may have their own rules.
If remaining on a particular NHS pathway is important to you, we recommend checking with that service before making any changes to your NHS referral.
Do you assess for autism as well as ADHD?
This pathway is specifically for adult ADHD assessment.
If you think autism may also be relevant, tell us when you contact the team. We can explain the current autism assessment options available through HG Mind Works or advise on appropriate next steps.
Medication & Treatment
Questions about ADHD medication, prescribing, titration, monitoring and ongoing specialist care.
Can I access ADHD medication through HG Mind Works?
Yes, where ADHD is diagnosed and medication is clinically appropriate.
If you choose to explore medication, a qualified prescriber will complete the required health and safety checks before treatment begins.
If medication is suitable, we can support you through initiation, titration, ongoing monitoring and, where appropriate, a shared-care request to your GP.
What happens during titration?
Titration is the process of finding a medication and dose that provides useful clinical benefit while keeping side effects acceptable.
Medication is usually started at a low dose and adjusted gradually. During titration, your prescriber reviews your symptoms, everyday functioning, side effects and relevant physical health measurements.
Reviews are more frequent during the initial titration period. Your dose or medication may be adjusted depending on how you respond.
How long does titration take?
There is no single titration timescale that applies to everyone.
Some people respond well to their first medication and reach a stable dose relatively quickly. Others need further dose adjustments or a change of medication before treatment is stabilised.
Your prescriber will review your progress regularly and explain when they consider your treatment stable.
What if my medication doesn't work?
Not every ADHD medication is effective or well tolerated for every person.
If your initial medication does not provide enough benefit, causes unacceptable side effects or is otherwise unsuitable, your prescriber will review the options with you.
This may involve changing the dose, formulation or medication where clinically appropriate.
Can you support shared care with my GP?
Yes.
Once you have been stable on your current medication and dose for at least three months, with satisfactory monitoring and no outstanding clinical concerns, we can ask your GP whether they are willing to enter a shared-care arrangement.
Shared care is always at your GP practice’s discretion and cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if my GP refuses shared care?
If your GP declines shared care, your treatment does not automatically have to stop.
Where clinically appropriate, HG Mind Works can continue private prescribing, monitoring and specialist review.
We will explain the ongoing costs and arrangements clearly so you can decide how you would like to proceed.
Do you provide annual ADHD medication reviews?
Yes.
Adults who remain on ADHD medication require ongoing specialist oversight, including at least an annual specialist review.
From year 2, ongoing care costs £225 per year where shared care is in place, or £450 per year where private prescribing continues.
Your review considers whether your medication remains effective, appropriate and well tolerated, alongside any relevant changes in your health or circumstances.
What happens if I stop medication?
If you stop ADHD medication for three months or more, we will normally close your active prescribing pathway and issue a discharge summary.
If you later decide that you would like to restart treatment, contact the ADHD team. You will not usually need a new ADHD diagnostic assessment, but your prescriber may need to review your current circumstances and repeat relevant health checks before medication can be restarted.
Contact the ADHD team if you are considering restarting treatment.
Costs & Practicalities
Clear information about assessment and treatment fees, payment options and ongoing costs.
What is the total cost if I go through the full ADHD pathway?
The adult ADHD assessment costs £700.
If ADHD is diagnosed and you choose to start treatment with us, Treatment Care costs £800 and covers your first 12 months of treatment from the date treatment begins.
The total cost of assessment plus the first 12 months of treatment is therefore £1,500, paid in two stages.
From year 2, ongoing specialist care costs £225 per year with shared care or £450 per year where private prescribing continues.
Medication itself is paid separately to the pharmacy.
Are there any hidden costs?
No separate administration, diagnostic-report or routine GP correspondence charges are added to your pathway fee.
The £700 assessment fee includes your pre-assessment process, diagnostic assessment, independent clinical review, written report and feedback.
The £800 Treatment Care fee covers the first 12 months of treatment, including the pre-prescribing assessment, titration and follow-up appointments, private prescription writing, relevant monitoring and GP liaison where appropriate.
Medication costs are separate. Optional services such as QbCheck or QbTest are also charged separately if chosen or clinically recommended.
Do you offer payment plans?
You can pay securely by card or bank transfer.
Flexible payment options, including Klarna where eligible, may also be available at checkout.
The £1,500 Complete Care pathway is paid in two stages. You pay £700 when you start your assessment. The £800 Treatment Care fee is only payable if ADHD is diagnosed and you choose to start treatment.
Emotional Concerns
Questions about uncertainty, masking, previous experiences and what happens if ADHD is not identified.
What if I am not sure whether I have ADHD?
You do not need to be certain that you have ADHD before seeking an assessment.
The purpose of assessment is to understand what may be contributing to the difficulties you are experiencing. Your clinician considers ADHD alongside other possible explanations rather than assuming a particular outcome.
If ADHD is identified, we will explain what that means and the options available. If it is not, you will still receive a clear explanation of the findings and appropriate recommendations.
What if I feel nervous about the assessment?
It is understandable to feel uncertain about an ADHD assessment, particularly if you have spent a long time questioning your experiences or worrying about whether you will be taken seriously.
The assessment is a structured clinical conversation, not a test you can pass or fail.
Your clinician will ask about your experiences across different stages and areas of your life. There are no answers you are expected to give and you do not need to present in a particular way.
What if I have been dismissed before?
Previous conversations about your difficulties do not determine the outcome of an ADHD assessment.
A specialist assessment looks in detail at your developmental history, current experiences, everyday functioning and other possible explanations for the difficulties you describe.
If previous experiences have made you anxious about being assessed, you can tell your clinician. They will consider the evidence available and explain their clinical reasoning.
What if I have previously been told I have anxiety or depression?
Having anxiety, depression or another mental health condition does not automatically rule ADHD in or out.
Symptoms can overlap, and more than one condition can be present at the same time.
Your clinician will consider your mental health history as part of the wider assessment and look at whether ADHD, another condition or a combination of factors best explains your experiences.
What if I have been masking for years?
Some adults develop strategies that make their difficulties less obvious to other people.
You may appear organised or capable while privately using a significant amount of effort to manage attention, routines, deadlines or everyday responsibilities.
Your clinician considers your internal experience and developmental history as well as your outward presentation. Appearing to cope well does not, on its own, rule ADHD in or out.
I seem to manage well on the outside. Does that mean I cannot have ADHD?
No.
An ADHD assessment considers the effort required to function as well as what other people can see.
Your clinician will explore how you manage work, relationships, organisation, daily responsibilities and other areas of life, including any strategies you have developed over time.
A diagnosis is based on the overall clinical evidence rather than how capable you appear during one appointment.
What happens if the assessment does not result in an ADHD diagnosis?
You will still receive a written report explaining the findings and diagnostic outcome.
Your assessing clinician will discuss the reasoning with you during your feedback appointment and explain any appropriate recommendations, signposting or further assessment that may be helpful.
The purpose of the assessment is to reach the most clinically appropriate conclusion, not simply to confirm ADHD.
ADHD in adults and late diagnosis
Questions about how ADHD can present in adulthood, later diagnosis and overlapping conditions.
Does ADHD look different in different people?
Yes. ADHD does not have one fixed presentation.
Some adults experience greater difficulties with attention, organisation and task initiation. Others experience more impulsivity, restlessness or difficulties regulating their responses. Many experience a combination.
Your assessment looks at your individual pattern of symptoms, developmental history and impact on everyday functioning rather than comparing you with a single stereotype of ADHD.
Can ADHD present alongside anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions?
Yes. ADHD can occur alongside other mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions.
Symptoms can also overlap. For example, concentration, sleep, motivation and emotional regulation can be affected by several different conditions.
Your clinician considers these possibilities as part of the diagnostic assessment and looks at how different symptoms relate to one another.
Can women be diagnosed with ADHD later in life?
Yes.
Some women reach adulthood without ADHD having been identified earlier. Symptoms may have been less visible, compensated for or attributed to other difficulties.
Adult assessment looks at both current experiences and evidence of relevant patterns earlier in life. A diagnosis can be made in adulthood where the clinical evidence supports it.
Is there a link between ADHD and the menopause?
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause may affect attention, mood, sleep and other areas that can overlap with ADHD symptoms.
Some women report that previously manageable difficulties become more noticeable during this period.
Research in this area is still developing. Your clinician will consider hormonal changes, mental health, sleep and other relevant factors as part of the wider clinical picture rather than assuming that changes in symptoms are caused by ADHD alone.
Can men be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time in adulthood?
Yes.
A person can receive their first ADHD diagnosis in adulthood even though ADHD itself begins earlier in development.
The assessment therefore looks for evidence that relevant patterns were present during childhood, even if they were not recognised as ADHD at the time.
What if I think I have both ADHD and autism?
ADHD and autism can occur together.
Our adult ADHD assessment is designed to assess ADHD and does not automatically provide an autism diagnosis.
If your clinician identifies features that suggest autism may also be relevant, they can discuss this with you and explain appropriate next steps or separate assessment options.
Recognition & reports
Information about your diagnostic report, GP recognition, workplace support and other uses of your assessment.
Are your ADHD assessments recognised by the NHS, employers and other organisations?
Our assessments are carried out by appropriately qualified clinicians within a CQC-registered healthcare provider and follow a structured clinical pathway aligned with NICE NG87.
Your report provides a detailed clinical rationale, diagnostic outcome and recommendations.
However, another organisation may apply its own policies or evidence requirements. This is particularly important for NHS prescribing and shared care, which remain subject to the receiving GP practice or NHS service’s decision.
If you require an assessment for a specific purpose, we recommend checking any particular evidence requirements in advance.
Can you provide workplace or educational supporting documentation?
Your diagnostic report can support conversations about workplace adjustments, occupational health, university disability support or other reasonable adjustments.
If an organisation requires additional documentation beyond your diagnostic report, speak to the team. We can explain what supporting letters or reports may be available and whether any additional fee applies.
Quality, safety & your rights
Information about our clinicians, clinical governance, confidentiality, complaints and your rights as a patient.
Are your clinicians qualified and regulated?
Your ADHD assessment is carried out by an appropriately qualified clinician with experience in adult ADHD assessment.
Regulated healthcare professionals are registered with the relevant professional body, which may include the GMC, NMC or HCPC depending on their profession.
You will know who is assessing you before your appointment, and every diagnostic outcome is independently reviewed by a second clinician before it is finalised.
How do you keep my information confidential?
We handle personal and clinical information in accordance with UK data protection law and our published Privacy Notice.
Information is stored securely and is only shared where there is an appropriate clinical, legal or regulatory basis to do so.
Where possible, we will discuss information sharing with you. There are circumstances where relevant information may need to be shared without consent, for example where there is a serious safeguarding concern or another legal requirement.
What should I do in a mental health crisis or emergency?
HG Mind Works is not an emergency or crisis service and cannot provide urgent or out-of-hours support.
If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E.
For urgent mental health support, use NHS 111. You can also contact Samaritans free on 116 123.
If you are already receiving care from HG Mind Works, please also tell your clinical team about any significant change in your circumstances so that we can review your ongoing care.
What if I want to withdraw from an assessment or treatment?
You can choose to stop or withdraw from the service.
We will explain any clinical implications and, where appropriate, discuss safe next steps or onward support.
Any refund or cancellation entitlement depends on the stage you have reached and the Terms and Conditions agreed when you started the service.
If you are taking prescribed ADHD medication, do not make changes to your treatment without discussing them with your prescriber.
How do I raise a concern or make a complaint?
If something has not gone as expected, please tell us.
You can raise a concern directly with the HG Mind Works team. We will explain the complaints process, investigate the concern and tell you how we will respond.
Our full complaints procedure explains what to do if you remain dissatisfied after our response.
How can I give feedback about a positive experience?
You can share feedback directly with the team or your clinician.
We also welcome verified patient reviews. If you give us permission to use feedback elsewhere, we will explain how it will be used before anything is published.
