Why is Adult ADHD Assessment important?
ADHD can have a profoundly negative impact on all areas of a person’s life, their education, work, social life, self-esteem and happiness.
Many adults with ADHD are not diagnosed and therefore do not receive the treatment which could transform their life.
I offer…
a highly personalised and collaborative assessment in which we build up a detailed picture of you by gathering information about your childhood, completing questionnaires and getting a perspective from someone who knows you well. The most important part of the assessment is the semi-structured interview which takes palce of over 2 appointments in which we explore your strengths and struggles as a child and as an adult.
We will cover a broad range of topics and review the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and how they apply to you. I will assess the impact which these difficulties are having on different areas of your life, such as family, friendships, your work, how you manage routine tasks, and how you spend your free time.
ADHD rarely occurs alone. Many people with ADHD have other mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions including depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, personality disorder, substance use disorder, dyslexia, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (formerly known as Dyspraxia) and Autism. Some of these symptoms may be mistaken for, or confused with, ADHD. It is essential that the assessment accurately detects co-existing conditions for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to be made.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) states that the diagnosis of ADHD should only be conducted by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD. I am an HCPC Registered Psychologist, with a first-class degree in psychology from the University of Leeds. I have more than 20 years post-qualification experience as a Chartered Psychologist. I have received specialist training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Adult ADHD.
How do I get an ADHD assessment? You can contact me directly to request an assessment. You do not need a referral from your GP.
I offer:
2 online appointments, lasting a total of 2.5 hours, to provide information about yourself
The opportunity for someone who knew you well as a child to provide information
If there is no one available to provide information about you as a child, then there is the opportunity for someone who knows you well as an adult to provide information
Online questionnaires
A comprehensive assessment report which you can also send to your GP
A letter confirming the diagnosis (if you receive a positive diagnosis) which you can give to your employer or educational institution if appropriate
The second online appointment gives you the opportunity to discuss the outcome of the assessment and to support you to access treatment and therapy options depending on the diagnosis
Written information about relevant reading, podcasts, resources and organisations and professionals who can offer support whatever the outcome of the assessment
Information about who to contact to self-refer for medication assessment if appropriate
"Thank you so much for the whole process. My daughter and I found it extremely useful and your response times were incredibly swift. You have a gentle but professional manner and we both felt straight away that you just 'got us'. You had no preconceived ideas and were ready to listen and then use your professional knowledge to unlock things others have not managed to do.
My daughter was very happy chatting with you and you put her at ease which led to her immediately connecting and putting her trust in you - not something which usually happens at all.
The diagnosis is already helping her feel more supported and validated in her actions. It explains so many things and I am prepared to support her on the next stage of her journey - post A levels. We will look at what she needs to do/adapt/ to help her live her best life.
In short, you have given us both hope for the future and a way in to find adaptations to help her fulfil a life where she can flourish."
From mother of an A level student after an ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis.
How much does an assessment cost?
A full assessment costs £895 and includes questionnaires, all online appointments, a comprehensive Assessment Report and the post-assessment follow-up appointment.
How do I know if I need an assessment?
If you are not sure whether or not you need an ADHD assessment, please email me.
What are the criteria for diagnosis?
For a diagnosis of ADHD to be made, symptoms should:
meet the diagnostic criteria in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders V
the symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and/or inattention need to cause at least moderate psychological, social and/or educational or occupational impairment based on interview and/or direct observation
be pervasive, occurring in 2 or more important settings including social life, family, school or work settings
