What Happens in a Private ADHD Assessment? (2025)
Wondering what happens in a private ADHD assessment? This guide explains the process step-by-step, what to expect during your appointment, and how private diagnosis can help you access the right support and treatment.
What Is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a comprehensive clinical evaluation performed by a qualified healthcare professional to assess for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults.
Our assessments are nurse prescriber-led and follow NICE guidelines to ensure a professional, thorough, and supportive process.
How Is It Different from NHS Assessment?
FeatureNHSPrivateWait time12–24+ months2–4 weeksFormatIn-person only or mixedRemote video available UK-wideChoice of providerNHS assignedYou choose your clinicSpeed to diagnosisOften slowFaster and more personalisedFlexibilityNHS systemsPrivate, person-centred care
Who Performs the Assessment?
At our clinic, ADHD nurse prescribers with specialist training and prescribing authority conduct all assessments.
Our clinicians:
Follow NICE guidelines
Have extensive experience in ADHD assessment and treatment
Provide reports accepted by GPs and employers
How Long Does It Take?
The full ADHD assessment typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and is conducted via secure video consultation or in person.
What Is Covered During the Assessment?
Your nurse prescriber will guide you through a structured clinical interview covering:
Current symptoms (attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity)
How symptoms affect daily life (work, relationships, wellbeing)
Childhood history and development
Educational and occupational background
Mental health history (anxiety, depression, sleep)
Screening for common comorbidities
What Tools Are Used to Diagnose ADHD?
Structured clinical interview aligned with DSM-5 criteria
Validated ADHD-specific diagnostic tools (rating scales)
Screening for differential diagnoses (to rule out other conditions)
Will I Receive a Report?
Yes. After your assessment, you will receive a full written report detailing:
Diagnosis status
Summary of findings
Treatment recommendations
Options for prescribing (if clinically indicated)
Guidance on next steps (private or NHS care)
This report is typically accepted by GPs, employers, and educational providers.
Can I Access Treatment or Medication After?
If ADHD is diagnosed:
You can access private prescriptions from our clinic (if clinically appropriate)
We can liaise with your GP for shared care
You can choose ongoing private follow-up
FAQs
Is an ADHD nurse prescriber qualified to diagnose ADHD? Yes. Nurse prescribers with ADHD training follow NICE guidelines and are qualified to diagnose and prescribe for ADHD.
Will my GP accept the diagnosis? Yes, our reports follow NICE standards and are usually accepted by GPs.
Do I need to bring anything to the assessment? We recommend preparing notes on your symptoms, history, and any previous reports. We will also send pre-assessment forms.
Is it confidential? Yes. All consultations and reports are fully confidential and comply with UK data protection laws.
Ready to take the next step?
Join our early-access list today and be among the first to access private ADHD assessment through our nurse-led clinic.