ADHD Assessment Adults Prices UK
Adult ADHD assessments investigate attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and executive function to determine whether symptoms align with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Private clinics use clinical interviews, evidence-based questionnaires, and collateral history (from family or school reports) to paint a complete picture. Diagnosis unlocks medication, coaching, and workplace adjustments that help adults manage focus, planning, and emotional regulation.
Before the appointment, clinics (such as Psychiatry-UK, Clinical Partners, or ADHD 360) ask you to complete online questionnaires (e.g. ASRS v1.1, DIVA) and gather evidence of childhood symptoms—school reports, family anecdotes, old discipline records. You’ll also provide current work or relationship examples illustrating inattention, impulsivity, or hyperfocus episodes. 💡 Patients with overlapping conditions (anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder) should prepare notes on symptoms to help the clinician distinguish patterns.
The formal assessment typically lasts 90–150 minutes via video or face-to-face. A consultant psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or specialist nurse conducts a structured diagnostic interview referencing DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria. They assess mood, sleep, substance use, and risk factors, checking for alternative explanations like thyroid issues or trauma. Once the interview concludes, you receive a draft diagnosis and a detailed report within a week or two.
What Happens After an Adult ADHD Assessment?
🧾 Written report
The clinician sends a report summarising diagnosis, symptom history, and recommended adjustments for work or university. It doubles as documentation for Disabled Students’ Allowance or Access to Work applications.
💊 Medication titration
If medication is appropriate, clinics schedule a titration package—3–4 follow-up calls to adjust stimulant or non-stimulant doses while monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and side effects.
🧠 Coaching and therapy
Many services offer ADHD coaching, CBT, or skills groups covering time management, prioritisation, and emotional regulation. This complements medication and helps you build daily routines.
📅 Shared care with your GP
Once stable, your psychiatrist can write to your GP for shared-care prescribing, moving repeat scripts to NHS rates while the private clinic handles annual reviews.
How Much is an Adult ADHD Assessment in the UK?
Comprehensive diagnostic assessment: £650 to £950 including structured interview and full report.
Medication titration package: £300 to £450 for 3–4 follow-up appointments and prescription management.
ADHD coaching sessions: £90 to £140 per hour for productivity strategies and accountability.
Need to explore autism or broader mental health? Pair this assessment with our guides on adult autism evaluations and private psychiatry.
Factors that Affect ADHD Assessment Costs
🧑⚕️ Clinician type
Consultant psychiatrists cost more than clinical psychologists or nurse prescribers. Some clinics use a hybrid model to balance cost and expertise.
📄 Report detail
Assessments that include occupational or education recommendations, plus supporting letters, require extra clinician time and raise fees.
📅 Waiting time
Express assessments with faster turnaround (under two weeks) are priced higher than standard slots.
💊 Medication demand
Stimulant titration and ECG monitoring increase overall programme cost compared with diagnosis-only packages.
How to Save Money on Adult ADHD Assessments
💡 Prepare comprehensive evidence
Collect school reports, prior mental health assessments, and family questionnaires ahead of time. This reduces back-and-forth and potential follow-up interviews.
🤝 Explore NHS Right to Choose
Some providers (e.g. Psychiatry-UK) accept NHS Right to Choose referrals, offering private-style assessments funded by the NHS. Waiting times are longer but cost-free.
📅 Choose virtual assessments
Video consultations are often cheaper and more flexible, particularly for adults balancing work or childcare.
FAQs
Will a private diagnosis be accepted by my GP?
Yes—private reports from regulated practitioners are recognised. GPs use them to arrange shared-care or follow-up referrals.
Do I need a childhood history?
Ideally yes. ADHD is neurodevelopmental, so evidence of symptoms before age 12 helps meet diagnostic criteria.
How soon can medication start?
If ADHD is confirmed and no contraindications exist, titration can begin within 1–2 weeks of the report being issued.
Are non-medication options available?
Yes. ADHD coaching, CBT, and occupational therapy provide structure and coping strategies even if you choose not to take medication.
Does insurance cover ADHD assessments?
Some insurers fund assessments and titration packages, but pre-authorisation is essential. Check exclusions for neurodevelopmental diagnoses.
Conclusion
An adult ADHD diagnosis can unlock life-changing support, but preparation and smart planning keep costs reasonable. Gather childhood evidence, weigh NHS and private routes, and combine medication with coaching to make the investment count. 😁
 |
Jane Smith |
| Am British, live in London (1985–present) |
