Glossary
A plain-language guide to the terms you’ll come across during your assessment and beyond.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
A neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control and, in some cases, activity levels. It develops in childhood but frequently goes unrecognised until adulthood, particularly in people who have learned to mask or compensate for their difficulties over time. ADHD is not a personality trait or a lack of effort - it reflects differences in how the brain regulates attention and executive function.
ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale)
A screening questionnaire developed by the World Health Organisation to help identify adults who may have ADHD. It is not a diagnostic tool and a high score does not confirm a diagnosis, but it is widely used as a starting point before a formal clinical assessment.
Assistant Psychologist
A qualified graduate-level clinician who supports the clinical team with tasks such as pre-assessment triage, questionnaire review and patient communication. Assistant Psychologists work under the supervision of a qualified clinical or chartered psychologist.
AQ-10 (Autism Quotient - 10 item)
A short screening questionnaire used to identify traits associated with autism. At HG Mind Works it forms part of the pre-assessment process to help identify whether autism may be relevant alongside ADHD, as the two conditions frequently co-occur.
Baseline Assessment
A set of physical health checks carried out before ADHD medication is started. This typically includes height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and a review of relevant medical and family history. An ECG may also be carried out where clinically indicated.
CQC (Care Quality Commission)
The independent regulator of health and social care services in England. CQC registration means a provider has met the standards required to deliver regulated healthcare activities and is subject to ongoing inspection and oversight. HG Mind Works is CQC registered under its own registration.
Co-morbidity / Co-occurring condition
A term used when two or more conditions are present at the same time. In adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties and autism are among the conditions that frequently co-occur. The presence of another condition does not rule out ADHD and does not prevent assessment.
DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults, Fifth Edition
The gold-standard structured clinical interview used to assess ADHD in adults. It covers current symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as how those symptoms presented in childhood. The DIVA-5 forms the clinical core of the HG Mind Works adult ADHD assessment.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter - a chemical messenger in the brain - that plays a central role in motivation, attention and reward processing. Research suggests that differences in dopamine regulation are central to how ADHD affects the brain. Most ADHD medications work by increasing dopamine availability in key areas of the brain.
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
A non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. An ECG is carried out before certain ADHD medications are prescribed where there is a clinical reason to check heart rhythm and function. It is a routine precaution, not an indication that something is wrong.
Executive Function
A set of mental processes that help people plan, organise, initiate tasks, manage time, regulate emotions and adapt to changing circumstances. Difficulties with executive function are a core feature of ADHD in adults and often explain why everyday tasks can feel disproportionately hard.
GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder - 7 item
A validated questionnaire used to screen for and measure the severity of anxiety symptoms. It forms part of the pre-assessment process at HG Mind Works to ensure the full picture of a patient's mental health is understood before assessment.
GMC (General Medical Council)
The regulatory body for doctors practising in the UK. GMC registration confirms that a doctor is qualified, licensed and subject to professional standards. You can verify any doctor's registration on the GMC website.
HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council)
The regulatory body for a range of healthcare professionals in the UK, including psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers. HCPC registration confirms that a clinician meets the standards required to practise safely and effectively.
HTE Framework (Health Technology Enterprise)
A procurement framework used by NHS organisations and some regulated private providers. HTE Framework approval indicates that a provider has met the standards required for inclusion, and is one of the quality markers HG Mind Works holds.
Masking
The conscious or unconscious process of suppressing or camouflaging ADHD traits in order to appear more socially acceptable or functional. Masking is particularly common in adults who were not identified as having ADHD in childhood, and can make symptoms harder to recognise - both for the individual and for clinicians who are not experienced in adult presentations. Appearing capable on the outside does not rule out ADHD.
MDT (Multidisciplinary Team)
A group of clinicians from different professional backgrounds who work together to make clinical decisions, particularly in complex cases. At HG Mind Works, MDT discussion is used where indicated - for example, when initiating controlled medication or reviewing complex presentations.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)
The body responsible for producing evidence-based clinical guidelines for health and social care in England. NICE guidelines set the standard that clinicians are expected to follow. All HG Mind Works assessments follow NICE guideline NG87.
NICE NG87
The specific NICE guideline covering the diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, young people and adults. NG87 sets out the clinical standards for assessment, diagnosis and treatment - including the structured interview tools that should be used, the monitoring required during medication, and the standard for diagnostic reports. When a private provider states they follow NG87, it means their clinical process meets the same standard the NHS is required to follow.
NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council)
The regulatory body for nurses, midwives and nursing associates in the UK. NMC registration confirms that a nurse is qualified and licensed to practise. Many ADHD assessments in specialist private services are conducted by NMC-registered nurses with advanced clinical training.
NMP (Non-Medical Prescriber)
A qualified clinician - typically a nurse or pharmacist - who has completed additional training to prescribe medication independently. At HG Mind Works, prescribing is carried out by NMP-qualified clinicians working within a structured clinical governance framework.
PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 item)
A validated questionnaire used to screen for and measure the severity of depression symptoms. Like the GAD-7, it forms part of the pre-assessment process to ensure that co-occurring mental health conditions are identified and considered as part of the clinical picture.
Shared Care Agreement (SCA)
A formal arrangement between a private specialist and a patient's NHS GP, whereby the GP takes over routine prescribing and monitoring of a medication once it has been stabilised by the specialist. Shared care is a voluntary arrangement - GPs are not obliged to accept it, and whether they do varies between practices and local NHS policies. HG Mind Works is transparent about this from the outset.
Titration
The process of finding the right medication and dose for an individual patient safely. ADHD medication is started at a low dose and adjusted gradually based on clinical response, side effects and physical health monitoring. At HG Mind Works, titration reviews take place at two weeks, four weeks and three months. Titration cannot be safely rushed.
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