ADHD Assessment Information (NHS and Private)
ADHD Assessment Information (NHS and Private)
Before Your ADHD Assessment
Ahead of your appointment, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire. This helps us build a picture of how ADHD symptoms may be affecting different aspects of your life. Where possible, we also ask that someone who knows you well - such as a family member, close friend, or colleague - completes a similar questionnaire. This provides valuable additional perspective.
We also ask you to record your blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight before your assessment. You can do this at home using a blood pressure monitor, at your GP surgery, or at a local pharmacy. If you are attending an in-person assessment, a member of our team can obtain these measurements at the time.
During Your ADHD Assessment
Assessments are offered either:
In person at our Shrewsbury clinic
Online via a secure video platform
You are welcome to bring a friend or family member for support.
Your assessment will be led by a trained clinician, who will guide you through a comprehensive rating scale to help identify your symptoms. They will also take a detailed family and developmental history to help rule out any other condition(s) that may be contributing to your symptoms.
The assessment is divided into two parts:
1) The Conversation:
The first part of your assessment is a guided discussion, where we explore:
How you experience symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
Your work and relationship history
Childhood experiences and other relevant aspects of your life
This is a relaxed conversation with no right or wrong answers. It helps us understand your personal experiences and challenges and how they may be affecting your quality of life.
2) The Conclusion:
In the second part, we will review the results of your questionnaires alongside the information gathered during your conversation. This combined approach helps us decide whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
If you receive a diagnosis, we will discuss ADHD treatment options in detail. If medication is considered clinically appropriate, we will explain how it works and what to expect. The decision to begin medication is entirely yours - we will support whichever option feels right for you.
If you do not meet the diagnostic criteria, we will discuss other possible explanations for your difficulties and consider what further support may be helpful.
Assessment Duration
ADHD assessments typically last up to two hours. We understand this can feel like a long time, so we allow at least one break during your consultation to ensure you remain comfortable and at ease throughout.
Following the Assessment
The outcome of our findings will be shared with your GP. A detailed report will be created and provided both to you and your GP.
If during the consultation a pathway of treatment wasn't immediately apparent to our practitioner, for instance they wanted to liaise with other specialists within the team, then once this information has been collected and considered you will be contacted to discuss further.
Treatments & Support
If you receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the next step is to consider the support and treatment options available to you.
Medication
If you are found eligible and decide to undertake a course of medication, this will then be prescribed and monitored by an MHWS specialist. During the monitoring period different medications and dosages may be trialled until an appropriate fit is found for you. This process is referred to as titration. (Link here to Medication and Titration information)
For many patients we are able to start the medication process from the point of assessment - if medication is chosen and agreed as clinically appropriate. Unlike some services that separate diagnosis and treatment with additional waiting lists, we aim to provide timely access so that you can begin experiencing its benefits as soon as possible.
Depending on the type of medication or medications applied then ongoing prescription and care may be supplied directly by MHWS or passed over to your GP via a Shared Care Agreement. Link to SCA here
Support
The support on offer is different between Private and NHS. I have added this below.
NHS INFO ONLY
Support without Medication
Choosing whether to take ADHD medication is a personal decision. If you decide not to start medication - or if it is not suitable for medical reasons - you will be discharged from our commissioned service. However, you can be re-referred in the future if your circumstances or preferences change.
Importantly, ADHD can be supported in many ways beyond medication. We are continually exploring ways to offer additional support, including signposting to trusted services and resources. Although we recognise the value of psychoeducational approaches and wider therapeutic input, our current NHS commissioning contract covers specialist ADHD assessments and, where appropriate, medication initiation, monitoring and support only.
Cancelling or Rebooking an Appointment
If you are unable to attend your appointment, you must let us know at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not, we will have to discharge you from the service. This forms part of our NHS contractual obligations and helps us manage waiting lists fairly, ensuring other patients can be seen efficiently.
NHS ADHD Medication Treatment We Provide
We are commissioned by the NHS specifically to provide pharmacological treatment for ADHD . This means that if you choose to try medication, we can support you safely through that process.
Private INFO ONLY
Support
Therapies
If therapy is a suitable route forward, then you have our full support to decide on whether you wish to accept and within your own time.
Depending on the therapy you will be introduced to the practitioner who will present, guide and implement the therapy whilst monitoring and tailoring it your individual needs as the course progresses.
Cancelling or Rebooking an Appointment
Cancellations and/or rebookings must be made at least 7 days prior to the appointment time and date. Otherwise, the appointment charge will apply. Within 7 days of the appointment, refunds or rebooking without charge will only be granted in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of a Director.
Fees and Summary of Payment Terms for an Adult ADHD Assessment
We offer Adult ADHD assessments privately at a cost of £675.00.
We require payment of the full cost of the assessment either prior to or at the time of booking the appointment.