ADHD Mental Health Support and Assessment for Adults
If you have challenges with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, it may be an indication of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many of us experience these challenges at some point in our lives. However, if you have ADHD, these challenges usually begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. These challenges will affect you in many areas of your life.
What Does An ADHD Diagnosis Involve?
Rainbow Medical follows the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for all ADHD assessments. NICE and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPSYCH) are excellent resources if you suspect you have ADHD; we recommend you visit NICE by clicking here or RCPSYCH by clicking here. We also recommend visiting NHS website on ADHD by clicking here.
All assessments and meetings with your Psychiatrist will take place either over the internet or at our Leicester clinic. For talking therapies and your appointments with your therapist or counsellor, these can take place in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, Northampton, Oxford, Worcester and Edinburgh.
Rainbow Medical psychiatric assessments are conducted by a psychiatrist. For quality of care and patient safety, you will always meet a Psychiatrist for your diagnosis, medication initiations and medication reviews.
- Before we meet each other, all your preliminary screening will have been reviewed by a psychiatrist. You will receive guidance written by one of our psychiatrists at your feedback and recommendations appointment.
- For your diagnosis, medication initiations and medication reviews, you will always meet a Psychiatrist; other providers may use nurses but we do not. For quality of care and patient safety you will meet with a doctor for diagnosis, medication initiations and medication reviews.
- There are NO hidden fees; see our fees page for full details.
- Your preferences, needs and values will guide our clinical decisions. This co-production enables our person-centred care.
- Working together/Co-production is important to us. We believe in your ability to face, experience, and survive the unknown, and that your experience can help us improve our service and aid others on their journeys.
- We offer Evidence-based treatment, while recognising the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Although we are led by experienced Consultant Psychiatrists, we work alongside therapists, counsellors, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care, fostering a holistic healing environment.
- We will always be frank: without openness and transparency, co-production cannot work.
- Everything we do is underpinned by our core values; if we make a mistake, we will put things right.
After steps 1-3, the assessment and diagnosis pathway is concluded. If you want to consider medication, please book your medication initiation consultation with one of our psychiatrists; this is part of the treatment pathway.
The first step is preliminary screening for neurodiversity. Autism and ADHD can be comorbid with one another, as well as other conditions and NICE guidelines stipulate the consideration of the differential diagnoses.
Rainbow Medical follows the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for all Autism assessments, both for Adults and Children, as well as the best-practice guidance published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPSYCH). Our ADHD assessments meet NICE guidelines and follows RCPSYCH best-practice guidance. Autism and ADHD is diagnosed using The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-5) criteria.
This means we can offer a gold-standard report recognised by GPs, workplaces and local Authorities. Our neurodivergent pathways are thorough. We can also provide you post-diagnostic support.
We will send you online assessments for both you and an ‘observer’ to complete. An observer can be anyone who knows you well, but is typically someone with experience of your symptoms, such as a parent or partner.
This first stage helps us build a picture of you and if ADHD was present in your childhood.
We will also send you a ‘GP referral request’ to take to your GP and also ask you to complete an online ‘Neurodevelopmental history request’ form, so we can get to know you better
In line with our approach to person-centred care and co-production, after all the preliminary screening is completed we will ask you to come and see us in person (although this can be done online if you prefer). You will meet an experienced Counsellor or Assistant Psychologist. This is the first opportunity for us to meet one another, face-to-face, and discuss any concerns and the challenges you face.
Before we meet each other, all your preliminary screening will have been reviewed by a psychiatrist. You will receive guidance written by one of our psychiatrists at your feedback and recommendations appointment.
If the initial screening shows enough ADHD symptoms are present, you will be supported onto Step 2, for a comprehensive diagnostic interview between you and an experienced Counsellor.
The results from the initial screening may show you do not have enough symptoms for further assessment of ADHD; although you may not have enough ADHD symptoms to fulfil a diagnosis, you may have some traits of ADHD that may create some difficulties and that you could benefit from some targeted counselling, without the need of seeing a psychiatrist or having medication. Our Counsellors will offer you guidance and support in understanding the screening process and what the results mean for you.
You will have an appointment with a Counsellor who will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic interview called DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults). You can find out about it by clicking here.
The main requirements for the diagnosis are that the onset of several ADHD symptoms occurred during your childhood (less than aged 12) and that this was followed by a lifelong persistence of the characteristic symptoms to the time of the current assessment.
If you feel comfortable, and although not necessary, bringing someone you know well, preferably from childhood, can aid the diagnostic interview process.
The Diagnostic interview will take around two hours to complete.
Even if criteria for DIVA-5 are not met, you will be seen by a Psychiatrist. Only a Psychiatrist can give a diagnosis of ADHD.
As part of the diagnostic process, we will include an assessment of your needs, coexisting conditions, social, familial, and educational or occupational circumstances and physical health.
If you do not have enough ADHD symptoms to fulfil a diagnosis, you may have some traits of ADHD that create some difficulties and you could benefit from some targeted counselling, without the need of seeing a Psychiatrist or having medication.
You will receive a report, written by your Psychiatrist, which will include your diagnosis.
ADHD is not a deficit of attention, it’s difficulties in regulating attention to tasks. It’s not a choice nor a lifestyle nor a label. It’s a neurological condition that affects the way the brain processes information.
Dr. Josep Vilanova
Consultant Psychiatrist
1. Meeting your Counsellor and initial screening.
You will meet an experienced Counsellor. This is the first opportunity for us to meet one another, face-to-face, and discuss any concerns and the challenges you face. We will ask you to complete a series of pre-assessment questionnaires. One to be completed by you and another by someone who knew you as a child. This first stage helps us build a picture of you and if ADHD was present in your childhood.
In line with our approach to person-centred care and co-production we’ll offer you a second appointment to bring in your completed forms and discuss them with a trained Counsellor.
Plan A
The results from the initial screening may show you do not have enough symptoms for further assessment of ADHD. Although you may not have enough ADHD symptoms to fulfil a diagnosis, you may have some traits of ADHD that may create some difficulties and that you could benefit from some targeted counselling, without the need of seeing a psychiatrist or having medication. Our Counsellors will offer you guidance and support in understanding the screening process and what the results mean for you.
Plan B
If the initial screening shows enough ADHD symptoms are present, you will be supported onto Step 2, for a comprehensive diagnostic interview between you and an experienced Counsellor.
If a diagnosis of ADHD is likely we will ask you to request a GP referral.
2: Comprehensive diagnostic interview with an experienced Counsellor
You will have an appointment with a Counsellor who will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic interview called DIVA-5. You can find out about it by clicking here.
The main requirements for the diagnosis are that the onset of several ADHD symptoms occurred during your childhood (less than aged 12) and that this was followed by a lifelong persistence of the characteristic symptoms to the time of the current assessment. If you feel comfortable, and although not necessary, bringing someone you know well, preferably from childhood, can aid the diagnostic interview process.
The Diagnostic interview will take between 90 and 120 minutes.
3: Meeting your Consultant Psychiatrist and Diagnoses
Even if criteria for DIVA-5 are not met, you will be seen by a Consultant Psychiatrist. Only Consultant Psychiatrists can give a diagnosis of ADHD.
As part of the diagnostic process, we will include an assessment of your needs, coexisting conditions, social, familial, and educational or occupational circumstances and physical health. This appointment will typically last an hour.
If you do not have enough ADHD symptoms to fulfil a diagnosis, you may have some traits of ADHD that create some difficulties and you could benefit from some targeted counselling, without the need of seeing a Consultant Psychiatrist or having medication.
We recommend you visit the NHS website by clicking here. You’ll find an overview of ADHD along with symptoms and causes in both adults and young people.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis given to people who have challenges with:
- inattention – finding it hard to concentrate
- hyperactivity – feeling restless and struggling to sit still
- impulsivity – saying or doing things without thinking about the consequences first.
Most people experience these challenges at some point in their lives, or in certain situations. For example, you might struggle to concentrate the following day if they’ve had a bad night’s sleep. However, for people with ADHD, these challenges usually begin in childhood and for most people they continue as they grow up, though they may change or improve. These challenges will also affect someone in many areas of their life.
You can find our Fees and Cancellation policy by clicking here.
A referral is not required initially. However, if a diagnosis of ADHD is likely, we will let you know when to request a GP referral. This is part of how our approach differs from other services: Your preferences, needs and values will guide our clinical decisions. This co-production enables our person-centred care.
Your Consultant Psychiatrist will also undertake a general psychiatric assessment, noting any common co-morbid psychiatric conditions which may be contributing to your current difficulties. These can include anxiety, depression, or traits of autistic spectrum condition. Your Consultant Psychiatrist will discuss and give guidance about what further assessment and treatment options are available for these conditions.
Medications will not be provided during the assessment. An appointment to discuss different treatments will be offered by your Consultant Psychiatrist. We can only prescribe medication with sufficient knowledge of your physical health. These checks will include blood pressure, pulse rate, height and weight. Depending on your current health and medical history, you may also need blood tests and an ECG before your initial prescription. Because Co-production and person-centred care are our core values, we will discuss, with you, non-pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological treatment in combination with medication.
One of our core values is to ‘always be frank’. Rainbow Medical offers truly personalised care and collaborative assessments and treatments, so all ADHD assessments will look different. You can be confident we’ll give you the time you need:
Step 1. Meeting your Counsellor and initial screening: 120mins over two appointments
Step 2. Comprehensive diagnostic interview with an experienced Counsellor: 90-120mins
Step 3. Meeting your Consultant Psychiatrist and Diagnoses: 60mins
Step 4. Collaborative Treatment Planning and aftercare support: 60-120mins
The fee for an ADHD assessment is fixed.
We will match you to an available counsellor and Psychiatrist who fits your objectives, required preferences, and the type of concerns you are dealing with. Your ADHD assessment is led by you. We’ll do whatever we are able to make you feel comfortable and confident.
NICE guidance on ADHD
These guidelines cover recognising, diagnosing and managing ADHD in children, young people and adults. They aim to improve recognition and diagnosis, as well as the quality of care and support for people with ADHD.
- Information for the public, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management, NICE Guidance – Information written for the public on what you can expect if you have been diagnosed with ADHD.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management, NICE Guidance – Full clinical guidance on the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD.
Information on ADHD
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), NHS – Information from the NHS on ADHD, diagnosis and treatment.
- ADHD and mental health, Mind – Information from the mental health charity Mind on ADHD and mental health.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and driving, GOV.UK – Information from the Government on ADHD and driving.
- (PDF)An employer’s guide to ADHD in the workplace, Scottish ADHD Coalition – The Scottish ADHD Coalition have produced information to help employers support people with ADHD in the workplace.
ADHD charities
Below we have included details of some charities that work with and for people with ADHD:
- ADHD Aware – A charity run by volunteers, some with experience of ADHD themselves, who offer information and support meetings.
- ADHD Foundation – A charity advocating for people with ADHD and other physical and psychological health conditions.
- Scottish ADHD Coalition – A charity providing support to adults and children with ADHD in Scotland, and their parents, carers and families.
Peer support groups
- Support groups, ADHD UK – ADHD UK run peer-support groups, informative lectures and Q&A sessions.
- ADHD support group meetings, ADHD Aware – ADHD Aware run peer support group meetings to provide a safe space. These groups are for people with ADHD and their friends and families.
Wellbeing information
- Live Well, NHS – Information from the NHS on healthy living.
- Mindfulness, NHS – Information from the NHS on mindfulness.
- Sleep and tiredness, NHS – Information from the NHS on sleeping and tiredness.
We believe that often people may have complex clusters of symptoms that may involve different diagnoses. In fact, this is often the case with neurodivergent people, where symptoms of ADHD, autism and other conditions such as Dyslexia or Tourette’s often co-exist. In these cases, rather than following a strict, diagnosis-based, pathway, we offer a treatment plan looking at the individual symptomatology, specific for each patient. This approach is in line with our core values: https://www.rainbowmedical.co.uk/our-values/
We recommend you visit the NHS website by clicking here. You’ll find an overview of ADHD along with symptoms and causes in both adults and young people.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis given to people who have challenges with:
- inattention – finding it hard to concentrate
- hyperactivity – feeling restless and struggling to sit still
- impulsivity – saying or doing things without thinking about the consequences first.
Most people experience these challenges at some point in their lives, or in certain situations. For example, you might struggle to concentrate the following day if they’ve had a bad night’s sleep. However, for people with ADHD, these challenges usually begin in childhood and for most people they continue as they grow up, though they may change or improve. These challenges will also affect someone in many areas of their life.
You can find our Fees and Cancellation policy by clicking here.
As part of our comprehensive preliminary screening process, we will provide you with a ‘GP Letter of Referral Request for ADHD.’ You’ll need to share this letter with your GP, which asks them to supply a referral letter or patient summary relevant to an ADHD assessment.
This step ensures we receive the necessary medical and demographic information to deliver a thorough and accurate evaluation, aligning with your healthcare history and needs.
We ask for a GP referral/patient summary for a number of reasons:
- To make sure we have all available information to make a correct diagnosis.
- To protect and promote patient safety; ADHD medication needs to be considered in the context of whole patient health, including any existing medications taken.
- To confirm a patient’s identity.
- To meet NICE guidelines and CQC best practice.
Rainbow Medical psychiatric assessments are conducted by a psychiatrist. For quality of care and patient safety, you will always meet a Psychiatrist for your diagnosis, medication initiations and medication reviews.
- Before we meet each other, all your preliminary screening will have been reviewed by a psychiatrist. You will receive guidance written by one of our psychiatrists at your feedback and recommendations appointment.
- For your diagnosis, medication initiations and medication reviews, you will always meet a Psychiatrist; other providers may use nurses but we do not. For quality of care and patient safety you will meet with a doctor for diagnosis, medication initiations and medication reviews.
- There are NO hidden fees; see our fees page for full details.
- Your preferences, needs and values will guide our clinical decisions. This co-production enables our person-centred care.
- Working together/Co-production is important to us. We believe in your ability to face, experience, and survive the unknown, and that your experience can help us improve our service and aid others on their journeys.
- We offer Evidence-based treatment, while recognising the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Although we are led by experienced Consultant Psychiatrists, we work alongside therapists, counsellors, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care, fostering a holistic healing environment.
- We will always be frank: without openness and transparency, co-production cannot work.
- Everything we do is underpinned by our core values; if we make a mistake, we will put things right.
After steps 1-3, the assessment and diagnosis pathway is concluded. If you want to consider medication, please book your medication initiation consultation with one of our psychiatrists; this is part of the treatment pathway.
Your Consultant Psychiatrist will also undertake a general psychiatric assessment, noting any common co-morbid psychiatric conditions which may be contributing to your current difficulties. These can include anxiety, depression, or traits of autistic spectrum condition. Your Consultant Psychiatrist will discuss and give guidance about what further assessment and treatment options are available for these conditions.
Medications will not be provided during the assessment. An appointment to discuss different treatments will be offered by your Psychiatrist. We can only prescribe medication with sufficient knowledge of your physical health. These checks will include blood pressure, pulse rate, height and weight. Depending on your current health and medical history, you may also need blood tests and an ECG before your initial prescription. Because Co-production and person-centred care are our core values, we will discuss, with you, non-pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological treatment in combination with medication.
One of our core values is to ‘always be frank’. Rainbow Medical offers truly personalised care and collaborative assessments and treatments, so all ADHD assessments will look different. You can be confident we’ll give you the time you need:
Step 1, Part B (Preliminary screening results, feedback and recommendations): 50 minutes.
Step 2 (Comprehensive diagnostic interview): 2 hours.
Step 3 (Meeting your Psychiatrist and receiving your diagnoses and recommendations): 50 minutes.
We will match you to an available counsellor and Psychiatrist who fits your objectives, required preferences, and the type of concerns you are dealing with. Your ADHD assessment is led by you. We’ll do whatever we are able to make you feel comfortable and confident.
NICE guidance on ADHD
These guidelines cover recognising, diagnosing and managing ADHD in children, young people and adults. They aim to improve recognition and diagnosis, as well as the quality of care and support for people with ADHD.
- Information for the public, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management, NICE Guidance – Information written for the public on what you can expect if you have been diagnosed with ADHD.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management, NICE Guidance – Full clinical guidance on the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD.
Information on ADHD
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), NHS – Information from the NHS on ADHD, diagnosis and treatment.
- ADHD and mental health, Mind – Information from the mental health charity Mind on ADHD and mental health.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and driving, GOV.UK – Information from the Government on ADHD and driving.
- (PDF)An employer’s guide to ADHD in the workplace, Scottish ADHD Coalition – The Scottish ADHD Coalition have produced information to help employers support people with ADHD in the workplace.
ADHD charities
Below we have included details of some charities that work with and for people with ADHD:
- ADHD Aware – A charity run by volunteers, some with experience of ADHD themselves, who offer information and support meetings.
- ADHD Foundation – A charity advocating for people with ADHD and other physical and psychological health conditions.
- Scottish ADHD Coalition – A charity providing support to adults and children with ADHD in Scotland, and their parents, carers and families.
Peer support groups
- Support groups, ADHD UK – ADHD UK run peer-support groups, informative lectures and Q&A sessions.
- ADHD support group meetings, ADHD Aware – ADHD Aware run peer support group meetings to provide a safe space. These groups are for people with ADHD and their friends and families.
- ADDISS (The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service) provides information, moderated online forums and local support groups.
Wellbeing information
- Live Well, NHS – Information from the NHS on healthy living.
- Mindfulness, NHS – Information from the NHS on mindfulness.
- Sleep and tiredness, NHS – Information from the NHS on sleeping and tiredness.
- Diet, NHS – Information from the NHS on ADHD and diet.
All assessments and meetings with your Psychiatrist will take place either over the internet or at our Leicester clinic. For talking therapies and your appointments with your therapist or counsellor, these can take place in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, Northampton, Oxford, Worcester and Edinburgh
We believe that often people may have complex clusters of symptoms that may involve different diagnoses. In fact, this is often the case with neurodivergent people, where symptoms of ADHD, autism and other conditions such as Dyslexia or Tourette’s often co-exist. In these cases, rather than following a strict, diagnosis-based, pathway, we offer a treatment plan looking at the individual symptomatology, specific for each patient. This approach is in line with our core values: https://www.rainbowmedical.co.uk/our-values/
You can expect to receive your psychiatric assessment/report within 2-3 weeks, from the date of your consultation with a consultant psychiatrist.
On average, all our patients have received their report in 7 working days.
Your report will include, where relevant:
- Background information and History
- Reason for Referral
- A risk assessment
- The Diagnostic tools used and their results
- A Clinical impression
- Your diagnosis
- Clinical and Holistic treatment recommendations
- A costed treatment plan which includes a two-week cooling-off period.
CANDDID, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) and the ADHD Foundation have produced a series of informational videos ‘Understanding and Managing ADHD’.
- What is ADHD?
- Understanding How ADHD Impacts Me Part 1
- Understanding How ADHD Impacts Me Part 2
- Should I Get a Formal Diagnosis of ADHD?
- ADHD and Relationships
- Managing Low Mood and Anxiety with ADHD
- ADHD in Women
- How Hormones and Menopause Impact on Women with ADHD
- ADHD Medication, Self Medicating and Addiction Part 1
- ADHD Medication, Self Medicating and Addiction Part 2
- ADHD and Executive Functioning Skills
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices and Strategies to Manage ADHD Successfully
- Why Thinking Differently Can Be an Advantage