What are NHS waits like in Edinburgh?

Waiting times for NHS Lothian are published in the official NHS statistics rather than estimated here, so you can check the current position for your own referral before deciding to go private. Adult ADHD and autism assessment waits are not reported as a separate national measure, so ask your GP or provider for the local figure.

Do I have to travel into Edinburgh?

Not necessarily. In-person appointments are usually in the New Town, West End or Morningside. Most clinics are a short walk from Waverley or Haymarket, or a tram ride from the airport. Most specialists also work by video, so you can be assessed from anywhere in Scotland if travelling is difficult.

Can this screening diagnose ADHD?

No. A screening tool can only indicate likelihood. A diagnosis requires a structured clinical interview with a qualified clinician, covering childhood onset, functional impairment and alternative explanations for your symptoms.

What does a private ADHD assessment cost in the UK?

Through Take a Seat specialists, a private adult ADHD assessment runs from £650 to £1,200 depending on the clinician and the complexity of the presentation. Fees are shown on each specialist's profile and paid directly to them.

How long will I wait for a private assessment?

Usually two to four weeks to the initial appointment, with the written report inside 10 working days after it. NHS waits are measured in years across most regions.

Will my GP accept a private ADHD diagnosis?

Generally yes when the clinician is GMC-registered and follows NICE NG87. Whether your GP then takes over prescribing under shared care is at your GP and ICB's discretion, so ask before you book if medication is your goal.

Is my screening data stored?

No. Screening answers are processed in-session to produce your result and are not saved to your record. If you go on to book, you choose what to share on the booking form.

Edinburgh, Scotland

ADHD, checked properly in Edinburgh.

NHS Lothian serves 900,000 people across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Borders.

See ADHD assessment options in Edinburgh

Fees, timeframes and the Edinburgh clinicians who assess adults.

Independent specialists · Fees paid directly to the clinician · No booking fee

Where can I get tested for ADHD in Edinburgh?

Start with the free screening on this page, which uses the WHO ASRS-v1.1 questions and takes about five minutes. It cannot diagnose ADHD. If it points that way, Edinburgh specialists run a full private assessment for £650 to £1,200, usually two to four weeks from booking to the first appointment.

Length: 17 questions, about five minutes
Based on: WHO ASRS-v1.1, plus childhood onset and functional impact items
Cost: Free, no account, nothing stored
Private assessment: £650 to £1,200, initial appointment in 2 to 4 weeks
Report: Written diagnostic report within 10 working days
Edinburgh clinics: In-person appointments are usually in the New Town, West End or Morningside.
Getting there: Most clinics are a short walk from Waverley or Haymarket, or a tram ride from the airport.
Local demand: Edinburgh has one of the highest concentrations of academically-linked private clinicians in the UK.

Sources

Step by step

How it works in Edinburgh

1
Screen yourself, free
Answer the 17 questions below. Your answers are processed in your browser for the result you see and are never stored against your name.
2
Read your trait profile
You get a breakdown across inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, childhood onset and day-to-day impact, so you can see which parts of the picture are strongest.
3
Decide on a formal assessment
If the screening points that way, book a private ADHD assessment: a 60 to 90 minute structured diagnostic interview using DIVA-5, Conners or ACE+ where appropriate, with a written report your GP can act on.
4
Build the system around the diagnosis
Diagnosis is the start. Use the ADHD pathway to line up medication review, therapy or coaching, and pick specialists in your city.

Questions

Straight answers

What are NHS waits like in Edinburgh?: Waiting times for NHS Lothian are published in the official NHS statistics rather than estimated here, so you can check the current position for your own referral before deciding to go private. Adult ADHD and autism assessment waits are not reported as a separate national measure, so ask your GP or provider for the local figure.
Do I have to travel into Edinburgh?: Not necessarily. In-person appointments are usually in the New Town, West End or Morningside. Most clinics are a short walk from Waverley or Haymarket, or a tram ride from the airport. Most specialists also work by video, so you can be assessed from anywhere in Scotland if travelling is difficult.
Can this screening diagnose ADHD?: No. A screening tool can only indicate likelihood. A diagnosis requires a structured clinical interview with a qualified clinician, covering childhood onset, functional impairment and alternative explanations for your symptoms.
What does a private ADHD assessment cost in the UK?: Through Take a Seat specialists, a private adult ADHD assessment runs from £650 to £1,200 depending on the clinician and the complexity of the presentation. Fees are shown on each specialist's profile and paid directly to them.
How long will I wait for a private assessment?: Usually two to four weeks to the initial appointment, with the written report inside 10 working days after it. NHS waits are measured in years across most regions.
Will my GP accept a private ADHD diagnosis?: Generally yes when the clinician is GMC-registered and follows NICE NG87. Whether your GP then takes over prescribing under shared care is at your GP and ICB's discretion, so ask before you book if medication is your goal.
Is my screening data stored?: No. Screening answers are processed in-session to produce your result and are not saved to your record. If you go on to book, you choose what to share on the booking form.