ADHD: Private Assessment & Management
Feeling restless, struggling to focus, and finding your mind darting from one thought to another is exhausting. If you have wondered whether this could be ADHD, an unhurried GP appointment is a good step forward.
Same-day often available CQC registered GMC 7606534
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how the brain manages attention, stimuli and activity, and it presents as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination. At My Private Clinic in Preston, Dr Faizal can screen for ADHD, rule out other causes and refer you for formal assessment. Diagnosis and medication are handled by a specialist.
According to the NHS, common ADHD symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, and frequently a combination of all three. ADHD represents variations in brain function and is not a weakness or a personal failing.
ADHD UK highlights that ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed in adults, and that many people go without support because of long NHS waiting times.
ADHD often exists alongside other conditions such as anxiety, depression and sleep problems. That is why a longer appointment matters: Dr Faizal looks at the whole picture rather than one aspect of it. ADHD concerns in children can also be discussed under our children’s health service.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered · Last updated: August 2026
The main presentations of ADHD
The Royal College of Psychiatrists identifies three primary presentations. Most adults identify with one, though it is possible to show signs of more than one.
Inattentive ADHD
More commonly recognised in women and easily missed because it is less visibly disruptive. Symptoms include frequent forgetfulness, losing things, difficulty maintaining focus and trouble completing tasks.
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD
More commonly recognised in men and children. Feeling restless or constantly on the go, talking a great deal, difficulty waiting, and acting without thinking.
Combined ADHD
Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity are present. Most adults who seek a proper assessment present with the combined type.
How ADHD symptoms show up
Inattentive symptoms
- Difficulty starting tasks and maintaining focus
- Starting several tasks at once but finishing few
- Missing instructions, deadlines or appointments
- Losing everyday items such as your phone, wallet or keys
- Difficulty managing time and prioritising
- Zoning out during conversations
- Avoiding activities that need sustained mental effort
Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms
- Acting impulsively, without thinking it through
- Difficulty waiting or taking turns
- Mood ups and downs, often frustration or low mood
- Hyperfocusing on things you find interesting
- Difficulty managing emotions under stress
- Sleep problems, such as trouble settling or falling asleep
ADHD presents very differently in children and adults. Adult symptoms can be subtle and are often put down to stress or personality rather than the condition itself, as ADHD Aware describes. In children, symptoms usually begin before the age of 12, though many adults are not assessed until much later, and visible hyperactivity often becomes an inner restlessness with age.
What causes ADHD?
It is often difficult to pinpoint a precise cause. The NHS states that ADHD is linked with genetic variations and commonly runs in families. Other associated factors include:
- A family history of other neurodevelopmental conditions
- Being born prematurely, before 37 weeks
- Having an autism spectrum condition
- Differences in dopamine and noradrenaline activity in the brain
Poor diet, parenting and excessive screen time are often blamed for ADHD, but none of these cause it. ADHD has a biological basis and is recognised as a medical condition.
When should you see a GP about ADHD?
You do not need to reach a crisis point to ask for help. It is worth booking an appointment if your symptoms are affecting you in any of these ways:
- They are interfering with your relationships, career or studies
- You find it hard to organise your life or keep on top of things
- You come across as impulsive, forgetful or distracted
- Your mental health is affected alongside the attention difficulties
- You have wondered about ADHD but never explored it properly
If you have previously been diagnosed with anxiety or depression that has not fully responded to treatment, our mental health service can support you alongside an ADHD discussion, so your care plan addresses the right cause.
ADHD screening at My Private Clinic
If you suspect you may have ADHD, Dr Faizal can complete an ADHD screening questionnaire with you to look at your symptoms and whether specialist assessment is warranted.
A screening test is a brief questionnaire about symptoms over the previous six months, covering staying organised, remembering appointments, delaying tasks that require concentration, completing tasks, fidgeting and feeling excessively active.
ADHD UK emphasises that a definitive diagnosis requires a thorough clinical evaluation by a specialist, not a screening questionnaire alone. Screening is a starting point that helps decide whether a referral is appropriate.
How Dr Faizal can help with ADHD
Listen and take a thorough history
Dr Faizal goes through your symptoms in detail: how long you have had them, how they affect your life, and what has not helped so far. The conversation is confidential and non-judgemental.
Rule out and treat other causes
Several conditions cause symptoms that overlap with ADHD, including thyroid problems, anaemia, sleep disorders and anxiety. Dr Faizal can assess and support these alongside your ADHD concerns, and discuss whether any treatment or diagnostics would help in the meantime.
Specialist referral
If your symptoms point towards a formal assessment, Dr Faizal writes a specialist referral letter and helps you understand your options, including NHS waiting lists, the Right to Choose pathway, and what a private assessment involves.
Where other causes need excluding, Dr Faizal can arrange relevant diagnostics, including thyroid and anaemia testing. Follow-up can be by telephone or video consultation. If fatigue and tiredness are a major part of your complaint, he can also explore whether there is an underlying physical cause, something often missed when attention goes straight to a mental health label.
Next steps for ADHD medication
A formal ADHD diagnosis and any ADHD medication are always initiated by a specialist. Medicines such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine must be started and monitored by a specialist service, not in general practice.
While you are waiting for a specialist assessment, or if you are unsure whether to pursue one, Dr Faizal can discuss lifestyle approaches that help manage symptoms, address related anxiety or fatigue, explain what specialist ADHD care involves, make the specialist referral, and follow up with you to review how things are going.
Why choose My Private Clinic for an ADHD consultation?
The same GP every time
Dr Secretary assesses you personally. Not a locum, and not remote.
CQC registered
Independently regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Same-day often available
Appointments are frequently available the same day. Call or WhatsApp to check.
Evenings and weekends
Mon to Thu 5pm to 8pm, Fri 9am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 1pm.
FAQs about ADHD
Is ADHD hereditary?
ADHD runs in families. Research shows that family history is a major risk factor, and the NHS notes that ADHD is linked with genetic variations.
What are the main symptoms of ADHD in adults?
Common symptoms include difficulty focusing on tasks and maintaining focus, disorganisation and forgetfulness, making decisions impulsively, a sense of restlessness, and trouble managing time. If these sound familiar, it is worth a proper assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
What is the difference between ADHD and ADD?
ADD, attention deficit disorder, is an older term for what is now called inattentive ADHD. It is no longer used in diagnosis. ADHD is the current name and covers the hyperactive, inattentive and combined presentations.
Is ADHD a disability?
ADHD can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 where it has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Do I have ADHD?
Only a specialist assessment can answer that. If you find it difficult to maintain focus, complete tasks or manage impulsivity and restlessness, Dr Faizal can complete a screening questionnaire with you, rule out other causes, and advise whether a formal assessment is the right next step.
Can Dr Faizal diagnose ADHD?
No. Dr Faizal can help you complete an ADHD screening test and interpret the result, but a formal ADHD diagnosis is made by a specialist. Where appropriate he will make a specialist referral so you get the right assessment.
Will Dr Faizal prescribe ADHD medication?
No. ADHD medication must be started and monitored by a specialist. Dr Faizal will refer you to an ADHD specialist rather than prescribe, so that your care is managed appropriately from the start.
Further reading on how disability is defined is available from gov.uk.
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Talk to a GP about ADHD in Preston
If daily life is being affected by attention difficulties, restlessness or impulsivity, do not hesitate to seek an expert assessment. Same-day GP consultations are often available.
"I'd been putting off a conversation about my blood pressure for months. Dr Secretary gave me 30 minutes and went through everything properly. I left with my prescription and a referral already sorted."
"My son had a high temperature on a Saturday morning. We were seen the same day. The doctor was calm, thorough, and explained everything clearly. At £49, absolutely worth it for the peace of mind alone."
"The doctor didn't make me feel stupid for leaving things. He was straightforward, ran some bloods, and when I needed referring on, the letter was ready before I left the room. No extra charge."
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Mon–Thu 5–8pm · Friday 9am–8pm · Saturday 9am–1pm.
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Address
Fatima Health Centre
228 Garstang Road
Fulwood, Preston
PR2 9QB
Phone & WhatsApp
Opening Hours
Mon–Thu 5–8pm
Friday 9am–8pm
Saturday 9am–1pm
Areas We Serve Across Preston & Lancashire
My Private Clinic is based in Fulwood, Preston and sees patients from across Lancashire. Choose your nearest area for travel information and local details.