Clinically reviewed
What Happens at an ADHD Assessment?
Direct answer
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a structured clinical conversation, usually lasting two to three hours, in which a specialist explores your current difficulties, childhood history, the impact on daily life and other possible explanations. It typically includes pre-assessment questionnaires, a structured interview such as DIVA-5, information from someone who knew you as a child where possible, and ends with a diagnostic outcome and written report.
- Questionnaires completed beforehand
- Clinical interview of around 2–3 hours
- Childhood and current symptoms explored
- Other explanations considered
- Outcome explained and written report sent
Clinician video answer · 8s
AI-generated presenterWhat happens during an ADHD assessment?
Transcript
An ADHD assessment is a detailed conversation about your life now and in childhood, including how symptoms affect you, and other possible explanations.
Script written and clinically reviewed by ADHD Path clinicians; presented by an AI-generated presenter, not a member of our clinical team.
Before the assessment
You will be asked to complete screening questionnaires and a health history. Where possible, a parent, partner or sibling who knew you as a child completes an informant questionnaire. School reports or earlier records can be helpful but are not essential.
During the assessment
- 1
Introductions, consent and what to expect
- 2
Your current difficulties and how they affect work, study, relationships and home life
- 3
Developmental history
pregnancy, early childhood, school
- 4
A structured interview (DIVA-5 for adults) going through each symptom in childhood and adulthood
- 5
Mental and physical health, sleep, substance use and family history
- 6
Consideration of other explanations and coexisting conditions
- 7
Discussion of the outcome and next steps
Examples of questions you may be asked
- Do you often lose track of conversations or tasks? Can you give an example?
- What were you like at primary school? What did teachers say in reports?
- How do these difficulties affect your work or relationships?
- Have you ever had anxiety, low mood or sleep problems?
What to bring
- Photo ID
- A list of current medicines
- Any school reports or previous assessments
- Your glasses if you need them for reading
- For online assessments: a quiet private room and a stable connection
After the assessment
The clinician explains whether you meet recognised diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You receive a written report with the outcome and recommendations. Not meeting criteria is a valid outcome and the report will explain other possible explanations and suggested next steps.
Book an ADHD Assessment
Structured clinical assessment and written outcome.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
The clinical interview usually takes two to three hours, plus time beforehand for questionnaires.
Do I need someone to come with me?
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.
Will I get a diagnosis on the day?
The clinician usually shares their opinion at the end of the appointment where possible; the full written report follows.
Can the assessment be online?
Yes, for many people. Some circumstances may need face-to-face assessment.
Related questions
Related ADHD Path services
Clinical authorship & review
Written by
Mark Thornton-JonesMPharm (Liverpool John Moores, 2010), Non-Medical Prescribing (Distinction), CPPE General Practice Pathway, ADHD diagnosis & management (2025) · Specialist ADHD Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber
GPhC 2076283
Clinically reviewed by
Shamir PatelMPharm, Independent Prescriber · CQC Registered Manager & Clinical Pharmacist
GPhC 2049338- Published
- 11 October 2026
- Last reviewed
- 11 October 2026
- Next review
- 11 October 2027
References
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2018, updated 2019. Source
- DIVA-5: Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults. DIVA Foundation. Source
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Diagnosis. NHS. Source