The science behind our ADHD service

How we diagnose ADHD

Our diagnostic process is built around the DIVA-5 semi-structured interview, which is the most rigorous adult ADHD diagnostic tool available and the one used by most UK specialist services.

DIVA-5 evaluates every DSM-5 criterion in both adult and childhood contexts using real-life examples. Each criterion is anchored with multiple example questions, which removes the ambiguity that short yes-or-no questionnaires suffer from.

We split the DIVA-5 between a structured online self-complete questionnaire and a clinician consultation. The questionnaire covers the factual history, which patients complete at their own pace in 30 to 40 minutes. The consultation then uses that foundation to explore interpretation, corroborating evidence, and the clinical decision.

The DSM-5 criteria we work to

A diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires five or more inattentive symptoms and/or five or more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms that have persisted for at least six months, that are present in two or more settings, and that reduce quality of life at work, at home, or in relationships.

Evidence of onset before age 12 is required. Because most adults cannot recall their childhood in precise detail, we rely on a combination of school reports, parental or sibling accounts, early academic or behavioural observations, and self-recall.

What we screen for alongside ADHD

ADHD overlaps substantially with other conditions, and several medical problems can produce similar-looking symptoms. A good assessment rules these in or out before settling on ADHD.

• Depression and anxiety disorders (PHQ-9 and GAD-7)

• Autism spectrum (RAADS-14)

• Sleep disorders including obstructive sleep apnoea (STOP-BANG)

• Alcohol and substance use (AUDIT)

• Thyroid dysfunction (via blood tests if indicated)

• Perimenopausal cognitive change (for women in the relevant age range)

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs screen, where appropriate)

Our first-line medications

NICE recommends lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) and methylphenidate as first-line medications for adult ADHD, with the option to switch to the other if the first does not work well within six weeks. We follow NICE.

Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug that converts gradually to active dexamfetamine in the bloodstream, giving smooth onset over 60 to 90 minutes and 12 to 14 hours of coverage from a single morning dose.

Methylphenidate blocks dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake directly, with faster onset and shorter action, and is available in immediate-release and several modified-release formulations.

Non-stimulant alternatives

For patients who cannot tolerate stimulants or who have contraindications, we prescribe atomoxetine (a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor) or guanfacine extended-release (an alpha-2A adrenergic agonist). Both are licensed, both have real evidence bases, both take four to six weeks to reach full effect.

Read more about non-stimulant options.

Safety monitoring

Stimulants and atomoxetine have real physiological effects beyond the brain. We monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and weight at every titration review and every six-monthly stable review. We ask about mood, sleep, appetite, and side effects at every contact.

Read our detailed monitoring article.

Shared care with your GP

Once your dose is stable, we aim to transfer ongoing prescribing to your NHS GP under a shared care agreement. This keeps your medication NHS-funded and is usually what you want if your GP is willing to accept.

Not every GP will accept shared care for private-diagnosis ADHD. If yours will not, we continue to prescribe privately through our in-house pharmacy at £149 per month, which includes your medication.

Read more about shared care agreements.

Who leads the clinical team

Assessments are led by UK GPs with MRCGP credentials and specific training in adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Clinical governance is overseen by a consultant psychiatrist who reviews complex cases and signs off on our protocols and clinical standards.

Our LoveMyLife Pharmacy is run by a GPhC-registered Superintendent Pharmacist. Our Westfield London clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission.

Why our GP-led model works

A GP brings something that is genuinely useful for adult ADHD: the breadth to assess and manage the medical and mental-health conditions that sit alongside it. Adult ADHD rarely travels alone, and a clinician who can manage the whole picture (sleep, mood, cardiovascular risk, medication interactions, perimenopause) delivers more coherent care than a model that splits it across multiple specialists.

Governance by a consultant psychiatrist ensures complex cases, diagnostic ambiguity, and anything outside standard protocols are reviewed by the right seniority, without turning every consultation into a psychiatrist-led one.