What to Expect: Your Journey Through the ADHD Service

ADHD Assessment & Treatment Pathway

Our service is designed to assess and support adults with suspected ADHD. The process includes several key stages, each with a specific purpose. Below is a guide to help you understand what to expect at each step.

Before Your Appointment

Identification (Required for All Appointments)

To ensure patient safety and meet clinical governance standards:

Please bring a Government-approved photo ID
This must be shown at the start of your appointment
Without valid ID, we will unfortunately be unable to proceed

You can view accepted forms of ID here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proof-of-identity-checklist/proof-of-identity-checklist

Appointment Attendance

We understand that plans can change. If you are unable to attend:

Please give us at least 48 hours’ notice
Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be recorded as a Did Not Attend (DNA)
If more than two appointments are missed, you may be at risk of discharge from the service

If something urgent comes up, please contact us as soon as possible at 0121 368 0698 / ADHD@Healthharmonie.co.uk

The Assessment Process

Our ADHD assessment is completed in two stages to ensure a thorough and accurate evaluation.

Assessment A – Initial Interview

This appointment focuses on understanding your life history and how ADHD symptoms may have affected you.

During this session we will:

Explore your childhood, education, and early development
Discuss work history, relationships, and coping strategies
Complete the structured DIVA-5 ADHD assessment
Understand how symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity present for you

There is no need to prepare in advance, although you may find it helpful to reflect on past experiences.

A clinical report will be prepared following this appointment.

Assessment B – Diagnostic Review

This appointment is with a senior clinician who will review all information gathered and determine whether diagnostic criteria are met.

During this session:

Your previous assessment findings will be reviewed
Current symptoms and mental health will be discussed
A mental state examination will be completed
Alternative explanations will be considered
A diagnosis (if appropriate) and next steps will be discussed

If possible, we recommend that a parent or someone who knew you in childhood provides additional information. If they cannot attend, you will receive a short questionnaire to complete beforehand.

Your full diagnostic report will be shared 7 days after Assessment B.

If ADHD is Diagnosed

We will discuss treatment options with you. These may include medication, psychoeducation, or both.

Medication (Titration Process)

If you decide to begin medication:

You will need to provide blood pressure and pulse readings
In some cases, an ECG may also be required

Important: Blood Pressure Requirement

For every titration appointment:

Up-to-date blood pressure and pulse readings must be submitted before your appointment
If readings are not received, medication cannot be issued

This is a safety requirement to ensure medication is prescribed appropriately.

Initial Medication Appointment

During your first titration appointment:

Medication options will be explained clearly
Your physical health history will be reviewed
A starting medication and dose will be agreed together
You will be shown how to monitor symptoms and side effects at home

Follow-Up Reviews

These are shorter appointments where we:

Review your symptom response
Check blood pressure and pulse readings
Adjust medication if needed

You may need several reviews before the most effective dose is reached.
Once stable, we may discuss shared care arrangements with your GP so prescriptions can continue in primary care.

Psychoeducation Material:

We provide non-pharmacological support through a wealth of ADHD educational resources and self-management materials, helping individuals to better understand ADHD and supporting them throughout their treatment journey.