Doctor shares exactly what happens at an ADHD assessment

A doctor has shared exactly what happens when he assesses patients for signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr Ali Ajaz, a consultant psychiatrist with over 90k TikTok followers, shared the different ways patients are analysed, before and during an assessment.

The describes ADHD as a behavioural condition where individuals may appear restless, have difficulty focusing, and act impulsively. Symptoms usually emerge early in life and can become more pronounced with changes in environment, such as starting school.

However, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood if ADHD was not identified during childhood. In a recent TikTok video, Dr Ajaz shared exactly what happens when he assesses someone for ADHD.

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The doctor said: "Ever wondered what happens in an ADHD assessment? Well, come here, let's find out. Hi, my name is Dr Ali Ajaz, consultant psychiatrist, and I've assessed many, many people with ADHD.

"And if you book an assessment with me, this is what happens. So firstly, soon after you book, you receive an email from me containing three forms to complete and return back to me before we meet.

"One form is the ASRS screening form for ADHD symptoms. The second is a more detailed questionnaire with 18 questions, covering a range of possible ADHD symptoms.

"And the third form is not actually for you, it's for someone who knows you well enough to be able to comment upon your mental health. And often when it comes to ADHD, it's really helpful to get parents account, siblings or partners, especially if you've been together a long time."

The doctor added: "Next, I take a full clinical history which really charts your personal history from the day you were born, your childhood, school life, home life and overall life journey until the current day. We also review your medical and psychiatric history, any treatments that you've had, any therapies that you've had in the past or taking at the moment, or any over the counter medications or supplements that you're also taking."

He also said: "And another important aspect is your social history. What are your current social networks like? Family history of any mental health problems? It's also really important to establish, along with any history, current or past of alcohol use and or recreational drugs.

"And finally, after being really nosy about your life, we review the symptoms of ADHD that you may be experiencing and contextualise them into the journey of your life."

According to the NHS, ADHD symptoms in adults include:

• inability to deal with stress
• carelessness and lack of attention to detail
• taking risks in activities, often with little or no regard for personal safety or the safety of others – for example, driving dangerously
• poor organisational skills
• inability to focus or prioritise
• blurting out responses and often interrupting others
• forgetfulness
• extreme impatience
• difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn
• continually losing or misplacing things
• mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
• continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
• restlessness and edginess