Private ADHD Assessment in London: A Complete Guide

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by inattention, impulsivity and (in many cases) hyperactivity. In practical terms, adults with ADHD often struggle to sustain focus, become easily distracted or restless, and tend to procrastinate on tasks. For example, someone with ADHD might find meetings unbearable, often “zone out,” leave work until the last minute, or have great difficulty waiting in queues. According to NICE guidelines, core ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood (before age 12) and cause impairment in multiple settings. It’s also common for ADHD to co-occur with other neurodivergent conditions (e.g. dyslexia or autism). Importantly, many adults only discover they have ADHD after a child is diagnosed, finally understanding long-standing challenges.

At our Harley Street clinic, we explain that ADHD symptoms can look different in adults than in children. Aside from restlessness and distractibility, adults frequently experience chronic disorganisation, forgetfulness, and poor time-management. These can translate into missed deadlines, frequent lateness, or a sense of constantly battling “brain fog.” ADHD symptoms can also fluctuate over time and may be less obvious if one finds coping strategies. However, when untreated, even mild ADHD can significantly affect work performance, relationships and wellbeing. Many patients describe a feeling of relief when finally being understood: as one of our specialist notes, “an ADHD assessment brings a real sense of relief… helping people make sense of struggles they’ve experienced throughout their life.” Receiving an accurate diagnosis often provides a sense of clarity and hope that targeted support can improve daily life.

Why Choose a Private ADHD Assessment in London?

Many people in London turn to private assessment for ADHD to access experienced specialists and avoid long NHS waitlists. Unlike some NHS pathways, a private assessment can often be arranged without a GP referral, meaning you can get started more quickly. Our clinic offers both in-person and Zoom consultations, making it easy to fit an appointment into your schedule. As a small, boutique practice, we ensure you always see a senior clinician – never a trainee.

● Expertise: Our multidisciplinary team includes consultant psychiatrists and clinical psychologists who specialise in adult ADHD. For example, Dr. Susie Rudge, one of our psychologists, focuses on research-backed ADHD assessment and management. All our clinicians bring decades of experience from NHS and private practice.

● Personalised care: We maintain a deliberately small practice so every patient receives attentive, one-on-one support. You won’t be passed to an unknown nurse or assistant – we pair you directly with the most appropriate psychiatrist or psychologist based on your needs.

● Flexibility and Privacy: Appointments are available during the week and via video for added convenience. Our Harley Street address provides a discreet, comfortable setting with strict confidentiality.

● No GP referral needed: You can self-refer to us. Simply contact our team and we’ll discuss your concerns; from there, we can arrange an assessment if appropriate.

What Happens During an ADHD Assessment?

A private ADHD assessment is thorough and multi-step. Here’s what to expect at Psyche Clinic:

1. Preparation – Information Gathering: We will ask you to provide background information before the appointment. This typically includes developmental and childhood history (often via a parent, partner or other “informant”), past school reports or notes on attention issues, and completed rating scales. Common forms include the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and the DIVA interview questionnaire. Providing this collateral information helps our clinician see the full picture of your symptoms over time.

2. The Assessment Session: Your initial consultation is usually 90 minutes. In that time, we combine a general psychiatric review with a focused ADHD interview. We will ask about your history, daily challenges, and how symptoms affect your life. We use structured criteria (DSM-5/ICD-10) to check symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, ensuring they match diagnostic thresholds. Our clinician may observe your behaviour and may go over the questionnaires you returned, discussing examples in more detail. You are welcome (though not required) to have a family member join part of the session.

3. Diagnosis and Report: By the end of the appointment, your clinician will explain their initial impressions. A formal diagnosis (if any) is not usually given on the spot; instead, we take time to carefully review all information. Within about two weeks you will receive a written report detailing the findings, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. This report can be shared with your GP if you like. Because ADHD often overlaps with other issues, we also assess for any coexisting conditions and include these in our plan.

In some cases, we may break the assessment into two shorter sessions (for example, a 60-minute psychiatric evaluation followed by an ADHD interview). But if you complete the questionnaires and provide the informant data in advance, we can cover everything in one extended 90-minute visit.

After Diagnosis: Treatment and Support

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, we work with you to create a personalised management plan. Treatment often involves medication, therapy, or a combination:

● Medication: For most adults, stimulant medications are first-line because they tend to work quickly. In practice we often prescribe once-daily, long-acting stimulants. For example, long-acting methylphenidate (brand names like Concerta XL) or lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) are common choices. These help increase focus and calm the “overactive” aspects of ADHD. Many patients experience a near-immediate improvement – as one of our specialists observed, “treatment effect is more or less immediate… most patients report that the effects are life changing, as they feel more focused, more productive and more efficient in their day-to-day life.” If stimulants aren’t suitable (due to mild symptoms or other health reasons), non-stimulants like Atomoxetine or Bupropion may be used.

● Therapies & Coaching: Medication is only one part of ADHD care. We may also recommend support to help with skills like organisation, time-management and stress. This can include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), life coaching, ADHD skills training or psychoeducation groups. Our psychologists and psychotherapists can work with you individually or in groups to build coping strategies tailored to ADHD.

● Ongoing Support: Successful ADHD treatment often involves follow-up. We offer follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust medication as needed. We also coordinate with your GP or other healthcare providers. (If you choose, a GP can take over prescription prescribing once a diagnosis is confirmed, under a shared-care agreement.)

Importantly, diagnosing ADHD can unlock understanding of strengths as well as difficulties. Many adults with ADHD are very creative, energetic and quick-thinking – traits we like to call “ADHD superpowers.” The goal of our approach is not only to reduce challenges, but to help you harness those strengths (focus, passion, spontaneity) in a structured way. With proper diagnosis and support, many patients feel empowered and optimistic about their future.

Why the Psyche Clinic?

We understand that choosing a clinic for an ADHD assessment is a big decision. At Psyche Clinic on Harley Street, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate, expert care:

● Evidence-based, empathetic care: Our team follows the latest research and guidelines to diagnose ADHD accurately. We combine data-driven assessments with genuine empathy. You won’t get a rushed “checkbox” evaluation here; we take the time to listen and understand your unique history.

● Specialist team: As noted above, we have ADHD specialists on staff. In addition to Dr. Hakeem and Dr. Rudge, our clinic includes several other senior psychiatrists and psychologists who are highly experienced. All our clinicians have spent years in NHS and private practice, and many have additional certifications in ADHD care.

● Safe, private setting: Harley Street is famous for discreet private healthcare. We offer a calm, confidential environment, whether in-person or online. Our clinic is deliberately small, so we can guarantee your appointment is tailored to you.

● Seamless process: From your first email or phone call, our team will guide you. We handle all the appointment booking and paperwork. Whether you call us or email, our office responds quickly to answer questions. We work with major private insurers (so your care may be covered) and offer clear pricing upfront.

Getting Started

Taking the first step requires courage, and we’ll meet you with understanding and confidentiality. If you suspect you have ADHD or have been struggling with concentration or impulsivity for years, please contact us. We’ll listen to your concerns and match you with the right specialist.

Our combined Initial/ADHD Assessment is a 90-minute evaluation that yields a clear diagnosis and plan. We’re here to guide you every step of the way – from filling out pre-appointment questionnaires to understanding your report and starting treatment. Many people find that a private assessment and timely treatment make a transformative difference. As one patient described after their assessment: “The comprehensive report has been incredibly useful and I feel more confident about going forward.” We look forward to giving you the same confidence.

Next Steps: Reach out to Psyche Clinic email. Our Practice Manager will answer your questions and schedule an appointment at your convenience. ADHD assessment and support is a team effort – and we’re ready to be on your team