ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder recognised by the main diagnostic manuals known as ICD-11 and DSM-5 as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, has symptoms presenting in two or more settings (eg, at home, school, or work), and negatively impacts directly on social, academic, or occupational functioning.

The short answer is it depends. Many people will experience ADHD traits and will not need an assessment as it does not significantly have an impact on their lives and functioning. However, if you feel that you are constantly experiencing things like concentration difficulties, impulsive behaviours, and sense of restlessness leading to burnout, work difficulties and/or social impacts then it may be a good idea to have an assessment done. An assessment can highlight your strengths and difficulties and offer insight, recommendations, and accommodations to help you thrive in different situations.

The assessment process:

1. An initial enquiry via the ‘contact me’ section.
2. Leads to either a free telephone consultation (10 minutes) to discuss the process or a ADHD consultation (priced at £150) if we need to discuss further evidence and rationale for assessment.
3. Forms (including consent forms, school report forms, developmental history forms and standardised questionnaires) are sent out electronically and a deposit of £600 is required.
4. The clinical assessment interview is booked in online or in person (at Wimbledon clinic) and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
5. Following the clinical assessment interview, a report is written and evidence from other environments is collated (dependent on return of forms sent out).
6. Feedback session is offered online to discuss outcome, report and next steps – typically 2 weeks following the interview, depending on whether there are any delays from the forms being returned.

Pricing Explanation:

ADHD assessments are priced between £1100-1600 depending on complexity and need. I use tools and methodology which are recommended in NICE guidance and use the same methods in private practice as in my CAMHS role –

For example, for an 11-year-old child, this would look like a clinical assessment with parents and child (1.5 hours), school interview with teacher (1 hour), screening questionnaires (incl. Conners-3, SDQ, SCQ, RCADS) filled out by family, young person and school, and a feedback session to discuss outcome and recommendations. This is likely to cost £1400, and £1600 if a school observation is needed.

Another example is for an adult, this would look like a clinical assessment (1.5 hours), clinical history from another person (colleague, friend, siblings) filled out in a form, screening questionnaires (incl. Conners-3, SDQ, PHQ-9 GAD-7) filled out by the adult and second person, and, a feedback session to discuss outcome and recommendations. This is likely to cost £1100.

If you are unsure whether you need an ADHD Assessment, but would like to discuss some of your difficulties, I offer an ADHD consultation (50 minutes) for £150.

Please note that whilst I am a Psychologist able to assess and diagnose ADHD, I am not able to prescribe medication for ADHD, as this would require a Psychiatrist.