FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering an ADHD assessment, it’s natural to have questions. Below are some of the most common things people ask when they are trying to understand whether this process is right for them.
Do I need a GP referral to book?
No. You can self-refer directly by booking a free consultation. You don’t need to go through your GP first, although if ADHD has previously been raised, that can be helpful to mention when we speak.
Will my GP accept a private ADHD assessment?
Many people choose to share their report with their GP or a psychiatrist. A comprehensive assessment carried out by a registered clinical psychologist is often accepted as part of the information used to guide further care. However, individual GP practices and NHS services may have their own policies regarding private assessments and shared care arrangements. Decisions about prescribing or ongoing treatment are always made by medical professionals. If you are considering medication through the NHS, it can be helpful to check with your GP in advance about their local policies regarding private assessments and shared care arrangements.
Will the assessment give me a clear answer?
The assessment is designed to provide a careful and evidence-based understanding of your experiences. In some cases, this may lead to ADHD being identified. In others, it may highlight different factors that better explain your difficulties. Either way, you will leave with a clear understanding of what is happening, why, and what to do next.
How is ADHD assessed in adults?
A comprehensive ADHD assessment is based on a detailed clinical evaluation of your experiences over time. This includes exploring your experiences across both childhood and adulthood, understanding how difficulties affect your day-to-day functioning, considering how these patterns present across different areas of life, and where appropriate, using structured tools to support clinical understanding. The assessment is not based on a single test or checklist, but on a careful, multi-source clinical evaluation.
How do I know if an assessment is right for me?
Many people seek an assessment after years of trying to make sense of ongoing difficulties. You may notice patterns such as struggling to stay focused or organised, feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities, difficulty following through on tasks, or a sense of working much harder than others to manage daily life. If these patterns feel familiar, an assessment can help you understand what may be underlying them and what support is likely to be most helpful.
What is differential understanding, and why does it matter?
A thorough ADHD assessment involves considering whether ADHD is the most appropriate explanation for your experiences. Difficulties with attention, organisation, or overwhelm can sometimes relate to anxiety, trauma, depression, stress or burnout, sleep difficulties, or other neurodevelopmental differences. Exploring these possibilities ensures that any conclusions are accurate, clinically responsible, and meaningful.
Will the assessment look at more than just ADHD?
Yes. While the assessment focuses on whether ADHD may be part of your experience, it also considers the broader context of your psychological functioning. This means looking at patterns in emotional responses, coping styles, and life experiences to develop a more complete and meaningful understanding.
What kind of information is considered during the assessment?
A comprehensive assessment draws on multiple sources of information. This may include your current experiences and concerns, your developmental and personal history, how your difficulties affect your functioning, patterns across different areas of your life, input from someone who knows you well (where available), and relevant background information such as school reports. This helps build a clear, balanced, and clinically grounded understanding.
What if ADHD does not fully explain my difficulties?
This is more common than many people expect. In these cases, the assessment can still be highly valuable. You may gain a clearer understanding of other factors affecting your attention, organisation, or emotional wellbeing, along with structured recommendations for the most appropriate next steps.
I've already had an assessment elsewhere but wasn't happy with it. Can I come to you?
Yes. If a previous assessment felt rushed, inconclusive, or did not fully reflect your experiences, a second opinion assessment can provide a more detailed and considered understanding. It can be helpful to bring any previous reports so these can be reviewed as part of the process.
What if I was assessed as a child but never followed it up?
Childhood assessments can provide useful background information, but an adult assessment focuses on how difficulties present now, within the context of your current life and responsibilities. Many people find that their presentation has changed over time, and a current assessment allows for a more accurate and relevant understanding.
I think I might have autism as well as ADHD, can this assessment cover both?
ADHD and autism can overlap, and the assessment will consider whether autistic traits may be present or contributing to your experiences. I do not conduct autism assessments. However, if there are indications that a more comprehensive autism assessment may be helpful, this will be discussed with you. Where appropriate, I can recommend or refer you to a clinician who specialises in autism assessment, so you can access the most suitable support.
How detailed is the report?
You will receive a comprehensive written report that brings together all aspects of the assessment. This includes a clear summary of your experiences, clinical conclusions, an explanation of the reasoning behind these conclusions, and personalised recommendations tailored to your needs. The aim is for the report to be both clinically meaningful and practically useful.
Can the assessment help guide therapy or further support?
Yes. Many people find that the assessment provides a clear direction for next steps. This may include recommendations for therapy, guidance on areas to focus on, and clarification of patterns that may be maintaining difficulties. The assessment is designed to support informed, targeted, and effective intervention.
How do I prepare for the assessment?
There is nothing specific you need to do in advance. You will be asked to complete some questionnaires and background forms beforehand. Where possible, it can also be helpful to gather information about your childhood or school experiences, and input from someone who knows you well. This supports a more complete and accurate understanding.
Is the assessment confidential?
Yes. All assessments are conducted in line with professional and ethical guidelines, and your information is treated as confidential.
Book a Consultation
If you’re considering whether ADHD may be affecting your concentration, organisation, or daily life, an assessment can help provide clarity.
07584 354041 | info@drmcphee.co.uk
Appointments are limited each month to ensure every client receives the depth of assessment they deserve.