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Testing for ADHD: Understanding the Assessment Process

Testing for ADHD is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Understanding the different presentation of symptoms and the differences across different age groups is crucial in identifying individuals who may require an assessment. There are several different tools that can assist in an assessment, including self-reported or parental-reported questionnaires, however, clinical expertise and professional clinical evaluations are the  cornerstones of accurate diagnosis.

Understanding ADHD and its symptoms

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents with a set of challenges and characteristics that may differ according to age, gender, and the presence of co-occurring conditions. The awareness of these differences is vital for accurate identification and effective support.

1.   Differences in Symptoms Between Children and Adults

While children may display more overt hyperactivity and impulsiveness, adults often experience more subtle challenges such as chronic disorganisation or difficulty managing time effectively.

Common symptoms in children include:

  • Inability to stay seated at restaurants or in class
  • Constant talkativeness in class and becoming disruptive
  • Taking on the role of the class clown
  • Impulsiveness leading to interrupting others or engaging in mischievous behaviour

Adults with ADHD may exhibit symptoms like:

  • Difficulty in prioritising tasks
  • Constant anxiety due to the perception of constantly falling behind
  • Frequent forgetfulness of appointments and activities
  • Fidgety and restlessness rather than hyperactivity
  • Challenges in maintaining focus on long-term projects

2.   ADHD Symptoms Across Genders

ADHD symptoms tend to manifest differently in males and females, which could contribute to the existing disparities in diagnosis rates. Boys commonly exhibit more hyperactive symptoms, while girls display inattentiveness more frequently. Due to the subtle presentation of ADHD in girls, they tend to be at greater risk of going through life underdiagnosed.

Common Co-Occurring Conditions: Anxiety, Depression.

ADHD often coexists with various other mental health conditions, making diagnosis and treatment more complex. Anxiety and depression are two of the most prevalent co-occurring disorders, each potentially worsening ADHD symptoms and vice versa.

To make matters more difficult, patients may experience increased anxiety due to the challenges posed by the core symptoms of ADHD. In such cases, when ADHD symptoms are properly treated, the anxiety often dissipates or significantly improves.

Tools often used in ADHD Assessments

An assessment for ADHD should be comprehensive, incorporating not only an interview with the patient where challenges are discussed, but also perspectives from parents, spouses or long-lasting friendships, to help identify the core symptoms causing distress. Furthermore, the assessment should also incorporate standarised questionnaires and informant feedback to measure the extent of the difficulties in comparison normative expectations.

Self-Reported Questionnaires for Adults and Children

Self-reported questionnaires can serve as initial screening tools – for both adults and children- or as a complimentary instrument that can provide additional and helpful insight into a patient’s symptomatology. These surveys require patients -or their informants- to reflect on their experiences and behaviours over a specified period.

Commonly used instruments include:

  • Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
  • Conners Rating Scales
  • Conners Comprehensive Behaviour Rating Scale
  • SNAP-IV Rating Scale
  • Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS)

Clinical Evaluations by Mental Health and Psychiatric Professionals

A clinical evaluation is conducted by qualified health professionals who specialise in ADHD. The process typically includes:

  • Comprehensive interviews with the individual and their family
  • Reviewing educational and medical histories
  • Utilising standardised diagnostic tools

The goal is to collect all relevant information for a thorough assessment.


Understanding Our ADHD Assessment Process

A comprehensive guide for adults, children, and adolescents.

At Online Psychiatry, we are committed to providing a thorough and supportive ADHD assessment process tailored to each individual’s needs — whether for an adult, child, or adolescent.

Our structured four-step process ensures that every patient receives a clear and complete understanding of their symptoms, challenges, and strengths, as well as personalised recommendations for the next steps in care.

Step 1: Initial Assessment (Approx. 1 hour)

Your first appointment will be conducted by a consultant psychiatrist specialised in ADHD. During this session, your clinician will carry out an in-depth assessment to explore symptoms, experiences, and any challenges you may be facing.

This appointment is designed as a safe, confidential space where you can speak openly about your concerns, worries, and feelings. Your psychiatrist will ask detailed questions to better understand your history and current circumstances.

For children and adolescents, the session will also focus on developmental history, school experiences, and emotional wellbeing.

Step 2: Consultation with a Relative (Approx. 1 hour)

The second appointment involves a consultation with a close relative, such as a parent, sibling, or partner. This step provides valuable external insight into behavioural patterns, attention difficulties, and emotional responses across daily life.

While this session is optional, it can be extremely helpful in forming a complete picture of the individual’s situation. Feedback from relatives allows the clinician to understand how symptoms manifest in different settings — at home, school, or work — and how best to support the patient.

Step 3: Questionnaire Distribution

As part of the assessment, a series of questionnaires are distributed to collect additional information about attention, behaviour, and emotional regulation.

For adults, the assessment tools may include:

  • CAARS ADHD Rating Scale – Identifies the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms.
  • UTAH Questionnaire – Provides insight into behavioural patterns originating in childhood.
  • ASRS Scale (Adult Self-Report Scale) – Evaluates self-perceived ADHD symptoms.
  • CEFI Adult Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory – Assesses executive functioning skills such as planning, focus, and organisation.

For children and adolescents, questionnaires may include:

  • SCARED (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders) – Evaluates anxiety symptoms through both child and parent perspectives.
  • Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) – Identifies emotional and behavioural challenges as well as strengths, through input from parents and teachers.
  • Conners 4 – A widely used assessment completed by the child, their parents, and school, offering a rounded view of behaviour across environments.

Collectively, these questionnaires complement the psychiatrist’s evaluation, offering a multidimensional understanding of attention, behaviour, and emotional functioning.

Once all questionnaires are returned, they are analysed and integrated into the overall assessment.

Step 4: Feedback Appointment

After the questionnaires and consultations are complete, a final appointment is scheduled to review the findings.

Your consultant psychiatrist will provide detailed feedback and a comprehensive written report summarising the diagnostic conclusions, insights, and recommendations for ongoing support.

This report is designed to help you (or your child) gain a clear understanding of the results and guide any next steps — whether that involves treatment, therapy, or educational support.

Important Note

Your wellbeing is our top priority.
If, at any stage, your consultant determines that ADHD is unlikely to be the correct diagnosis, this will be communicated to you immediately.

This transparency allows you to make informed decisions and, if you wish, discontinue the process.
If the full amount has been paid in advance, you will receive a refund for any unattended appointments.

Final Thoughts

We appreciate your trust in us throughout this important journey.
Our goal is to ensure that every patient — child, adolescent, or adult — feels heard, understood, and supported during their assessment.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at admin@onlinepsychiatry.uk or call +44 7990 341396. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.