ADHD in Children, Teens and Adults: Expert Assessment Insights from Specialists in Chelsea, London
- Schoen Clinic UK
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
If you’re concerned about ADHD for yourself, your teenager, or your child, finding expert guidance in London can feel overwhelming, especially with long national waiting lists. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our team of psychiatrists, paediatricians, psychologists, and therapists offer private ADHD assessments and personalised treatment plans, in-person or virtually.
This guide explains what ADHD is, how it’s diagnosed, and the range of support available, so you can make informed decisions quickly.
What is ADHD?
“ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It's difficulties with concentration, restlessness, impulsivity. Things like time blindness, not being able to stay organised, forgetting stuff, losing stuff. Not being able to regulate your emotions. Also things like hyper-focus. And the main thing is how much impairment those difficulties might cause in terms of functioning day-to-day.”— Dr Rashmi Verma, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
ADHD is more than being “easily distracted” or “hyperactive.” It affects day-to-day functioning, from keeping track of schoolwork or deadlines to managing emotions and relationships. Without support, children and teens may be unfairly labelled as “lazy” or “disruptive,” which can impact confidence and mental health.
Why Accurate ADHD Assessment Matters
Getting a thorough, professional assessment is essential, particularly if you’ve noticed your child or teen struggling with concentration, organisation, or impulsivity.
“It's really important to get a thorough neurodevelopmental assessment done. I can recall a 14-year-old girl who was initially assessed, not by a doctor, where they'd given her a diagnosis of ADHD, inattentive subtype, due to her lack of attention in school classes. I conducted a full neurodevelopmental assessment and noted that she had a background of asthma.
It turned out that the asthma was affecting her sleep at night, which in turn affected her concentration the next day. Once we'd managed the asthma symptoms and she began to sleep better at night, we were able to see that she had a processing disorder like dyslexia. And so that was the issue rather than ADHD.”— Dr Joe Datt, Consultant Paediatrician
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our child ADHD assessments in London and adult ADHD assessments in London are carried out by experienced specialists. This ensures an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
ADHD Across the Lifespan
For Children & Teens
Early identification can make a huge difference in school, friendships, and emotional wellbeing. Our specialists assess each child through multiple lenses:
“In child psychiatry, I look at four things: the individual, the family, the medical component, and the environment. Just looking at these four aspects of a child, you can very quickly see that no child is going to be the same.
No conditions are going to be the same. And my treatment is formulated by taking these four aspects in consideration.”— Dr Hazel Fernandes, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
For Adults
Many adults only receive a diagnosis later in life:
“Some people arrive having done a lot of research, and they believe they have ADHD. There are also a group of clients who have sought help previously and attracted labels of other mental health problems, like depression, anxiety or OCD, for example.
And actually, when you spend the time with somebody and do a deep dive, that's when you're able to tease out and confirm a diagnosis of ADHD, or even reflect back that perhaps ADHD isn't the underlying issue.”— Dr Daniel Masud, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist
ADHD Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to each person’s needs. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we offer a full spectrum of ADHD support:
ADHD Coaching & Therapy
“Some people want more understanding of ADHD, so ADHD coaching. Others benefit from individual therapy, parent or family support. And then of course there’s medication.”— Dr Rashmi Verma
Medication
“First-line treatments tend to be stimulant medications, but there are alternatives to reduce anxiety or improve sleep. Treatment is highly personalised and very effective.”— Dr Daniel Masud
Strength-Based Approach
“I take a neuro-affirmative approach. That means looking at the strengths of ADHD and helping people harness a neurodiverse identity to their advantage.”— Dr Bradley Powell, Clinical Psychologist
Multidisciplinary Care
“We work as a multidisciplinary team - psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitian, nurse. This flexibility ensures treatment plans are personalised.”— Dr James Woolley, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist
ADHD Assessments in London: Why Choose Private Care
Waiting lists for NHS ADHD assessments can be long. At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, you can book:
Private assessments mean faster access to specialists, personalised support, and a clear plan to improve daily functioning and wellbeing.
Next Steps: Getting Help in Chelsea
If you or your child are struggling with focus, impulsivity, or hyperactivity, don’t wait months on a waiting list. Our Schoen Clinic Chelsea team is ready to provide expert ADHD assessment and treatment, tailored to your needs.
📍 Conveniently located in Chelsea, London
📞 Book a child or adult ADHD assessment in London online today, in-person or virtually
ADHD Assessments in London: Frequently Asked Questions
Can ADHD be diagnosed online?
Yes. We offer online ADHD assessments in London, so you can access specialist care virtually if coming into our Chelsea clinic isn’t possible.
What’s the difference between a child and adult ADHD assessment?
A child ADHD assessment focuses on school performance, behaviour, and family observations, while an adult ADHD assessment explores lifelong patterns, workplace challenges, and mental health history. Both are carried out by highly experienced psychiatrists or paediatricians.
How soon can I book an ADHD assessment in Chelsea?
Private ADHD assessments at Schoen Clinic Chelsea can often be booked within days or weeks. Find an available self-funding appointment and book yourself online today.
What treatments are available after diagnosis?
Treatment may include medication, ADHD coaching, therapy, family support, or a combination. We create a personalised plan that works for each individual.
Is ADHD assessment covered by insurance?
ADHD assessments aren't usually covered by private medical insurance, but it is always worth checking your cover. We have a variety of specialists who offer self-funding assessments, and if diagnosed, many treatments or therapies are covered by insurance. Our patient services team can help you check your cover.
Written by the Schoen Clinic UK Editorial Team, drawing on expertise from our clinicians to provide accurate and up-to-date mental health information.
Clinician reviewed.
