ADHD
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LOUISE HILLIARADHD Testing & Diagnosis for Adults and Students

Professional ADHD Assessments in Bristol & Bath

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What does attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) look like?

Characteristics of ADHD include the following:

Inattention

  • Not paying attention to detail and making careless mistakes
  • Losing concentration and becoming distracted
  • Not listening
  • Difficulties completing activities
  • Problems with organisation
  • Avoiding tasks that involve mental effort
  • Losing things
  • Being forgetful

Hyperactivity-impulsivity

  • Fidgeting
  • Squirming
  • Frequently getting up from seat
  • Moving about at inappropriate times
  • Having trouble completing activities quietly
  • Talking excessively or out of turn
  • Interrupting

There are three forms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:

  1. Combined presentation – criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are met.
  2. Predominantly inattentive presentation – criteria for inattention but not hyperactivity-impulsivity are met.
  3. Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation – criteria for hyperactivity-impulsivity but not inattention are met

As you can see, you do not have to be hyperactive to have ADHD.

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Diagnostic criteria for ADHD

ADHD Diagnostic Criteria

A. Core Symptoms Pattern

A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, as characterised by (1) and/or (2):

1. Inattention

Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities:

Note: The symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behaviour, defiance, hostility, or failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (age 17 and older), at least five symptoms are required.
a
Difficulty paying attention to details or making careless mistakes
Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (e.g., overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate).
b
Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or activities
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (e.g., has difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading).
c
Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).
d
Does not follow through on instructions
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked).
e
Difficulty organising tasks and activities
Often has difficulty organising tasks and activities (e.g., difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; messy, disorganised work; has poor time management; fails to meet deadlines).
f
Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing lengthy papers).
g
Loses things necessary for tasks or activities
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
h
Easily distracted by external stimuli
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts).
i
Forgetful in daily activities
Is often forgetful in daily activities (e.g., doing chores, running errands; for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying bills, keeping appointments).

2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities:

Note: The symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behaviour, defiance, hostility, or a failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (age 17 and older), at least five symptoms are required.
a

Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.

b

Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected (e.g., leaves his or her place in the classroom, in the office or other workplace, or in other situations that require remaining in place).

c

Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate. (Note: In adolescents or adults, may be limited to feeling restless.)

d

Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly.

e

Is often 'on the go', acting as if 'driven by a motor' (e.g., is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time, as in restaurants, meetings; may be experienced by others as being restless or difficult to keep up with).

f

Often talks excessively.

g

Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed (e.g., completes people's sentences; cannot wait for turn in conversation).

h

Often has difficulty waiting his or her turn (e.g., while waiting in line).

i

Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people's things without asking or receiving permission; for adolescents and adults, may intrude into or take over what others are doing).

B-E. Additional Diagnostic Requirements

  • Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present prior to age 12 years.
  • Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school, or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
  • There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, academic, or occupational functioning.
  • The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder, substance intoxication or withdrawal).

Source: American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Publishing.

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Understanding The Assessment ProcessYour 3 Step Assessment Journey
Louise also provides briefer, educational assessments for ADHD and further details are available on request.
Before Your Assessment

We begin with comprehensive questionnaires completed by you and, where possible, a parent or partner. Based on these screening outcomes, we'll decide whether to proceed with a full diagnostic interview tailored to your specific circumstances and assessment needs.

Download Questionnaire

1

During Your Assessment

Your diagnostic interview explores key concerns, independent living skills, domestic and family history, early development, and mental and physical health alongside education or work experiences. We use the DIVA for adults or alternative tools for 16-17 year olds, providing clear feedback at the end.

Book a Consultation

2

After Your Assessment

You'll receive a comprehensive written report explaining our findings and providing specific recommendations. This detailed document outlines whether you meet ADHD criteria, highlights your strengths, and offers practical strategies for managing symptoms and accessing appropriate support services.

Download Sample Report

3

Further information about ADHD in adults is available from Royal College of Psychiatrists and AADUK.

Further information about ADHD in children can be found at Royal College of Psychiatrists.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSADHD FAQs

How long does an ADHD diagnosis take?

The assessment process includes initial screening, 2-3 hour diagnostic interview, and report within 15 working days.

Can I get diagnosed with ADHD as an adult?

Yes, we provide adult ADHD assessments. Late diagnosis is common as ADHD awareness increases.

What are the signs of ADHD in adults?

Key indicators include:

  • Difficulty maintaining focus
  • Procrastination
  • Poor time management
  • Impulsive decisions
  • Restlessness/fidgeting
Do I need a referral for private ADHD assessment?

No referral needed. Contact us directly to discuss assessment options.

What's the difference between ADD and ADHD?

ADD is an outdated term. ADHD now covers all types, including predominantly inattentive (formerly ADD), hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentations.

How do I know if I have ADHD or anxiety?

ADHD and anxiety often coexist but require different treatments. Professional assessment helps distinguish between them and identify appropriate support.

Will ADHD assessment help with work problems?

Yes. Diagnosis can lead to workplace adjustments, improved organisation strategies, and better understanding of your working style.

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DYSLEXIAQuestionnaires

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Questionnaire 1
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