What to Expect at an Adult ADHD Assessment: A Complete Guide

If you've been wondering whether your persistent difficulties with attention, organisation, or impulsivity might be more than just stress or personality quirks, you're not alone. Adult ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is widely underdiagnosed, and for many people, receiving a formal diagnosis can be a life-changing experience.

Whether you’ve struggled for years without answers, or you’ve recently started seeing signs in yourself, knowing what to expect from an ADHD assessment can help ease the anxiety and prepare you for the journey ahead. At Matter of Health, we follow a structured, evidence-based process that aligns with NICE guidelines to ensure you receive the most accurate, personalised, and supportive care.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from initial questionnaires to medication discussions, titration, and long-term management.

Why Seek an Adult ADHD Assessment?

For many adults, seeking an ADHD assessment comes after years—sometimes decades—of feeling “different” or struggling with things others seem to manage easily: finishing tasks, staying organised, managing time, and maintaining focus. Without a diagnosis, these issues are often misattributed to laziness, lack of discipline, or even character flaws.

An ADHD assessment can provide much-needed clarity, self-understanding, and access to effective treatment. It’s also a chance to rule out other conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, which is why a thorough assessment is so important.

1. Pre-Assessment Preparation: Forms and Questionnaires

Before your formal assessment appointment, you'll be asked to complete a series of ADHD-specific questionnaires and background forms. These help your psychiatrist gather a clear picture of your history and current challenges, making your appointment more focused and efficient.

Common Pre-Assessment Forms May Include:

• Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1): Screens for ADHD symptoms in adults.

• DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults): Often used during the assessment but may be previewed beforehand.

• Developmental and medical history form: Includes questions about childhood behaviours, education history, work performance, family life, and medical background.

Why These Questionnaires Matter:

These forms are essential for several reasons:

• They provide structured insights into your symptoms and their impact.

• They help identify patterns from childhood to adulthood, which is crucial for an ADHD diagnosis under NICE guidelines.

• They flag up any co-existing conditions or other potential diagnoses that need to be explored.

• They ensure your psychiatrist can make the most informed and accurate decision.

Filling them out honestly and thoroughly gives your assessment a strong foundation. If you're unsure about any questions, that’s okay—they can be discussed during your appointment.

2. The ADHD Assessment Appointment: What Happens?

Your assessment is typically a 60–90 minute appointment with a consultant psychiatrist experienced in diagnosing neurodevelopmental conditions in adults. The appointment may take place in person or online, depending on your location and preference.

What the Psychiatrist Will Explore:

• Your current symptoms: Attention, organisation, memory, emotional regulation, impulsivity, and more.

• Developmental history: What you were like as a child—behaviour at school, early signs of inattention or hyperactivity.

• Education and employment: How you’ve functioned in structured environments.

• Mental health history: Including anxiety, depression, trauma, or mood disorders.

• Medical history: General physical health and any relevant neurological or psychiatric concerns.

• Family history: ADHD tends to run in families, so this can be useful context.

3. The Importance of Collateral Information

One key part of ADHD assessments—especially under NICE guidelines—is gathering collateral information. This means including input from someone who knows you well (e.g. a parent, sibling, partner, or close friend) and who can provide an external perspective on your behaviours and symptoms.

Why It Matters:

• ADHD must be present from childhood, but many adults can’t clearly recall early symptoms.

• A third-party perspective offers a more objective insight into how symptoms have appeared over time.

• It strengthens the clinical picture and helps confirm the pervasiveness of symptoms across different settings (e.g. work, home, school).

At Matter of Health, we provide collateral information forms that can be completed before or after the assessment, depending on availability.

4. Assessing for Differential Diagnoses

Not everyone who struggles with attention or organisation has ADHD. Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms, including:

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

• Bipolar disorder

• PTSD

• Sleep disorders

• Thyroid dysfunction or other medical issues

This is Why a Comprehensive Assessment Matters

Your psychiatrist’s role is not just to identify ADHD—it’s to rule out other causes of your symptoms and understand the full picture of your mental health. This process is called differential diagnosis, and it’s essential to ensure that the treatment you receive is appropriate, safe, and effective.

5. NICE Guidelines for ADHD Diagnosis

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides clear guidance for ADHD diagnosis in adults:

"Diagnosis should be made by a specialist psychiatrist or healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD, based on a full clinical and psychosocial assessment and use of validated tools" (NICE NG87, 2018).

At Matter of Health, we adhere strictly to NICE recommendations, using tools like the DIVA-5 and Barkley Scales, combined with professional expertise and structured interviews.

6. Discussing Treatment Options: Including Medication

If ADHD is diagnosed, your psychiatrist will discuss the best treatment plan for your needs. This may include:

• Lifestyle and behavioural strategies

• Psychoeducation

• Talking therapy (e.g. CBT for ADHD)

• Medication

What You Should Know About Medication

The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants (like methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine), which work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain—neurotransmitters involved in focus, motivation, and executive function.

Non-stimulant medications (like atomoxetine) may also be discussed, especially if there are co-existing anxiety or sleep issues.

In many cases, a prescription may be offered at the first assessment, but this depends on your history, current health, and the clinical judgement of your psychiatrist.

7. Medication Titration Appointment: Why It’s Essential

Starting ADHD medication isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. That’s why a follow-up titration appointment is essential.

What is Titration?

Titration is the process of adjusting your medication dose to find the optimal balance between effectiveness and side effects. Everyone responds differently, and it may take several weeks to determine the right dosage.

At Matter of Health:

• We schedule a titration appointment typically 2–4 weeks after your first prescription.

• You’ll discuss how you’ve responded, any side effects, and whether the medication is improving focus, attention, or emotional regulation.

• Further adjustments may be made, or an alternative medication trialled if needed.

This close monitoring ensures your treatment is both safe and effective.

8. Ongoing ADHD Management and Annual Reviews

ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition, and like any long-term health issue, it requires ongoing care. At Matter of Health, we recommend:

• Regular psychiatric reviews: At least every 6–12 months, depending on your consultant’s advice.

• Medication reviews: To monitor effectiveness and side effects.

• Therapeutic support: Many adults benefit from coaching, therapy, or structured CBT alongside medication.

• Lifestyle management: Sleep, diet, exercise, and routine are key parts of a successful ADHD care plan.

These follow-ups are also required for continued medication prescribing and are essential for long-term treatment success.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect Emotionally

Undergoing an ADHD assessment can be an emotional experience. You may feel nervous, relieved, validated, or even overwhelmed by the possibility of diagnosis. These reactions are all normal.

Many adults describe the experience as “finally making sense of everything.” The assessment is not about labelling you—it's about helping you understand how your brain works and giving you the tools to thrive.

Take the First Step Toward Clarity and Support

If the symptoms of ADHD are affecting your quality of life, getting assessed is a powerful first step toward feeling more focused, in control, and empowered.

At Matter of Health, we offer specialist, NICE-aligned ADHD assessments for adults, led by experienced psychiatrists and supported by a multi-disciplinary team. From the first consultation to long-term follow-up, you’ll be met with care, clarity, and evidence-based treatment.

Book your private adult ADHD assessment with Matter of Health today and take charge of your mental wellbeing.