Frequently asked questions

No. You can refer yourself. With your consent we will write to your GP after the assessment, which is important if you later want to explore shared care.

Yes, for adults. DIVA-5 is a structured interview that helps organise evidence about childhood and adult symptoms. It is one part of the assessment, not a test that produces a diagnosis on its own.

Yes, for most adults and many young people. Some people are better assessed face to face — for example where information is limited or presentation is complex. We will advise if this applies.

If ADHD is diagnosed and medication is clinically appropriate, you can book a separate medication assessment and titration. Medication is never guaranteed.

Your clinician will explain the reasoning, discuss other possible explanations and recommend next steps. Not meeting criteria is a valid clinical outcome.

A diagnosis made by an appropriately qualified clinician following NICE guidance should be recognised, but whether an NHS GP agrees to shared-care prescribing is decided by the individual practice and cannot be guaranteed.

Photo ID, school reports if you have them, any previous assessments, a list of current medicines, and — ideally — contact details for someone who knew you as a child.

Current availability is shown live in the booking system. We do not make claims about NHS waiting times, which vary by area.

ADHD is understood as a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood. Adults may be diagnosed for the first time, but the assessment will look for evidence that symptoms were present from childhood.

Yes. School reports help but are not essential. A clinical interview with you and, ideally, someone who knew you as a child provides the developmental history.

The assessment can still go ahead. The clinician will rely more on your own recollection and any available records, and will explain how this affects confidence in the outcome.

Yes. ADHD in women is often recognised later because inattentive symptoms can be less visible. Assessment criteria are the same.

No. Online questionnaires can indicate that an assessment may be worthwhile, but NICE is clear that diagnosis should not be made from rating scales alone.

Medication is considered only if ADHD is diagnosed and it is clinically appropriate, following a separate medication assessment.

You may need to tell the DVLA if your ADHD affects your ability to drive safely. Your clinician can discuss this with you.

Reports are typically 8–15 pages and include the diagnostic formulation, reasoning and recommendations.

School information is strongly recommended because NICE emphasises information from more than one setting. We only contact the school with your consent.

Some parts can be completed online. For younger children or complex presentations, a face-to-face appointment is often recommended.

We assess children aged 6–11 and adolescents aged 12–15. From 16 we offer adult assessments.

Schools generally consider reports from appropriately qualified clinicians. Support in school depends on need rather than diagnosis alone.

For under-16s, a parent or carer with parental responsibility must be involved. From 16, young people are assessed on our adult pathway, with family involvement discussed individually.

Tell us at booking. ADHD and autism can occur together; our clinicians will consider both and advise on any further assessment needed.

Not automatically. NICE recommends support and environmental changes first; medication is considered only where clinically appropriate.

We send a short, age-appropriate explanation of what will happen and who they will meet.

In the UK, GPs usually refer to a specialist. NICE recommends diagnosis by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified professional.

An appropriately qualified clinical psychologist with ADHD expertise can make a diagnosis. Medication must be initiated by a prescriber with ADHD expertise.

There is no single test, blood test or brain scan for ADHD. Diagnosis is based on comprehensive clinical assessment.

Both are used. The NHS officially uses ICD for coding; many clinicians refer to DSM-5-TR criteria in assessment. They are closely aligned.

A diagnosis can be reviewed if new information emerges. Symptoms can also change over time.

A diagnosis by an appropriately qualified clinician following NICE guidance is a clinical diagnosis regardless of setting.

The clinical assessment itself usually takes 2–3 hours for adults. Including questionnaires and report, the process usually takes a few weeks.

Often yes, if sufficient information is available. Sometimes further information or a second appointment is needed.

Yes, video assessment can be clinically appropriate for many people, though some may need face-to-face assessment.

Yes, although information from someone who knew you as a child strengthens the assessment.

No. Brain imaging is not used for diagnosis in routine clinical practice.

Yes. Diagnosis in adulthood is common, provided evidence suggests symptoms were present in childhood.

Yes. The written report and follow-up call are included in both assessment fees.

No. Titration (with prescriptions included) and monitoring are separate and only offered where clinically appropriate.

Instalment options are planned. Payment is made in full when you book; we do not currently offer instalments. Please speak to our team if cost is a barrier.

Some policies do. Check with your insurer before booking and ask whether they require a GP referral.

No — you are paying for a comprehensive clinical assessment, and not meeting criteria is a valid outcome.

Our prescriptions during titration are included in the titration review cost; the pharmacy charges for the medicine itself. Costs vary by medicine and dose.

Yes, NHS assessments are free at the point of use. Waiting times vary by area.

No. Every fee is listed on this page.

Typically 2–3 hours for adults and 2.5–3.5 hours for children, plus questionnaires beforehand.

Yes. An informant who knew you as a child is especially helpful.

Usually, if sufficient information is available. Sometimes the clinician needs to review further information first.

Let us know. You can take breaks and ask questions at any point.

No, assessments are not recorded. The clinician takes notes.

Securely and in line with UK GDPR. See our privacy policy.

No. It is a structured interview that helps organise evidence. The diagnosis is made by the clinician.

Usually around 60–90 minutes within the wider assessment.

No. DIVA-5 is designed to be administered by a trained clinician.

DIVA-5 is designed for adults. Children are assessed with age-appropriate interviews and questionnaires.

Yes, and this is encouraged, as it adds corroborating information.

It is widely used by UK adult ADHD services as part of assessment.

A diagnosis by an appropriately qualified clinician following NICE guidance should be recognised clinically. Prescribing arrangements are a separate decision for your GP.

Yes. GPs can decline shared care, for example if they don't feel it is within their competence or local policy doesn't support it.

No, the legal right to choose applies in England.

Generally yes — tell your GP if you have a private assessment.

Both should follow NICE NG87. Individual services vary in format.

It varies considerably by area. Your GP or local service can tell you the current wait.

No. Checklists can prompt you to seek assessment, but NICE is clear diagnosis must follow a full clinical assessment.

Diagnostic criteria require several symptoms before age 12, although they may only be recognised later.

It is not a core diagnostic criterion, but it is commonly associated with ADHD, particularly in adults.

Hyperactivity often reduces with age; inattention frequently persists. Many adults continue to experience impairing symptoms.

Yes. That is why differential diagnosis is an essential part of assessment.

Difficulty with planning, organising, prioritising and self-regulation. It is common in ADHD but also occurs in other conditions.

No. ADHD Path is an independent (private) provider. We do not currently accept NHS Right to Choose referrals.

ADHD Path services are provided by High Street Health Ltd, trading as Ready Health — a private limited company registered in England and Wales (Companies House 15044189, incorporated 2 August 2023) and registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC provider ID 1-18976394406).

Contact our team by phone or email. Our complaints procedure sets out timescales and how to escalate if you are not satisfied.

A diagnosis by an appropriately qualified clinician following NICE guidance is a valid clinical diagnosis regardless of setting.

No. You can refer yourself.

Yes, for most adults and many young people.

Some policies cover ADHD assessment. Check with your insurer first.

No. You are paying for a comprehensive assessment; not meeting criteria is a valid outcome.

Generally yes. Tell your GP if you have a private assessment.

Yes, if made by an appropriately qualified clinician following a full clinical assessment.

No. Online tests are screening questionnaires; an online assessment is a live clinical interview with a specialist.

A private room, a laptop or tablet with camera, stable internet and photo ID.

Yes. Informants can join the video call from a separate device.

A medication assessment requires a physical health baseline (blood pressure, pulse, weight), which may be arranged locally or face to face.

In most areas, no — a GP referral is needed. Some local services accept other referral routes.

A GP may decide a referral isn't appropriate. You can ask for the reasons, request a second opinion, or discuss other options.

Both should follow NICE NG87.

In England, a legal right in some circumstances to choose which provider you are referred to. See our Right to Choose guide.

No — the legal right applies in England.

A GP may decline if they don't consider a referral clinically appropriate, or if the provider doesn't hold a qualifying contract.

Prescribing arrangements depend on the provider and your GP, including any shared-care agreement.

You can choose a private assessment at any time, but it would be self-funded.

Describe long-standing difficulties, how they affect daily life and that they have been present since childhood.

Some children's services accept referrals from schools or health visitors, depending on area.

No. It can support a referral discussion but is not a diagnosis.

Live availability is shown in the booking system.

Generally yes. Tell your GP.

No. We avoid unsupported estimates; your local service is the authoritative source.

Yes, provided there is evidence that symptoms were present in childhood.

No. The same criteria apply; presentation can differ.

No. ADHD begins in childhood, although some women notice symptoms more during hormonal changes.

They can raise awareness but are not diagnostic, and oversimplify a complex assessment.

Criteria require symptoms before age 12, though they may only be recognised later.

On its own, no. Chronic difficulty initiating tasks across settings may be one feature.

If long-standing difficulties since childhood are affecting several areas of life.

Diagnosis is possible from early childhood, but ADHD Path assesses children from age 6.

School information is strongly recommended; we only contact the school with your consent.

Yes, and they are more likely to have inattentive symptoms that are missed.

Yes. Support, adjustments and psychological approaches help many people.

Yes — medication assessment, titration and monitoring where clinically appropriate.

No. Recommendations depend on clinical assessment and your preferences.

Yes, by an appropriately qualified prescriber, following a medication assessment.

No. It depends on clinical assessment and your preferences.

Common side effects include reduced appetite, sleep difficulty and raised heart rate or blood pressure; these are monitored during titration.

Possibly, with full records. Please speak to our team.

Reviews can be by video, with blood pressure, pulse and weight measured at home or locally.

Gradually, based on benefit, side effects and physical health measures.

No. We will provide your GP with the information they need, but agreement is their decision.

If shared care matters to you, it's sensible to ask your practice about their policy first.

Typically at least annual specialist review plus GP checks of blood pressure, pulse and weight.

Largely yes, with physical measurements taken at home or locally.

Yes — responsibilities are split between GP and specialist.

Not necessarily. Continuing need is reviewed regularly.

No. Disclosure is your choice, although it may help you access adjustments.

No. A separate medication assessment decides whether it's appropriate.

Some insurers ask about diagnoses; answer honestly and check your policy.

Your report explains why and recommends other next steps.

Under DSM-5-TR, at least six symptoms in a domain for children under 17, and at least five for people aged 17 and over — alongside childhood onset, more than one setting and clear impairment.

Yes. Several symptoms must have been present before age 12, although they may not have been recognised or diagnosed at the time.

Yes. If symptoms do not cause clear impairment, are limited to one setting, or are better explained by another condition, criteria are not met.

Both are used. NICE NG87 recommends diagnosis by an appropriately qualified clinician using recognised criteria such as DSM or ICD.

GPs do not usually diagnose ADHD. They can recognise possible symptoms and refer you to a specialist service.

A psychologist with appropriate ADHD training working in a specialist service can contribute to or make a diagnosis, depending on the service's governance.

Search their name or number on the relevant public register — for example the GMC, GPhC, NMC, HCPC or BABCP. ADHD Path links each clinician's profile to their register entry.

A diagnosis made by an appropriately qualified clinician following NICE guidance is a valid diagnosis. GP practices decide individually whether to enter shared care for prescribing.

The clinical interview usually takes two to three hours, plus time beforehand for questionnaires.

It is helpful, not essential. Information from someone who knew you as a child strengthens the assessment and can be gathered by questionnaire or a short call.

The clinician usually shares their opinion at the end of the appointment where possible; the full written report follows.

Yes, for many people. Some circumstances may need face-to-face assessment.

'ADD' is an older term. Today it is described as ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation.

Yes. Some people meet criteria for inattention only.

It is less disruptive and less visible, so it is often missed in childhood, especially when a person compensates well.

Often, but it is usually experienced as inner restlessness rather than obvious over-activity.

Not necessarily. Many children are energetic. ADHD involves persistent, impairing symptoms across settings.

No. Everyone acts impulsively sometimes; ADHD involves a persistent, impairing pattern since childhood.

It can. In the UK you must tell the DVLA if ADHD affects your ability to drive safely.

An informal term people use for having both autism and ADHD. It is not a separate diagnosis.

ADHD medication may help ADHD symptoms in autistic people, but response can differ, so titration is carefully monitored.

It depends on your main difficulties. Your GP or clinician can advise; both may be needed.

Stimulants can increase anxiety in some people, which is why titration starts low and is closely monitored.

Not necessarily. Tell the clinician about your anxiety; it is part of the assessment.

It can be. Under the Equality Act 2010, a condition is a disability if it has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on normal day-to-day activities.

Not necessarily. Employers should consider adjustments based on your needs; a report can help.

Not without your consent. We do not share information with employers unless you ask us to.

Yes. You can be assessed privately; some universities can also help you access NHS routes via your GP.

Usually, if it is from an appropriately qualified clinician and confirms a long-term condition. Check with your funding body.

Yes, online assessment is available across the UK for adults 16+.

For under-16s we assess with a parent or carer involved; information from home is essential.

School information is very important as it shows how symptoms affect learning and behaviour in another setting.

Symptoms often change and some improve, but ADHD frequently continues into adulthood.

Immediate-release forms last around 3–5 hours; modified-release forms can last 8–12 hours.

Yes, it is a Schedule 2 controlled drug, so there are rules about prescriptions and quantities.

Our independent prescribers consider medication after diagnosis where clinically appropriate. The choice of medicine is an individual clinical decision and is never guaranteed.

Typically up to around 13 hours for many people.

Yes, it is a Schedule 2 controlled drug.

Our independent prescribers consider medication after diagnosis where clinically appropriate. The choice of medicine is an individual clinical decision and is never guaranteed.

Some benefit may appear within weeks, but the full effect can take up to 8–12 weeks.

No, it is not a controlled drug.

Our independent prescribers consider medication after diagnosis where clinically appropriate. The choice of medicine is an individual clinical decision and is never guaranteed.

It is licensed for 6–17 year olds in the UK; any adult use is off-label and a specialist decision.

Stopping suddenly can cause a rebound rise in blood pressure, so it is reduced gradually.

Our independent prescribers consider medication after diagnosis where clinically appropriate. The choice of medicine is an individual clinical decision and is never guaranteed.

Yes. ADHD Path is provided by High Street Health Ltd, registered with the Care Quality Commission (provider ID 1-18976394406).

Use the register links in the table above. Each opens the official professional register so you can confirm the registration yourself.

Some workplace security filters block newly registered domains until they are categorised. Ask your IT team to allow-list adhdpath.co.uk, or visit on mobile data.