Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD Assessment & Treatment in Dubai
A proper adult ADHD assessment with a UK-trained consultant psychiatrist. Clear answers, evidence-based treatment, and ongoing support at Dubai Healthcare City.
Is this ADHD?
Most adults who suspect they have ADHD have spent years being told they're lazy, disorganised or "just not applying themselves". A proper assessment separates ADHD from anxiety, depression, poor sleep and burnout — all of which can look like it. Diagnosis matters because the right treatment often changes work, study and relationships within weeks.
Signs to look for
- Struggling to start or finish tasks even when they matter to you
- Losing track of time, appointments and small commitments
- Mind that jumps between ideas, or freezes when there are too many
- Restlessness, fidgeting, or a constant need to be doing something
- Interrupting, blurting things out, or feeling impatient in queues and traffic
- Emotional reactions that feel bigger than the situation calls for
- Sleep problems and a body clock that runs late
- A history of these traits going back to childhood, not something new
What the assessment involves
The first appointment is a 60–90 minute conversation covering current symptoms, childhood history, school and work life, sleep, mood and any family history of ADHD. We use validated tools — DIVA-5 and the ASRS — alongside clinical judgement. Where useful and available, we review old school reports or ask a partner or parent to complete an observer form.
Treatment options
- Stimulant medication — methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine — titrated slowly to your response
- Non-stimulant options (atomoxetine, guanfacine) when stimulants aren't suitable
- Practical coaching on planning, prioritisation and how you use your calendar
- CBT-style work on procrastination, sleep and emotional regulation
- Screening and treatment of the conditions that often travel with ADHD — anxiety, depression, sleep disorders
- Ongoing medication reviews with blood pressure and heart-rate checks
Long-term follow-up
Once you've settled on a dose that works, most people are seen every 3–6 months. We check blood pressure and heart rate at every visit, review sleep and mood, and adjust the plan around life changes.
Frequently asked questions
Can ADHD really start in adulthood?
No. Adult ADHD is childhood ADHD that was never picked up. During your assessment we ask about school years and often review childhood reports, because the traits need to have been there before age 12 for the diagnosis to fit.
How long does the assessment take?
The initial appointment is 60–90 minutes and includes validated rating scales (DIVA-5, ASRS), a full history and a mental health screen. You leave with a clear answer and, if ADHD is confirmed, a treatment plan.
Will I have to take medication?
Not necessarily. Some people manage well with coaching and CBT-style strategies. When medication is right for you, we start low and adjust — most people notice a difference within days, not weeks.
Are stimulants controlled in the UAE?
Yes. Stimulant prescribing in the UAE follows a strict controlled-drugs framework. We handle the paperwork with the Ministry of Health and dispense from licensed pharmacies.
Can I be seen online?
The first assessment is usually in clinic. Follow-ups and medication reviews can be handled by DHA-approved secure video.