Psychoeducation
Understanding the condition — its patterns, triggers, and realistic expectations — is the starting point for every care plan. It helps the person and family make sense of what has been happening and what can genuinely change.
ADHD assessment and care pathway
Structured evaluation and personalised care planning for children, adolescents, and adults at Farasai Mental Health Clinic.
When functioning is affected enough to seek assessment
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control, and executive function — not a matter of effort or willpower.
Difficulty that does not resolve with more effort
Many people reach us after months or years of difficulty — a child falling behind despite working hard, an adult missing deadlines and losing track of obligations, or a family exhausted by a pattern that does not change with stricter routines.
A structured clinical assessment clarifies what is driving the difficulty — whether that is ADHD, a co-occurring condition, or a combination — and gives the person and their family a practical, explained path forward.
Signs that often bring people to assessment
This list is educational and does not replace clinical assessment. Not all signs are present in every case.
Children and adolescents
Consistent difficulty staying on task in class, despite genuine effort
Losing track of homework, instructions, or belongings regularly
Impulsive behaviour at home, at school, or with peers
Restlessness or, in contrast, quiet but never fully engaged
Difficulties that worsen at school transitions, such as starting secondary school
Adults
Chronic lateness, missed deadlines, or disorganised projects despite genuine intent
Difficulty sustaining focus through meetings, longer documents, or complex tasks
A persistent sense that effort and outcome are mismatched
Frequent job changes, relationship friction, or feeling perpetually overwhelmed
A history of similar difficulties in childhood that were never formally assessed
What our ADHD assessment covers
Each step is adapted to age and individual context. The process is explained clearly at every stage.
First contact and triage
Reception clarifies the reason for referral, the age of the person being assessed, and any urgency. This determines the most suitable clinician and appointment type.
Clinical interview and history
A detailed interview covers the person's developmental background, current functioning, family context, and medical history. For children and adolescents, parents participate directly.
Functioning review across settings
Specific attention is paid to performance at school, university, or work; relationships and social life; sleep; and daily routine. School or teacher input can be incorporated when available.
Rating scales and attention tools when indicated
Validated questionnaires completed by the person, a parent, or a teacher — and attention or cognitive tests when the clinical picture warrants them.
Formulation, explanation, and care plan
Findings are discussed in plain language. The care plan specifies goals, recommended interventions, any medication discussion, and the follow-up schedule — so the family or person leaves with a clear picture of next steps.
5–7%
of school-age children have ADHD
Based on global prevalence estimates.
~60%
continue to have significant symptoms into adulthood
ADHD is not only a childhood condition.
3 subtypes
inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined
Each presents a distinct clinical profile.
What a care plan may include
Care is selected based on age, severity, co-occurring conditions, and the person's goals — not a fixed protocol applied to everyone.
Behavioural and skills support
Targeted strategies for organisation, time management, impulse regulation, and task completion — adapted to the person's age, context, and specific difficulties.
Parent and family guidance
For children and adolescents, parents receive practical guidance on supporting routines, communication strategies, and school or university coordination where needed.
Medication when clinically indicated
Medication is one option within a broader plan, considered only when clinically appropriate. Options, expected effects, and the monitoring schedule are explained fully before any prescription.
Assessment adapted to age and context
ADHD presents differently at different ages. In children, it often surfaces as restlessness, inconsistent schoolwork, or classroom difficulties. In adolescents, hyperactivity typically lessens but attention difficulties, emotional dysregulation, and academic pressure become more prominent. In adults, the pattern usually shows most clearly in work performance, time management, and relationships rather than obvious restlessness.
There is no single questionnaire that determines a diagnosis. The clinical interview and developmental history are always the core — because the same condition can look very different depending on the person's age, environment, and the coping strategies they have developed over time.
Specialist care for ADHD at Farasai
Dr. Mahdi Moeini
Dr. Moeini is a psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatry subspecialist. He leads the ADHD assessment pathway at Farasai across all age groups — from school-age children to adults seeking formal assessment for the first time.
Psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatry subspecialist
ADHD assessment across children, adolescents, and adults
Member of the Iranian Psychiatric Association
Common questions about ADHD assessment
Do we need a referral letter to book?
No. You can contact reception directly. A referral from a school, GP, or paediatrician can be useful background information, but it is not required to start the process.
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
The initial assessment appointment is typically 60 to 90 minutes. More complex presentations or those requiring additional testing may involve a follow-up appointment before the formulation is complete.
Will my child definitely receive a diagnosis of ADHD?
Not necessarily. The purpose of assessment is to understand what is happening clinically. Sometimes ADHD is confirmed; sometimes anxiety, a learning difficulty, or another condition better explains the picture. A clear and honest formulation is always the outcome — not a predetermined label.
Does everyone with ADHD receive medication?
No. Medication is one option within a broader care plan and is considered only when clinically appropriate. Many plans prioritise psychoeducation and behavioural strategies. When medication is recommended, the options, expected effects, and monitoring schedule are explained fully before any prescription.
How involved are parents in a child's assessment?
Closely involved. For children and adolescents, parents provide developmental history, complete rating scales, and participate in the care plan appointment. We do not assess children without parental participation.
Can school or teacher reports be included in the assessment?
Yes, and we encourage it. Teacher rating scales or a brief school report provide important context about how the child functions in a structured setting. Families can bring any written reports they have.
Is ADHD assessment available for adults who were never diagnosed as children?
Yes. Late ADHD assessment in adults is a specific part of our pathway. Many adults describe a lifelong pattern of attention or executive function difficulties that was never formally assessed. Adult assessment accounts for the different way ADHD presents across the lifespan.
What if other conditions seem to be present alongside ADHD?
Co-occurring conditions — such as anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, or autism spectrum traits — are common with ADHD. The formulation addresses all clinically relevant findings, and the care plan coordinates across conditions where needed.
How often are follow-up appointments after the care plan?
This depends on the care plan. When medication is included, the first follow-up is typically within four to six weeks to review response and any side effects. Longer-term frequency varies according to individual need and clinical progress.
We have had a previous assessment elsewhere — can we still be seen here?
Yes. Bring any previous reports and we will review them as part of the history. If the previous assessment was incomplete, the care plan needs adjustment, or you want a second opinion, we can provide a fresh formulation and clear next steps.
Ready to coordinate an ADHD assessment?
Reception can help you identify the right starting point and confirm the most suitable clinician for your situation.