Medically reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last reviewed November 2026.
Yes. Adults can have a private ADHD assessment with a consultant psychiatrist, by video or in person, without waiting years for an NHS appointment. A good assessment follows NICE guidance, covers your childhood and current symptoms in depth, and leads to a written report and a treatment plan. The Online GP by The Wellness offers adult ADHD assessments from £1,250 by video and £1,500 in person.
Key points
ADHD affects an estimated 3 to 5% of the population, according to NHS England’s independent ADHD Taskforce.
The Taskforce reported NHS waits of up to 8 years or more for adults in some areas.
A proper assessment is carried out by a specialist, usually a consultant psychiatrist, and looks at symptoms from childhood to now.
A diagnosis leads to a written report and a plan, which may include medication, therapy and practical support at work.
The Online GP by The Wellness offers an Adult ADHD assessment from £1,250 by video and £1,500 in person.
What are the signs of ADHD in adults?
The signs of ADHD in adults include difficulty focusing on tasks that are not interesting, losing things, missing deadlines, restlessness, acting on impulse, and feeling mentally overwhelmed by organising daily life. Symptoms start in childhood, although many adults are only recognised later.
Adult ADHD often looks different from the hyperactive child people picture. It can show up as chronic disorganisation, exhaustion from compensating, or anxiety and low mood that hide the underlying cause.
Why are NHS waits for ADHD so long?
NHS waits for adult ADHD assessment are long because demand has grown far faster than specialist capacity. The report of NHS England’s independent ADHD Taskforce describes waits of up to 8 years or more for adults, and estimates that ADHD affects 3 to 5% of the population.
The Taskforce’s final report, published in November 2025, calls for ADHD to be treated as a common condition, with more training for GPs and new ways of diagnosing to reduce waiting lists.
Ask a doctor on WhatsApp about an ADHD assessment.
What does a good private ADHD assessment include?
A good private ADHD assessment includes a structured interview with a consultant psychiatrist, validated rating scales, a detailed history of symptoms from childhood, and a review of other conditions that can look similar, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems or thyroid disease.
Information from someone who knew you as a child, or school reports, strengthens the assessment. The outcome is a written report you can share with your GP and employer.
A good ADHD assessment takes time and looks at the whole person. The goal is an accurate answer, and if the answer is ADHD, a plan that genuinely changes daily life.
What happens after an ADHD diagnosis?
After an ADHD diagnosis, the psychiatrist discusses treatment options, which may include medication, coaching or therapy, and practical changes at work or study. If medication is started, doses are adjusted during a titration period with regular reviews of blood pressure, pulse and side effects.
Once treatment is stable, some people ask their NHS GP to continue prescribing under a shared care agreement. Our guide to high blood pressure you may not know about explains why blood pressure is checked before and during treatment.
Ask a doctor on WhatsApp about ADHD treatment.
What happens when I book an adult ADHD assessment?
An adult ADHD assessment at The Online GP by The Wellness starts with a short screening conversation, continues with a full assessment by a consultant psychiatrist, and ends with a written report and a clear plan.
Message the team on WhatsApp with what you have noticed and any previous assessments.
You complete screening questionnaires, and the team gathers any school or medical records you have.
A consultant psychiatrist carries out a full assessment by video or in person.
The psychiatrist reviews every finding and confirms whether the diagnosis fits.
You receive a written report and a plan, including treatment options and follow-up.
Assessed in depth. Planned around you.
How much does a private adult ADHD assessment cost in London?
An Adult ADHD assessment at The Online GP by The Wellness costs £1,250 by video and £1,500 in person. A combined ADHD and autism assessment starts from £2,400. Titration reviews cost £325, and follow-up appointments cost £450.
Most adults start with a video assessment. In person suits those who prefer to meet the psychiatrist face to face. Book an ADHD assessment on WhatsApp.
Can a doctor tell me whether an ADHD assessment is right for me?
Yes. Send what you have noticed, how long it has affected you and any previous diagnoses on WhatsApp. The team tells you whether a full assessment is the right next step, or whether another assessment should come first.
Start your free suitability review on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is a private ADHD diagnosis recognised by the NHS?
A diagnosis from a qualified specialist following NICE guidance is a valid clinical diagnosis. Whether your NHS GP agrees to shared care for prescribing is decided locally.
Can an ADHD assessment be done online?
Yes. Adult ADHD assessments can be carried out by video with a consultant psychiatrist. Some people prefer to be assessed in person.
Do I need a GP referral for a private ADHD assessment?
No referral is needed to book. Sharing your medical history and any previous assessments helps the psychiatrist.
Can I transfer my ADHD care from another provider?
Yes. The Online GP by The Wellness offers an ADHD transfer of care, where a psychiatrist reviews your diagnosis and treatment before continuing your care.
Sources
NHS England, Report of the independent ADHD Taskforce: Part 1, 2025
NHS England, Response to the ADHD Taskforce final report, November 2025
NICE guideline NG87, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management
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