More adults are seeking ADHD diagnosis than ever before. Here is what to expect from a private assessment at AtWell, and how a diagnosis can genuinely change your life.

Why are more adults seeking ADHD assessment?

ADHD is not a childhood condition that people grow out of. Research now shows that approximately 3-4% of adults in the UK live with ADHD, yet the vast majority remain undiagnosed. Many have spent decades struggling with focus, organisation, emotional regulation, and impulsivity — attributing these difficulties to personal failings rather than a neurodevelopmental condition. AtWell offers a comprehensive private ADHD assessment for adults in Balsall Common and across the West Midlands.

The increased awareness of adult ADHD, driven in part by social media and high-profile diagnoses, has led to a surge in referrals. NHS waiting times for adult ADHD assessment now commonly exceed 2-3 years in many parts of England. For people who have waited their entire lives for answers, that is an unacceptable delay.

Signs of ADHD in adults

Adult ADHD often presents differently from childhood ADHD. The hyperactivity may have mellowed, but the internal experience remains intense. Common signs include:

Chronic difficulty concentrating, especially on tasks that are not inherently stimulating
A pattern of starting projects but struggling to complete them
Frequent lateness, missed deadlines, or disorganisation despite genuine effort
Emotional dysregulation -- intense reactions to minor frustrations or rejections
Restlessness, a constant need for stimulation, or difficulty sitting still in meetings
Underperformance at work relative to intelligence and capability
Relationship difficulties related to forgetfulness or perceived lack of attention

What happens during a private ADHD assessment?

A comprehensive adult ADHD assessment at AtWell typically involves the following stages:

1. Initial GP consultation

You begin with a 30-minute consultation with one of our GPs. This is a screening conversation -- we explore your symptoms, history, and daily impact. If ADHD appears likely, we refer you for a full diagnostic assessment.

2. Diagnostic assessment

The formal assessment is conducted by an experienced clinician and typically lasts 60-90 minutes. It includes structured interviews, validated screening tools (such as the DIVA-5, a detailed interview that explores ADHD symptoms in both childhood and adulthood), a review of your developmental history, and an exploration of how symptoms affect your life now.

3. Feedback and diagnosis

You receive a detailed written report with a clear outcome: a confirmed diagnosis with recommendations, or an alternative explanation for your difficulties. Either way, you leave with answers.

4. Treatment and ongoing support

If diagnosed, your GP will discuss treatment options. These may include medication (stimulant or non-stimulant), cognitive behavioural strategies, workplace adjustments, and regular follow-ups. We coordinate your care — medication titration, monitoring, and prescription management — all within our mental health and ADHD clinic.

How much does a private ADHD assessment cost?

ADHD assessments start from £695. This includes the initial GP screening, the full diagnostic assessment with an experienced clinician, and a detailed written report. Ongoing medication management is coordinated through your regular GP consultations.

Will a private diagnosis be recognised by the NHS?

Yes. A diagnosis from a qualified clinician is valid regardless of whether it was obtained privately or through the NHS. Your NHS GP should accept the diagnosis and can take over prescribing if you prefer, following a shared care protocol.

Life after diagnosis

For many adults, receiving an ADHD diagnosis is genuinely life-changing. It reframes decades of struggle not as personal failure, but as a neurological difference that can be understood and managed. Many patients tell us they wish they had been assessed years earlier.

AtWell provides ADHD assessments for adults at our clinic in Balsall Common, convenient for patients from Solihull, Birmingham, Coventry, and across the West Midlands.

"The ADHD assessment process was straightforward and compassionate. Getting a diagnosis at 38 has genuinely changed my life. I cannot recommend them enough."
— Tom D., Solihull

Understanding ADHD assessments for adults