Mock NHS ADHD assessment — practise and print

Part 1 of 7

Growing up

ADHD starts in childhood, so the clinician will want to hear about your early years. It's fine to ask family to help fill gaps.

Pregnancy and birth

Any complications, being born early, low birth weight, or smoking/alcohol in pregnancy.

Early milestones

Roughly when you walked, talked and started reading. Any delays?

As a baby and toddler

Very active? Hard to settle? Sleep, feeding, tantrums?

Primary school

Concentration, finishing work, fidgeting, losing things, friendships, what teachers said.

Secondary school

Homework, revision, exams, detentions, getting organised.

How things changed over time

Did things get easier, harder, or just look different as life got busier?

Part 2 of 7

Life right now

Clinicians ask for real examples, not just yes or no. A short story for each area is perfect.

Work or study

Deadlines, mistakes, lateness, job changes, how you cope.

Home

Bills, paperwork, chores, losing things, appointments.

Relationships

Interrupting, forgetting plans, strong feelings, conflict.

Money and driving

Impulse buys, missed payments, near-misses or fines.

What helps

Reminders, routines, people — and what happens when those aren't there (like on holiday).

Your strengths

What you're good at. This matters too!

Part 3 of 7

Someone who knows you

Services almost always ask for another person's view — a parent, sibling, partner or old friend. Hand them this section, or print it for them. If nobody is available, that's okay; just let the clinician know.

Who is filling this in, and how long have you known them?

Which of these signs do you notice? Give an example for each.

Losing focus, being disorganised, restlessness, interrupting, forgetting things.

When did you first notice them? Were they there before age 12?

Where do you see them — home, social life, work or school?

How do they affect daily life?

Part 4 of 7

Physical health

This helps rule out other causes and keeps any future treatment safe. There's no blood test or scan for ADHD — this is just about your general health.

Part 5 of 7

Mental health

Lots of things can look like ADHD or come alongside it. Ticking a box here doesn't mean anything is wrong — it just helps the clinician see the whole picture.

Part 6 of 7

Staying safe

Every assessment includes a few safety questions. They're asked of everyone, so please don't worry. Clinicians explain that they may need to share information if someone is at serious risk.

Have you ever had thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life?

If you're having these thoughts now, please call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK) or 988 (USA), or 999/911 in an emergency.

Any risky driving, spending or gambling that worries you?

Do you feel safe at home? Is anyone else at risk?

Part 7 of 7

If medication comes up

Only if you and your clinician decide medication is right. This is general information from NICE guidance — your prescriber will tailor everything to you.

🪜 Start low, go slow: doses are increased step by step over several weeks, with check-ins along the way.
💊 Usually first: a stimulant medicine. Other options like atomoxetine (a non-stimulant) are there if stimulants don't suit you.
❤️ Regular checks: blood pressure, pulse and weight before starting, after each dose change, and then at least every 6 months.
📈 ECG (heart trace): only if there are heart symptoms like palpitations, or a relevant family history.
😴 Side effects to mention: trouble sleeping, less appetite, feeling on edge, or a racing heart.
🤝 Shared care: later, your GP may take over prescribing — it's worth asking early if they do this.

Your check-in log

Medication monitoring log
Date	Medicine & dose	BP	Pulse	Weight	Sleep / appetite	Notes

Mock NHS assessment