Short answers to the questions adults most often ask about ADHD assessment, treatment and daily life in the UK.
These are the questions adults ask most often about ADHD in the UK. Each answer is short, with a link to a page that goes into more detail.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, start with what adult ADHD is, or read about assessment and treatment.
Prices vary between providers. Happy Clinic charges £400 for a 60-minute ADHD assessment, with titration reviews at £200 and a shared care appointment at £500. Fees checked September 2026. See Happy Clinic’s pricing page for current fees, and the fees page for what’s included.
Yes, but the NHS says waiting times vary and you may wait several months or years for a specialist assessment. In England, Right to Choose may offer an NHS-funded assessment with another provider. See NHS or private.
For the NHS, including Right to Choose in England, you need a GP referral. Many private services don’t need one. Happy Clinic sees adults aged 18 and over without a GP referral.
In England, if a GP refers you for a mental health condition, in most cases you have a legal right to choose which provider you’re referred to, including some organisations that provide NHS services. Availability varies locally. It doesn’t apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. See NHS or private.
No. This website is about adults, and Happy Clinic only sees adults aged 18 and over. If you’re worried about a child, talk to their school or a GP, and see the NHS page on ADHD in children and young people.
No. ADHD can be diagnosed at any point in adult life, and some people are first assessed in their 40s, 50s or later. The specialist will still look for signs that symptoms started in childhood. See what adult ADHD is.
NICE says a diagnosis should be made by a specialist with training and expertise in ADHD, based on a full clinical and psychosocial assessment, developmental and psychiatric history, observer reports and a mental state assessment. Its recommendations focus on who assesses you and what the assessment covers, rather than whether it happens in person or by video. Ask any provider how their assessment meets NICE guidance.
It depends on the practice. Some GPs accept private diagnoses and agree to shared care, and others don’t. It’s worth asking your GP practice about its policy before you start. See shared care.
Not necessarily. Medication is only offered when it’s clinically appropriate and you want it. NICE recommends lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate as first-line medicines for adults, after checks including pulse, blood pressure and weight. See ADHD treatment.
It varies. The NHS says it may take several weeks to feel the full effect of methylphenidate as the dose is increased gradually, and it can take longer if you need to try another medicine. See titration.
It’s an arrangement where your specialist asks your GP to take over prescribing once your dose is stable. BMA guidance says it’s voluntary and GPs can decline for any reason. If your GP declines, private prescriptions can usually continue at private cost. See shared care.
No. Always speak to your prescriber first. The NHS says stopping methylphenidate suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as depression. If you have side effects, contact your prescriber, or call 111 or 999 if they’re serious.
GOV.UK says you must tell the DVLA if your ADHD or your ADHD medication affects your ability to drive safely. If neither does, you don’t need to tell them. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t report a condition that affects your driving. See living with ADHD.
No, but if you want reasonable adjustments, your employer needs to understand your difficulties. If your ADHD meets the Equality Act 2010 definition of disability, your employer must make reasonable adjustments. Access to Work may also help. See living with ADHD.
Useful things include examples of current difficulties, school reports, a list of medicines and past diagnoses, your family history of heart problems, and details of someone who knew you as a child. See how to prepare for an assessment.
Your difficulties are still real. The specialist should explain their reasoning and what might explain your symptoms instead, such as anxiety, depression or sleep problems, and what could help. You can ask questions and talk to your GP about a second opinion.
Happy Clinic sends a clinical summary to you, and to your GP with your consent. Keeping your GP informed can help with joined-up care and any future shared care request.
No. This is an information website and doesn’t provide clinical services. Consultations are provided by Happy Clinic, which is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). See about this website.