Adult ADHD Assessment in Hampshire & Online Across the UK

Private ADHD assessments for adults aged 17+ in Petersfield, Hampshire and online across the UK.

Assessments are conducted by Dr Sonney Gullu-McPhee, HCPC & BPS Registered Chartered Clinical Psychologist.

Many adults begin to wonder whether lifelong patterns of distraction, overwhelm, or difficulty organising tasks might be related to ADHD. For some people, these challenges may have been present since childhood but were never fully understood or recognised.

ADHD can affect attention, organisation, time management, emotional regulation, and the ability to follow through on tasks. While these experiences can create challenges in daily life, many individuals with ADHD also develop important strengths such as creativity, resilience, problem-solving ability, and the capacity to focus deeply on areas of interest.

A comprehensive assessment can help bring clarity to these patterns. The aim of the assessment is not only to determine whether ADHD is present, but also to understand the broader picture of your experiences, strengths, and difficulties so that appropriate recommendations can be made.

What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it begins in childhood and affects how the brain regulates attention, activity levels, and impulse control.

Although ADHD is often associated with childhood, many individuals reach adulthood without receiving a diagnosis. Instead, they may have spent years feeling misunderstood, criticised, or believing they are simply “not trying hard enough.”
ADHD can influence many areas of life, including:

concentration and focus
organisation and planning
time management
emotional regulation
motivation and task initiation
memory and follow-through

For some people ADHD presents primarily as inattention, for others hyperactivity and impulsivity, and for many a combination of both.

Stages of the Adult ADHD Assessment Process

The assessment is conducted in line with recognised UK clinical standards and is informed by NICE Guideline NG87 – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and Management.

Step 1

Referral

Individuals may self-refer, or they may be referred by a GP or another healthcare professional. An initial consultation helps determine whether a full ADHD assessment would be appropriate.

The consultation provides an opportunity to briefly discuss your concerns, ask questions about the assessment process, understand the associated fees and decide whether you would like to proceed with a full assessment.

Approximate time: 15–20 minutes

Step 1

Step 2

Book an Initial Consultation

If you are wondering whether ADHD may explain some of your experiences, you are welcome to arrange a free 20 minute initial consultation to discuss whether a full assessment would be appropriate.
Email: info@drmcphee.co.uk
Phone: 07584354041

Step 2

Step 3

Screening

Following the referral consultation, a screening consultation may be arranged to explore whether a comprehensive ADHD assessment would be clinically appropriate.
This appointment involves a structured discussion of current concerns, patterns of attention and organisation, and relevant background history. Screening questionnaires may also be reviewed at this stage.
The purpose of the screening stage is to determine whether ADHD assessment is indicated and whether other explanations or conditions may need to be considered.

Step 3

Step 4

Information Gathering

Additional questionnaires and background information are collected to build a broader picture of current functioning and lifelong patterns of attention and behaviour.

This typically includes self-report questionnaires and, where possible, questionnaires completed by someone who knows you well, such as a partner, parent, or close family member. Gathering information from multiple perspectives can help provide additional insight into long-term patterns of attention, behaviour, and daily functioning.

Because ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood, developmental history plays an important role in the assessment process.

Step 4

Step 5

Clinical Assessment

A comprehensive clinical assessment explores current challenges related to attention, organisation, impulsivity, hyperactivity or internal restlessness, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. The interview also examines developmental history and considers how these difficulties affect daily functioning across multiple areas of life, such as work, academic settings, relationships, and everyday responsibilities.

This stage of the assessment focuses on determining whether the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met, taking into account developmental history, current symptoms, and the impact on daily functioning.

Approximate time: 90–120 minutes

Step 5

Step 6

Diagnostic Formulation

All information from interviews, questionnaires, and supporting information is carefully reviewed. Diagnostic criteria from DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 are considered alongside professional clinical judgement and differential diagnosis to determine whether ADHD best explains the pattern of difficulties. Questionnaires form only one part of the assessment and are interpreted within the context of a comprehensive clinical evaluation.

Step 6

Step 7

Diagnostic Outcome and Feedback

Following the assessment, feedback is provided explaining the outcome and diagnostic formulation. A comprehensive written report is included, outlining the findings and providing personalised recommendations.
The outcome may include a diagnosis of ADHD (combined, inattentive, or hyperactive presentation) or an alternative explanation for the difficulties described.

Step 7

Step 8

Next Steps

If ADHD is diagnosed, recommendations may include:
• psychoeducation
• psychological strategies
• workplace or educational adjustments
• referral to a medical specialist for consideration of medication

Step 8

What If I Do Not Meet Criteria for ADHD?

Not everyone who seeks an ADHD assessment will meet the diagnostic criteria.
Difficulties with focus, organisation, or mental overwhelm can also arise from other factors such as anxiety, trauma, stress, sleep difficulties, or emotional burnout.
Even when ADHD is not diagnosed, the assessment can still provide valuable insight into what may be contributing to your experiences and what type of support may be helpful.
My aim is always to provide a careful and honest clinical assessment, rather than simply confirming a diagnosis.

Why ADHD Is Sometimes Missed in Childhood?

Many adults who seek an ADHD assessment were never diagnosed as children.
Some individuals develop coping strategies that help them manage school demands, while others may have been described as “daydreamers,” “sensitive,” or “disorganised” rather than recognised as having ADHD.
Symptoms may become more noticeable later in life when responsibilities increase and demands on attention, organisation, and time management grow.
Understanding these patterns often brings relief and clarity.

Where I Offer Adult ADHD Assessments

Assessments are available:

in person in Petersfield, Hampshire
online across the UK

Online assessments can offer greater flexibility while still allowing a thorough clinical evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult ADHD Assessments

Please click headings to reveal more information:

Do you prescribe medication for ADHD?

As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, I do not prescribe medication.
If ADHD is diagnosed and you wish to explore medication, I can provide a referral to an appropriate medical professional such as a psychiatrist or specialist prescriber. Medication decisions are always made by qualified medical doctors.

Will an ADHD assessment always lead to a diagnosis?

No. The purpose of the assessment is to carefully evaluate whether ADHD best explains the pattern of difficulties you are experiencing. In some cases ADHD criteria may not be met.
Even when ADHD is not diagnosed, the assessment can still provide helpful insight into other factors that may be contributing to difficulties with attention, organisation, or emotional regulation.

What is differential diagnosis?

Part of a careful ADHD assessment involves considering alternative explanations for symptoms.
Difficulties with attention or mental overwhelm can sometimes be related to anxiety, trauma, depression, sleep difficulties, stress, burnout, or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Exploring these possibilities helps ensure that any diagnosis is accurate and clinically responsible.

Can the assessment be completed online?

Yes. ADHD assessments can be completed online or in person.
Online assessments allow a comprehensive clinical interview and review of developmental history while offering flexibility for individuals across the UK.

Will I receive a written report?

Yes. A comprehensive written report is included following the assessment. The report summarises the assessment process, diagnostic conclusions, and recommendations for next steps.

Can I share my report with my GP?

Yes. You are welcome to share your report with your GP or other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
Different healthcare providers and NHS services may have their own policies regarding private assessments and shared care arrangements for medication.

Will my GP accept a private ADHD diagnosis?

Many people choose to share their ADHD assessment report with their GP.
However, individual GP practices and NHS services may have their own policies regarding private ADHD assessments and shared care arrangements. Decisions about prescribing or shared care are made by medical professionals and individual practices.
If you are considering medication, you may wish to discuss this with your GP in advance.

How much does an ADHD assessment cost?

Please see the Fees for ADHD Assessment page for full details of consultation and assessment fees.

Can I have therapy with you after the assessment?

Some individuals who complete an ADHD assessment may wish to explore psychological therapy afterwards.
However, completing an ADHD assessment does not automatically mean that ongoing therapy will be offered.
Decisions about therapy depend on clinical suitability, the focus of the therapeutic work, and my current availability. In some situations, it may be more appropriate for therapy to be provided by another clinician.
If therapeutic support would be helpful, we can discuss possible options and recommendations as part of the feedback session.

Book a Consultation

If you are wondering whether ADHD may be affecting your concentration, organisation, or daily life, an assessment can help provide clarity and guide the next steps.