Your questions
ADHD assessment FAQs
A little more clarity about what happens next.
General information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Talk to your GP or specialist about your own circumstances.
❓ What to expect
What is ADHD?
ADHD affects attention, activity and impulse control. Difficulties can include distraction, forgetfulness or restlessness. A specialist looks for a persistent pattern that affects everyday life, rather than occasional moments everyone can experience.
Source: NHS: ADHD in adults
Why does an assessment look at childhood?
ADHD starts in childhood, even if it is recognised much later. The specialist asks about your early experiences as well as your life now. They consider how difficulties affect different settings, such as home, work or education.
Source: NICE NG87: Recommendations
Do I need my school reports?
School reports can help you describe childhood experiences, but they are not the only possible source of information. The specialist may ask someone who knew you as a child. If reports or an informant are unavailable, tell the service before your appointment and ask what other information would help.
Source: NHS: ADHD in adults
Why might the specialist ask ‘why now’?
Explaining what prompted you to seek help gives useful context. Think about what has become difficult and what you would like to change. Concrete examples from work, home, education or relationships can help describe the impact on your life.
Source: NICE NG87: Recommendations
Can something else explain the difficulties, or happen alongside ADHD?
Yes. An assessment considers other explanations and conditions that may occur alongside ADHD. Tell the specialist about your mental and physical health, sleep, medicines and substance use. Anxiety, depression and autism may also be relevant; a screening score cannot distinguish these on its own.
Source: NICE NG87: Recommendations
What happens in an assessment, and is a diagnosis guaranteed?
A trained specialist explores your development, mental health and everyday difficulties, using your examples and, where available, information from people who know you. Questionnaires can contribute, but cannot diagnose ADHD by themselves. The outcome may be ADHD, another explanation, or a need for more information. A diagnosis is not guaranteed.
Source: NICE NG87: Recommendations
What checks happen before ADHD medication?
If medication is being considered, the clinician reviews your mental and physical health, other medicines, height and weight, blood pressure and pulse, and cardiovascular health. An ECG is not routinely needed before medication unless particular risk factors or other medicines make it necessary. Medication decisions are individual.
Source: NICE NG87: Recommendations
How is medication adjusted and monitored?
If you choose medication with your clinician, the dose is adjusted gradually while benefits and side effects are reviewed. Monitoring includes symptoms, everyday functioning and side effects, with checks such as blood pressure, pulse and weight. Let the clinician know about changes to sleep or behaviour. Do not change a prescribed dose yourself.
Source: NICE NG87: Recommendations
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
There is no single appointment length that applies to every ADHD assessment. NICE describes what an assessment must include, but does not set a universal minimum number of minutes. Interviews, questionnaires, gathering other information and reviewing it may happen over more than one appointment. Ask your service what is included and whether further appointments might be needed. Appointment length is different from the wait for an appointment; waiting times vary by service.
NICE: what an assessment includes ↗One next step
- ADHD assessment guide: eligibility, GP steps and preparation
- Right to Choose ADHD: NHS referral in England
- Try the free adult screening check
Screening can help you reflect; it cannot diagnose ADHD.
- Prepare for a conversation with your GP
- NHS ADHD assessment FAQs: referrals, paperwork and Right to Choose
- Find guides and support organisations