ADHD Diagnosis Scotland:
A Comprehensive Guide

Ruth Kennedy - 6 March 2024

[Reading Time: 4 Minutes]

Do you find yourself struggling with forgetfulness, mood swings, or impulsive behaviour? Does a lack of focus and organisation hinder your daily life? These challenges could be signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition with profound effects on one's everyday functioning.

Navigating the path to an ADHD diagnosis in Scotland can be daunting. Are you uncertain about the available options within the NHS versus private healthcare? How can you cope with symptoms while awaiting official confirmation?

In this guide, we unravel the complexities surrounding ADHD testing in Scotland. From understanding the diagnostic process to managing symptoms effectively, we provide clarity on every aspect. We’ll also share practical strategies you can do during the waiting period.

Plus, we will give you our best solution for managing those focus and attention issues you have been struggling with.

Contents

• How Do Adults Get Tested for ADHD in Scotland?
• Understanding the Differences between NHS and Private ADHD Testing
• Where Can I Go to Get an ADHD Assessment in Scotland?
• What to do While Waiting for an Official ADHD Diagnosis?
• Our Best Solution for Coping with Focus and Attention Issues
• Conclusion

How Do Adults Get Tested for ADHD in Scotland?

For those looking for where to start, getting tested for ADHD in Scotland can involve several steps.

The first step is to visit your GP for an initial assessment. The GP will take a detailed medical history, conduct a physical examination, and ask about the symptoms you’ve experienced. They may also ask about your childhood, as ADHD symptoms often start in childhood and persist into adulthood. If the GP suspects you may have ADHD, they will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

The next step is to see a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist. The specialist will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including a review of previous medical records, self-report questionnaires, interviews, behavioural observations and even old-school records. They may also use psychological tests to assess attention, memory, and impulse control.

The specialist will then use this information to diagnose and determine the best course of treatment. See our list below for the most comprehensive guide to where to go in Scotland to be assessed for ADHD.

If you think you might have ADHD, take our self-assessment today to see whether or not you present key symptoms.

Understanding the Differences between NHS and Private ADHD Testing

Like anywhere else in the UK, there are really two main options for getting an official ADHD diagnosis. The first option is to seek evaluation and treatment from an NHS mental health service. They can provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for ADHD, as well as support for the individual and their family.

To be evaluated on the NHS, first requires a referral from a GP. It's also important to note that the current waiting period to be seen by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional is a minimum of 6 months, with the average being about 2 to 3 years before being able to get assessed for ADHD.

Watch: Getting My ADHD Diagnosis As An Adult

The other option is to pursue an ADHD assessment through private means, whether through specialised ADHD clinics, organisations, or ADHD-specialised psychologists. However, this option can be quite pricey, with the average cost being around £1200 for an ADHD assessment.

Not to mention that with the extremely long waiting times for the NHS, more and more people are turning to private options. This has caused a strain on the private sector and has added long waiting times to many private organisations and practices.

If you are looking for an immediate solution to managing focus and attention issues while waiting for an official diagnosis, discover our recommended approach. Or take action now and save time by utilising the convenient quick buy function.

Adult ADHD in the UK: An Ultimate Guide 

Where Can I Go to Get an ADHD Assessment in Scotland?

Looking for the best location to receive an ADHD assessment for adults in Scotland? This guide provides comprehensive information on the available options for ADHD assessment and treatment throughout Scotland.

Please note that the list does not feature any NHS facilities because in Scotland, adult ADHD services are not provided by a separate team. Instead, they are offered through the general mental health teams.

The Edinburgh Practice

• Services Provided: Their adult assessments are carried out by their consultant psychiatrist and occur over two sessions. Before the assessment, you will be given a series of questionnaires to be filled out and returned. To obtain a full developmental history, you will be asked to bring along a family member or friend who has known you for a long period of time.
• Assessment Cost: £1500
• Location: Edinburgh, EH3 6TE

Clinical Partners

• Services Provided: A consultant psychiatrist will work with you to gather information from multiple sources to establish a pattern of ADHD symptoms. Then after your assessment, they will suggest further treatment or services.
• Assessment Cost: £895
• Location: Edinburgh, EH7 4AE & Glasgow, G2 5QY

ADHD Direct

• Services Provided: At the end of the baseline assessment, a detailed and comprehensive report is provided, which outlines the formulation of the adult’s difficulties and recommendations regarding treatment interventions.
• Assessment Cost: £870
• Location: Glasgow, G21 4BF

Glasgow Psychological Services

• Services Provided: They offer assessment and diagnostic services for adults, teenagers, and child assessment for those who would like to explore the possibility that they are experiencing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
• Assessment Cost: £850
• Location: Glasgow, G2 1PJ

Diverse Diagnostics

• Services Provided: Diverse Diagnostics is a specialist mental health condition clinic offering a comprehensive online adult ADHD assessment in Glasgow and other areas in Scotland. Once a diagnosis is found, they will provide you with a tailored treatment plan that could include ADHD medications, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other solutions.
• Assessment Cost: £1100
• Location: Online but Glasgow based

The St Andrews Practice

• Services Provided: Their ADHD assessments involve meeting with both a psychiatrist and a psychologist. Committed to providing a “gold standard” assessment, their assessments are more expensive as they are also aware that privately diagnosed individuals are often required to be re-assessed by the NHS or other providers. So they aim to provide a high-quality assessment that meets NHS standards and evidence in a detailed assessment report.
• Assessment Cost: £1600
• Location: St Andrews, KY16 8NJ

What to do While Waiting for an Official ADHD Diagnosis?

While waiting for an official ADHD diagnosis, it's crucial to implement strategies that can help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. Here are some practical steps to take during this waiting period:

1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn more about ADHD and how it may be impacting your life. Understanding the symptoms and challenges associated with the condition can provide valuable insights into your experiences.

2. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups who understand what you're going through. Having a strong support network can provide emotional validation and practical assistance as you navigate this process.

3. Implement Structure and Routine: Establishing a structured daily routine can help manage ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and disorganisation. Create a schedule for daily tasks and activities, and try to stick to it as much as possible.

4. Explore Coping Strategies: Experiment with different coping strategies to help manage. This may include techniques such as breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps or natural remedies like mindfulness meditation, exercise and supplementation.

Remember, obtaining an official ADHD diagnosis can take time, but taking proactive steps to manage symptoms and prioritize your well-being can make a significant difference in your daily life.

Herbal Remedies for ADHD: The Ultimate Guide 

Our Best Solution for Coping with Focus and Attention Issues

If you suspect you may have ADHD, waiting for an official diagnosis can be a challenging and frustrating experience. The daily difficulties with focus, organisation and time management can take a toll on your mental well-being and leave you feeling overwhelmed and defeated.

However, it's important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. Many others are also waiting for answers and a path towards managing their ADHD symptoms. To help you during this waiting period, here is the thing I used that worked for my focus and attention.

Natural Supplements.

Yes, you heard that right! I tried natural food supplements. The one that worked wonders for me was Brainzyme® FOCUS™, a line of natural supplements formulated to improve focus and attention.

Don’t just take my word for it; listen to others who have found the similar relief for their focus and attention issues with this customer compilation video.

Watch: Brainzyme® FOCUS™ Customer Compilation

Brainzyme® FOCUS™ contains plant-powered ingredients that have been scientifically proven to support concentration, cognition, energy, memory and mental performance.

That means that if you suffer from any focus or attention issues Brainzyme® FOCUS™ could help.

With the waiting lists for ADHD assessments for adults growing ever longer with each passing month and the costs for private assessments so high, trying one of the powerful  Brainzyme® FOCUS™ formulas is a convenient and affordable way to manage focus and attention issues sooner rather than later.

Learn more about all three powerful Brainzyme® FOCUS™ formulas (Brainzyme® FOCUS ORIGINAL™, PRO™, and ELITE™) as effective treatments for focus and attention by checking out the Brainzyme® FOCUS™ Starter Bundle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the path to an ADHD diagnosis in Scotland can indeed feel overwhelming. However, by understanding the diagnostic process and exploring available options, you can take proactive steps towards improving your well-being.

 From the complexities of the NHS versus private sector assessments to managing symptoms while awaiting confirmation, this guide has provided clarity on every aspect of ADHD testing. Remember, taking that first step towards seeking help is crucial.

If you are struggling with  focus and attention issues during the waiting period, know that there are solutions available. Consider exploring natural supplements like the Brainzyme® FOCUS™ range. With three different formulas to choose from, Brainzyme® FOCUS™ offers a promising solution to manage your focus and attention and enhance mental clarity.

Don't let troubles with focus or attention hold you back any longer. Take charge of your journey towards better mental health today. Order the Brainzyme® FOCUS™ Starter Bundle and discover the difference it can make in your life.

References

ADHD Assessment. (n.d.). www.adhddirect.co.uk. https://www.adhddirect.co.uk/adhd-assessment

Admin, G. (2022, December 13). Our Psychological Services. GPS. https://www.glasgowpsychologicalservices.co.uk/our-psychological-services/

Edinburgh Practice. (2022, August 2). Adult ADHD Assessments. The Edinburgh Practice. https://edinburghpractice.com/adult-adhd-assessments/

Online Adult ADHD Assessment - Glasgow | Diverse Diagnostics. (2023, January 17). DIVERSE DIAGNOSTICS. https://diversediagnostics.co.uk/adhd-in-adults/

The St Andrews Practice. (2022, August 19). Adult ADHD Assessments. https://www.thestandrewspractice.com/our-services/adult-adhd-assessments/

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*Customers have anecdotally expressed that Brainzyme® FOCUS™ products have helped with “ADHD-like symptoms"

*Mood claims are anecdotal.