Getting assessed for ADHD: what to know

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. While often associated with school-aged children, adult ADHD is gaining more visibility, and many people are only diagnosed later in life. Receiving a proper assessment is a key step in understanding one’s difficulties and accessing appropriate support and treatment. In this article, consultant psychiatrist Dr Alex Pavlovic provides an overview of ADHD symptoms and how it is assessed.

What is ADHD?

ADHD affects the brain’s executive functioning — the mental processes involved in organising, focusing, managing time, and regulating impulses. The core symptoms are typically grouped into two main domains: inattention, and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

In adults, inattentive symptoms might present as difficulties with concentration, forgetfulness, frequent disorganisation, or procrastination. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may be less physical than in children, instead manifesting as restlessness, difficulty relaxing, excessive talking, or making impulsive decisions. Many adults with ADHD also report chronic low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and persistent problems in work, relationships, or managing daily life.

When to seek an ADHD diagnosis

An adult might consider seeking an ADHD assessment if they’ve experienced these challenges for a long time and they cannot be fully explained by other conditions or life circumstances. It’s common for people to recognise ADHD traits after a child or relative is diagnosed, or following years of struggling with performance at work, frequent job changes, or feeling ‘different’ from others.

It is also important to consider assessment if symptoms have had a significant impact on quality of life, or if attempts to address difficulties through coaching, therapy, or self-help have been ineffective.

What happens during an ADHD assessment

An adult ADHD assessment is a comprehensive, structured process usually carried out by a consultant psychiatrist, sometimes alongside a psychologist or other specialist clinician. Going through the NHS typically involves referral from a GP, although private assessments are also available.

The assessment includes:

• A detailed clinical interview, covering childhood history, educational background, mental health history, and current functioning.
• Use of standardised questionnaires such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) or the DIVA (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults).
• Input from collateral sources, such as school reports, or a relative who can comment on long-term patterns of behaviour.
• Screening for other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, and personality disorders, to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

The process is not based on a single test. ADHD is a clinical diagnosis, meaning it depends on the overall picture of symptoms, their impact, and whether they meet diagnostic criteria laid out in classification systems such as the DSM-5 or ICD-11.

After an ADHD diagnosis

Following diagnosis, the psychiatrist will discuss the treatment and support options available. This might include:

• Medication, most commonly stimulant medications like methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine, which help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
• Psychological interventions, such as psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or ADHD-specific coaching.
• Lifestyle and occupational adjustments, such as structured routines, time management tools, or workplace accommodations under the Equality Act.

The aim is not simply to “treat the symptoms”, but to help the individual understand how their brain works, and to develop a more compassionate, effective way of living and working with ADHD.

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be life-changing. It often brings relief, validation, and a new framework for understanding past struggles. However, it may also raise questions about identity, past decisions, and how to adapt going forward. Support groups, therapy, and tailored ADHD resources can be extremely helpful.

It’s important to recognise that ADHD is not a flaw or failure, but a neurological difference. With the right diagnosis, support, and treatment, many adults with ADHD go on to thrive in both personal and professional areas of life.