Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is far more common than was previously thought, yet most adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed. NHS waiting lists currently run between four and seven years in many parts of the UK. At MHW Clinic, comprehensive private assessment is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team — a Consultant Psychiatrist on the GMC Specialist Register, an HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist, supporting clinicians and a family support officer — with no referral required and no NHS-style waiting list.
Educational information — not a substitute for clinical assessment
This page describes adult ADHD in general terms to help you decide whether assessment may be helpful. It is not a diagnostic tool. ADHD can only be diagnosed by a qualified clinician after a comprehensive assessment that considers your full history, current presentation, and other possible explanations for your symptoms. If you recognise yourself in what follows, please book an assessment.
Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, impulses, and activity levels. Although the symptoms begin in childhood, many adults are diagnosed for the first time in their 20s, 30s, 40s or later — either because they were missed as children, or because the demands of adult life (work, relationships, parenthood) have unmasked difficulties that were previously managed.
ADHD is not a problem of intelligence, motivation, or willpower. It is a difference in how certain brain networks — particularly those involving dopamine and noradrenaline — develop and function. With the right understanding, support, and treatment where appropriate, most adults with ADHD report significant improvement in their quality of life, relationships, and work.
ADHD presents in three main ways in adults:
of adults are estimated to have ADHD. Most remain undiagnosed.
ADHD affects people of all backgrounds, but several patterns are well documented:
Adult ADHD looks different from childhood ADHD. Visible hyperactivity often fades, replaced by internal restlessness, racing thoughts, or constant fidgeting. Adults are more likely to present with executive function problems — difficulty starting, organising, and finishing tasks — than with the classic "can't sit still" picture.
These features must have been present since childhood (even if not formally identified) to fit an ADHD diagnosis. Adult-onset attention problems are usually caused by something else — depression, sleep deprivation, thyroid issues, perimenopause, or medication side effects — and need a different work-up.
ADHD is fundamentally a neurodevelopmental condition with a strong genetic basis. It is not caused by parenting, screen time, sugar, or modern life. Several factors influence presentation and severity:
NHS adult ADHD pathways currently have waiting lists of four to seven years in many areas. Private assessment at MHW is typically completed within 1–3 weeks of your first contact. The diagnostic standard is the same; the wait is not.
A proper ADHD assessment cannot be done in a single short appointment, and we are honest about that. Our assessment is structured to NICE guidance (NG87) and includes the following:
A 30–45 minute conversation with a psychiatrist to discuss your concerns, hear what brought you in, and decide whether full assessment is the right next step. If ADHD is unlikely, or another diagnosis is more probable, we say so — and recommend the right route.
You complete validated screening tools (such as the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults — DIVA-5, or equivalent) which structure the discussion at your full assessment. You’ll also complete impact and quality-of-life measures.
ADHD must, by definition, have been present in childhood. Where possible, we collect evidence from this period — school reports, parental observations, or testimony from someone who knew you as a child. If this is impossible (records lost, parents deceased), we work with what’s available; absence of childhood evidence does not automatically mean no diagnosis.
A 90–120 minute appointment with the psychiatrist. The assessment covers your current symptoms in detail, life history, school and work history, relationships, family history, sleep, mood, substance use, and any other psychiatric or physical conditions that could explain the picture. We rule out alternatives carefully: depression, anxiety, thyroid dysfunction, sleep disorders, and other conditions can mimic ADHD.
You receive a clear written report, a verbal explanation of the findings, and the rationale for the diagnosis (or alternative diagnosis). If ADHD is diagnosed, we discuss what the next steps look like and answer questions before anything is decided.
Treatment is always tailored to the individual. We follow NICE guidance and current best practice. The discussion of options happens in consultation, after assessment — not online, and not before we’ve met you.
Medications used for adult ADHD fall into two main categories: stimulant medications and non-stimulant medications. Each has its own profile of effectiveness, side effects, monitoring requirements, and suitability. Specific medications are discussed in clinic, after assessment, in the context of your individual health, history, and preferences. We don’t name or describe medications outside the consultation room — under UK law, prescription medicines cannot be advertised to the public, and we follow that rule strictly.
Medication isn’t always the right starting point, and isn’t always needed. We discuss and signpost:
If medication is appropriate after assessment, we follow NICE guidance for prescribing and monitoring. This includes baseline observations (blood pressure, pulse, weight, ECG where indicated), gradual titration to find the most effective dose with the fewest side effects, and regular review. We do not prescribe ADHD medication without a confirmed diagnosis and an in-person consultation.
Once you are stable on medication, some NHS GPs and ICBs accept ongoing prescribing under a shared-care agreement, which is more cost-effective long-term. This is becoming less common in 2026 — most NHS Trusts and ICBs are not accepting new shared-care agreements from private providers. It depends entirely on your individual GP’s policy and local NHS commissioning. We’ll provide everything your GP needs to make a decision, but we cannot guarantee they will agree.
Many adults find that diagnosis is the single most important step — not because the diagnosis fixes anything, but because it reframes years of self-criticism. People often describe a sense of relief at finally understanding why certain things have always been hard.
Strategies that consistently help:
Untreated adult ADHD is associated with measurable risks across many life domains. We mention these not to alarm, but because they help explain why diagnosis matters — and what changes after treatment in many people. These population-level observations don’t apply uniformly to every individual.
ADHD is a lifelong condition, but it is highly treatable. With appropriate support, most adults with ADHD report substantial improvement in symptoms, functioning, mood, and self-perception. Diagnosis and treatment in adulthood is associated with measurable gains in employment, education, and relationships.
People who do best tend to be those who:
ADHD frequently coexists with other neurodevelopmental, psychiatric or medical conditions. Common companions:
Our assessment routinely screens for these. If they’re present, treating them alongside ADHD usually gives the best outcomes.
Consider booking an assessment if:
No. You can book directly with us. We do recommend, with your consent, that we write to your NHS GP after diagnosis so your records remain joined up — but this is optional.
From first contact to diagnostic report is typically 2–3 weeks. The assessment itself comprises an initial consultation (30–45 minutes), pre-assessment questionnaires (you complete at home), and a comprehensive diagnostic appointment (90–120 minutes).
Current prices are on our Fees page. The assessment fee is fixed and includes the written report. Medication and follow-up consultations are quoted separately and depend on the plan agreed with your psychiatrist.
Some do, under a shared-care agreement, once you are stable — but this is becoming less common in 2026 as most NHS Trusts and ICBs are not accepting new shared-care from private providers. It depends entirely on your GP’s discretion and local NHS policy. We’ll provide everything they need to consider the application. Many of our patients continue private prescribing long-term either by choice or because shared-care wasn’t available.
Absolutely. Your medical information is confidential. You only need to disclose to an employer if you want to access reasonable adjustments — and even then, only the relevant facts. Many of our patients never tell their workplace.
A private diagnosis does not affect your place on an NHS waiting list. You can pursue both in parallel. Many patients use private assessment to get diagnosed and started, then transfer to NHS shared-care later.
Some UK PMI policies (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna) cover adult ADHD assessment, others exclude it. Check your policy or call your insurer with the procedure code — we can provide it. Pre-authorisation is often required.
That happens, and we’ll be straight with you. Many people referred for ADHD assessment turn out to have anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, perimenopause-related cognitive change, or another explanation. We’ll explain why, and signpost you to the right help.
Many parents do. ADHD is highly heritable and adults often recognise themselves in their child’s difficulties. There’s no obligation, but if it would help you understand yourself better — or function better at work or as a parent — it’s a sensible step.
Children and adolescents are assessed differently. See our paediatric ADHD and autism assessment page.
Adult ADHD assessment at MHW is delivered by a small, consistent team. You may see one or more of the following people during your assessment and treatment, depending on the plan agreed with you.
UK-registered GP with extensive experience in family medicine, urgent care and adult mental health. Leads MHW’s ADHD service. Can prescribe ADHD medication where appropriate, and oversees shared-care arrangements with NHS GPs.
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GMC-registered consultant psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD diagnosis and pharmacological management. Can prescribe ADHD medication where clinically indicated, and supports complex cases with co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
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HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist with specialist experience in adult ADHD assessment, executive function difficulties and co-occurring conditions. Delivers structured diagnostic interviews and provides psychological formulation as part of the comprehensive assessment.
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Psychologist working alongside Dr Arslan as part of the adult ADHD assessment team. Contributes to structured assessment activities and psychological formulation, with growing specialist experience in ADHD presentations.
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Family Support Officer supporting patients and their families through the ADHD assessment and treatment pathway. Helps with the practical side of care — appointments, communication between clinicians, and signposting to local resources.
View profileLanguages spoken across the team: English, Turkish, Bulgarian. We can also arrange professional telephone interpreters in most other languages at no extra cost — please request when booking. More on languages and interpreters →
This page was reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director at MHW Clinic. Content is based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guideline NG87, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and current UK clinical practice. It is updated when guidance changes. Educational information only — not a substitute for clinical assessment.
Book a private adult ADHD assessment with a GMC-registered psychiatrist at MHW Clinic. No referral needed. Typically seen within 2–3 weeks.