What to expect at an NHS ADHD assessment and how to prepare

[Puglife3]

I have my ADHD asessment soon
I'm quite nervous,what should I expect

Mine was mainly questions and discussion about issues I have, experiences and examples from my life. My DH was my only informant so during the assessment I answered all the childhood questions and they did a list of childhood questions which they got a score from but I can’t remember what it was called. It took about 2 hours.

Ice breaker questions - like what made you go for a diagnosis.

They will ask you lots of questions, and just answer best you can, they should give examples or go back to previous points for clarification if it helps with a different section.

I had filled out my paperwork really thoroughly on inattentive ADHD traits, but she had picked up on hyperactivity too, so mostly focused on asking me questions on that, as well as childhood.

Be yourself. I felt that sometimes it's not what I said, but how I said it (e.g. appearing to go off topic or telling a story in a different order) that she was looking at. Bring a fidget toy if that helps you, and point out you've got one.

Have some paper with you, and every time they tell you about one of your positive traits, write it down. You will feel heavy afterwards and that will help.

Good luck :-)

Thankyou both of you for replying,that's helpful

I've recently had an online ADHD assessment with PsychiatryUK. It lasted just over an hour, and the Dr was lovely and reassuring. His questions were mainly around the ones I'd completed on my form. Asked me about my childhood, school life, work life, struggles, relationships etc

I felt quite heavy and bruised for a few days after as it opened up some old wounds/past trauma. But so glad I did it as have now got my diagnosis.

Good luck.