Introduction: More Than Just a Childhood Disorder
ADHD has long been pigeonholed as a childhood condition, often associated with noisy classrooms, restless energy, and missed homework assignments. But behind this narrow stereotype lies a more complex truth—one that often goes unrecognised well into adulthood. ADHD doesn’t simply disappear when someone turns eighteen; in fact, for many, the symptoms only begin to make themselves fully known when adult responsibilities pile up.
In the UK, an estimated 2.5% of adults are thought to live with ADHD. Yet the majority remain undiagnosed, frequently mislabelled as anxious, unmotivated, chaotic, or simply ‘not reaching their potential.’ What’s more, high-functioning individuals—especially women, professionals, and university students—can mask the most visible traits for years, even decades. Internally, though, they may struggle with focus, procrastination, restlessness, emotional volatility, and a persistent sense of falling short.
In recent years, the limitations of overstretched NHS services have led many to seek private ADHD assessments—especially in places like Oxford, where academic and professional expectations run high. The need for speed, clarity, and compassionate care has never been greater.
At Oxford Brain and Mind, we provide specialist-led assessments designed not only to diagnose, but to help individuals understand themselves, their strengths, and the strategies that will help them thrive. This article will explore why getting a diagnosis matters, how the process works, and what kind of support is available—delivered by clinicians who are not just qualified, but deeply experienced in working with adult ADHD.
1. What Is Adult ADHD? Unpacking the Misconceptions
ADHD—Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder—is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences the brain’s ability to manage attention, impulses, and executive function. While its most visible signs are often spotted early in life, the reality is that many people—particularly those who are able to mask or work around their symptoms—aren’t diagnosed until adulthood. In these cases, it’s not a matter of ADHD arriving late, but of being missed for years.
In adults, the condition often presents differently than it does in children. Rather than running, climbing, or interrupting conversations, adults with ADHD might experience chronic disorganisation, difficulty completing tasks, frequent forgetfulness, or an overwhelming sense of mental clutter. They may hyperfocus on a project for hours, only to be unable to complete everyday chores. Emotional regulation—managing frustration, stress, or disappointment—can also be more difficult.
There are recognised subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The inattentive presentation—characterised by mental distraction, forgetfulness, and disorganisation—is especially underdiagnosed in women and girls, who are often taught from an early age to internalise their struggles or attribute them to anxiety.
To complicate matters, ADHD often coexists with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or autism. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis or partial diagnoses that never fully explain the difficulties a person faces. Without a thorough assessment from professionals trained to see the full picture, many adults continue to stumble through life without understanding why even basic tasks feel harder for them than for others.
2. Why Getting an Accurate Diagnosis Matters
For adults who have spent years questioning their ability to cope—wondering why their brain doesn’t seem to work like everyone else’s—a clear diagnosis can be transformative. It offers not just an explanation, but a roadmap.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood is not about attaching a label. It’s about finally having language for an experience that may have felt confusing or isolating. People often describe the moment of diagnosis as a form of release—a lifting of guilt or self-blame that’s been carried for far too long. When someone has spent years thinking they’re lazy, disorganised, or incapable, understanding that there’s a neurological explanation behind their challenges can be life-changing.
Beyond that personal clarity, a diagnosis opens the door to meaningful support. ADHD is highly treatable. With the right combination of medication, behavioural strategies, coaching, and psychoeducation, many people go on to lead more balanced, focused, and fulfilling lives. But none of those interventions are available without first knowing what’s going on.
Left untreated, ADHD can have wide-ranging consequences. Studies have linked it to lower employment rates, greater relationship instability, and increased risks of substance misuse. On the other hand, those who receive support often report better emotional wellbeing, stronger interpersonal connections, and improved performance at work or in education.
Importantly, diagnosis also allows for accommodations—whether in professional settings, academic institutions, or even personal relationships. When ADHD is understood and acknowledged, it’s far easier to build systems that reduce friction and support success.
In short, getting a proper diagnosis is not the end of a process. It’s the beginning of a much better one.
3. Signs You Might Have Adult ADHD
Many adults live with ADHD for years without realising it. They might see themselves as perpetually disorganised or unreliable, blaming themselves for traits they believe reflect poor character rather than neurodevelopmental wiring. The truth is that ADHD in adults often flies under the radar, especially in people who are intelligent, articulate, or highly driven in certain areas of life.
If you find that you constantly miss deadlines despite trying hard, or that your brain seems to work in short bursts of brilliance followed by fog and fatigue, you’re not alone. People with ADHD often describe themselves as inconsistent: able to hyperfocus on certain tasks, yet unable to begin others no matter how urgent or simple.
There may be a trail of unfinished projects, late bills, missed appointments, or social missteps. You may find yourself overwhelmed by tasks that others seem to handle with ease—laundry, planning meals, organising your inbox—and wonder why simple things feel so draining. Emotional responses can also be intense. Small frustrations might escalate quickly, or you may find yourself zoning out in the middle of important conversations.
Many adults with ADHD also experience “time blindness”—a distorted perception of time that makes estimating how long something will take (or how long you’ve spent on it) incredibly difficult. This often leads to a cycle of procrastination and panic.
These patterns may have been present since childhood, but only become fully visible when adult responsibilities kick in. For others, symptoms intensify under stress, major life changes, or in environments that lack structure.
Often, the people most in need of support are the least likely to receive it, precisely because they’ve learned to adapt in ways that hide the problem. But masking isn’t the same as thriving. If you recognise yourself in any of these descriptions, seeking an assessment could be the next step toward understanding and working with your brain, rather than against it.
4. The ADHD Assessment Process at Oxford Brain and Mind
At Oxford Brain and Mind, we understand that seeking an adult ADHD assessment isn’t just about receiving a label—it’s about making sense of your life story. That’s why our process is intentionally thorough, clinician-led, and designed to support you from the first enquiry through to post-diagnostic care.
Unlike many services where assessments are conducted by junior staff or split between departments, our evaluations are led by consultant psychiatrists—specialists who are qualified not only to diagnose ADHD, but also to prescribe and manage any recommended medication if appropriate. This continuity ensures that the professional who understands your condition is also the one guiding your treatment. Furthermore, you will not have to wait for another appointment after a few weeks to initiate medication as the consultant psychiatrist will be able to prescribe you medication in the first consultation itself, if it is indicated and there are no contraindications to start the medication.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Enquiry and Screening
Your journey begins with a confidential conversation—either by phone or secure online form—where you can outline your concerns. This isn’t a diagnostic call, but a first step to determine whether a full assessment is appropriate and how we can tailor the process to you. - Consultant-Led Diagnostic Interview
The core of the assessment is a structured, in-depth clinical interview with a consultant psychiatrist. This session explores your developmental history, current symptoms, academic and professional experiences, emotional wellbeing, and daily functioning.
We take the time to understand not just the challenges, but how they’ve affected your life. This is where adult ADHD often becomes clear—not just as a list of traits, but as a pattern that’s shaped your experience over time.
- Psychometric Testing and Standardised Tools
We use validated instruments such as the DIVA-5, ASRS, and other internationally recognised ADHD screening tools. These help ensure the diagnosis is evidence-based, comprehensive, and in line with best practice guidance (including UKAAN and NICE recommendations). - Differential Diagnosis and Comorbidities
Many people with ADHD also experience anxiety, depression, or symptoms that overlap with Autism Spectrum Condition. Our clinicians are trained to distinguish between these and ensure nothing is missed. This means you don’t just get a “yes” or “no” answer—you get a nuanced understanding of your mental health profile. - Written Diagnostic Report
Within a short timeframe, you’ll receive a full written report. This document includes your diagnosis (if confirmed), supporting evidence, and recommended next steps. It’s suitable for sharing with your GP, employer, or academic institution if needed. - Post-Assessment Support
Should you wish to begin treatment, we can provide:
- Medication management directly with the prescribing psychiatrist
- Therapeutic interventions or onward referrals
- ADHD-specific coaching and behavioural support
All of this is optional—you’re never pressured into a pathway. The goal is to give you control, choice, and clarity.
Whether you’re seeking confirmation of long-standing suspicions or are simply curious about whether ADHD might explain certain life patterns, our process is built to support you with rigour and empathy.
5. What Makes Oxford Brain and Mind Different
In an increasingly crowded private healthcare space, choosing the right provider for an ADHD assessment can feel overwhelming. At Oxford Brain and Mind, we believe our difference lies not just in our qualifications, but in the way we work—with professionalism, consistency, and deep respect for your experience.
Key distinctions include:
- Consultant-Led Assessments
Every ADHD diagnosis is conducted by a consultant psychiatrist. You won’t be passed between practitioners, and the person who diagnoses you is also authorised to prescribe medication and provide clinical oversight—ensuring continuity throughout. - UKAAN-Certified and Research-Informed
Our psychiatrists are trained in specialist adult ADHD clinics (including Cambridge and Reading) and have completed UKAAN training. Our lead clinician, Dr Tina Malhotra, has published peer-reviewed research on attention and memory in adults with ADHD. Dr Saik de La Motte has extensive experience in working in specialist ADHD services in the NHS. - Holistic Approach
Diagnosis is only the beginning. We offer optional behavioural coaching, mental health support, and tailored strategies for organising your routine, handling stress, and managing comorbid conditions. - Compassionate Care with Lived Experience
Our nurse associate, Evin Abrishami, brings not only clinical knowledge but also personal insight from supporting her own children with ADHD. This gives our service a unique depth—rooted in both medical expertise and lived understanding. - Discreet and Timely
With NHS waits often exceeding 18 months, our assessments are offered with short lead times and full discretion. We prioritise your schedule and your privacy.
For those who’ve struggled with not being believed, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed, we aim to offer not just a diagnosis, but a renewed sense of possibility.
6. Treatment Options After Diagnosis
A diagnosis is a doorway—but what lies beyond it? For many adults, finding out they have ADHD is only the first step. The real transformation comes from finding the right mix of treatments and tools to support the way their mind works.
At Oxford Brain and Mind, we provide a range of post-diagnostic treatment options, which we personalise based on your goals, lifestyle, and medical profile.
Medication
For many adults, medication plays an important role in managing ADHD symptoms. Common prescriptions include methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (e.g. Elvanse), both of which are approved by NICE and backed by strong clinical evidence.
We work with you to:
- Start with low doses and titrate slowly
- Monitor side effects and benefits
- Ensure prescriptions are adjusted safely over time
Medication isn’t right for everyone, but when it is, the difference can be profound—offering improved focus, reduced mental clutter, and greater emotional regulation.
Coaching and Behavioural Support
Beyond medication, many adults benefit from ADHD-specific coaching. This is different from generic life coaching—it’s grounded in behavioural science and tailored to ADHD traits.
Coaching support can include:
- Structuring your day or week in sustainable ways
- Breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable actions
- Creating external cues or prompts to improve memory and follow-through
- Addressing perfectionism and task paralysis
Evin Abrishami, our in-house behavioural support specialist, works one-to-one with clients using proven techniques including behavioural activation, routine structuring, and stress management.
Therapeutic Interventions
Some clients benefit from CBT or talking therapies to manage the emotional impact of living with ADHD, especially if they’ve also experienced anxiety, trauma, or depression.
Where appropriate, we can refer you to trusted therapeutic partners or collaborate with your existing providers.
Collaboration with Your GP
If you choose to continue treatment through your GP or NHS services, we provide full reports and recommendations that integrate seamlessly with wider care. You’re always in control of how your diagnosis is used and who sees your report.
Diagnosis isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s a foundation. From there, the right support can turn years of frustration into sustainable progress.
7. Real Lives, Real Change: What Clients Say
For many adults, receiving an ADHD diagnosis is less about discovering something new and more about finally making sense of what’s always been there. At Oxford Brain and Mind, we’ve seen first-hand how clarity can empower individuals to reclaim confidence, direction, and a sense of calm in their lives.
One client, a 34-year-old project manager, described it like this:
“I always thought I was just terrible at life admin. But it wasn’t laziness—it was overwhelm. The diagnosis didn’t just explain things, it gave me permission to stop blaming myself and start finding strategies that actually work.”
Others describe the relief of being taken seriously after years of feeling dismissed. For clients who have spent years trying therapy, medication for depression, or self-help routines that never seemed to stick, learning about ADHD brings new context—and new solutions.
A university lecturer in Oxford shared:
“I was burning out constantly, always ‘on’ but never focused. I thought it was just the academic lifestyle. Turns out, I’d been masking ADHD my whole career.”
What unites these stories isn’t the severity of the symptoms—it’s the transformation that happens when those symptoms are recognised and understood. We often hear phrases like “I wish I’d known sooner,” or “Everything clicks into place now.”
The goal of assessment isn’t to pathologise or limit people. It’s to unlock the strategies and tools that allow people to live and work in a way that honours their actual cognitive profile—rather than trying to fit into systems that were never designed with neurodivergent minds in mind.
8. Common Questions About Adult ADHD Assessments
We understand that deciding to pursue an assessment comes with a lot of questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked, answered with clarity and compassion.
Is it worth getting a private ADHD assessment?
Yes, especially if NHS routes are slow or inaccessible. A private assessment provides faster access to clarity, diagnosis, and treatment. It can also be used to support academic or workplace accommodations.
Will I be able to get medication after the assessment?
If appropriate, yes. Our consultant psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe ADHD medication and will discuss options with you in detail. We also coordinate with your GP if you wish to transfer prescribing later.
Can I complete the assessment remotely?
Yes. We offer both in-person assessments at our Oxford clinic and remote assessments via secure video call. The process and quality remain the same in either format.
How long does it take to receive a diagnosis?
Once your clinical interview and testing are complete, you’ll typically receive your full report within 7 to 14 working days.
What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can both diagnose and prescribe medication. A psychologist specialises in assessment and therapy but cannot prescribe. At Oxford Brain and Mind, all ADHD assessments are led by psychiatrists.
Will my GP accept the diagnosis?
Yes. We provide a comprehensive medical report suitable for sharing with your GP, workplace, or university. Many clients go on to receive shared care plans or reasonable adjustments based on our diagnosis.
Is ADHD being overdiagnosed?
No. ADHD remains underdiagnosed—particularly in adults, women, and people of colour. Increased awareness has led to more people seeking help, but assessments follow strict diagnostic criteria and are only confirmed when clinically appropriate.
How much does it cost?
Please contact us for current pricing. Our fees reflect the level of consultant involvement, testing rigour, and post-assessment support provided.
These questions are just the starting point. If you’re unsure, we welcome you to get in touch and discuss your concerns confidentially.
9. How to Get Started with Oxford Brain and Mind
Taking the first step can feel daunting—but it doesn’t need to be. Whether you’ve suspected ADHD for years or are just starting to ask questions, we’re here to help you explore what’s really going on, without pressure or judgment.
To begin, you can reach out via our secure online form, give us a call, or message us via WhatsApp. A member of our team will guide you through the initial steps and help arrange your consultation at a time that suits you.
We offer:
- Short wait times (often within 2–3 weeks)
- Consultant-led assessments from day one
- Clear, personalised reports
- The option of remote or in-person appointments
And most importantly, you’ll be supported by people who listen, understand, and care.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or chronically misunderstood, you don’t have to keep pushing through alone. There is clarity. And it starts here.
Conclusion: Getting the Clarity You Deserve
Adult ADHD isn’t a weakness—it’s a different way of experiencing the world. And for many, it’s a way that’s never been explained, recognised, or properly supported until much later in life.
Diagnosis isn’t about putting you in a box. It’s about freeing you from the invisible box you’ve been trapped in—where everything felt harder than it should have, and no one quite understood why.
At Oxford Brain and Mind, our assessments are designed to do more than check boxes. We help people rewrite the story they’ve been telling themselves—one that replaces blame with understanding, and frustration with strategy.
If you think ADHD might be part of your story, we invite you to take the next step. Not for the label, but for the clarity, the tools, and the support that can change everything that follows.
📎 Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
