Clinical Observation

As part of the adult ADHD assessment process, I will meet with you in person at the clinic I use in Christchurch, Dorset. This session provides an opportunity for a structured clinical interview and observation in a calm and supportive environment.

The aim of this meeting is to understand how you present and interact in person, and to explore areas such as attention, focus, activity level, organisation, emotional regulation, and social engagement. These observations form an important part of building a comprehensive understanding of your current functioning and experiences.

You are welcome to bring a partner, family member, or close friend to the appointment. Having an informant present can be very helpful, as they may be able to provide additional perspective on how your symptoms present day to day. Ideally, this person should have known you well since childhood (for example, a parent or sibling), as ADHD is a developmental condition that begins before the age of 12. However, if this is not possible, a partner or close friend who knows you well in adulthood is also suitable.

This meeting is not a test. It is a collaborative and informal discussion designed to help me understand your experiences, strengths, and any areas of difficulty.

Clinical Discussion

Following the initial part of the session, I will ensure that all relevant background information has been discussed and recorded, including:

Symptoms:

We will discuss your symptoms in detail — their nature, duration, and severity. This includes exploring:

When you or others first noticed signs of attention difficulties, impulsivity, or hyperactivity.
How these difficulties affect your ability to stay focused, complete tasks, or manage organisation and time.
How your symptoms manifest across different areas of your life, such as at work, at home, or in relationships.

Developmental History and Family Background:

We will review your developmental history to understand how your attention and behaviour have evolved over time. This may include:

Early developmental milestones and any relevant medical, educational, or emotional history.
Your experiences at school or college, including any academic or behavioural challenges.
Family history of ADHD or other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions, which can help identify possible genetic or environmental factors.

Assessment of Impact:

Understanding how ADHD symptoms affect your daily functioning is a key part of the assessment. We will explore how your experiences impact:

Work or education: managing tasks, deadlines, focus, and organisation.
Relationships: how attention, impulsivity, or emotional regulation affect communication and connection with others.
Daily life: routines, time management, decision-making, and self-care.

Differential Diagnosis:

Because ADHD can overlap with or resemble other conditions, I will also consider whether your symptoms may be influenced by, or better explained by, other factors such as:

Autism spectrum condition (ASC)
Anxiety or mood disorders
Depression or emotional dysregulation
Learning differences (for example, dyslexia or processing difficulties)
The impact of stress, trauma, or significant life events

If you attend the assessment with an informant, we can decide on the day whether you would like them to be present for all or part of the discussion. If you prefer, there are comfortable waiting areas within the clinic where they can stay while we complete individual portions of the assessment.