Frequently asked questions

Dr Crocker is the founder and Clinical Director of Caledonian Psychiatry. He qualified as a doctor at King’s College London in 2013 and holds an MBBS (Hons), a BSc (Hons) in Management from the University of St Andrews, and Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych). He has worked in adult psychiatry since 2018 and has delivered over 5,500 clinical consultations in independent practice since 2023, covering ADHD, autism, depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and OCD.

Before medicine, Dr Crocker had a career in semi-professional sport. He has a particular interest in the mental health of athletes and anyone involved in competitive sport at any level.

Most patients at Caledonian Psychiatry are assessed and managed personally by Dr Crocker, and every patient’s care stays with the same named psychiatrist from their first appointment onwards. You can verify his registration on the GMC medical register (GMC number: 7411382), and meet the practice’s doctors on our clinical team page.

Dr Abderahman Kamaledeen is an Associate Specialist Psychiatrist at Caledonian Psychiatry. He studied medicine at King’s College London, graduating MBBS with distinction, trained in psychiatry on the Maudsley programme in London (one of the largest and best-known psychiatric training schemes in the world) and holds Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych).

He sees adults for ADHD assessment, autism and combined ADHD and autism assessment, medication titration and review, and is happy to offer consultations in Arabic where patients prefer it. Like Dr Crocker, he was himself diagnosed with ADHD as a doctor, which informs a particular affinity with adults diagnosed later in life. You can verify his registration on the GMC medical register (GMC number: 7496971) and read his full profile.

Yes. Caledonian Psychiatry is registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) as an independent medical agency, registration number 03427, the first independent medical agency in Scotland to be regulated by HIS. We operate in accordance with their standards for independent healthcare services in Scotland, and you can verify our registration on the HIS register of independent healthcare services.

Caledonian Psychiatry is an independent online practice, headquartered in North Berwick, East Lothian, and registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Because all consultations are delivered by secure video link, we see adults aged 18 and over from across the UK. Many of our patients are based in Scotland (across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Glasgow and Dundee), but we regularly work with people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Your location does not affect your ability to access our service. We are unable to see patients located outside the UK due to prescribing and regulatory restrictions.

Caledonian Psychiatry is an independent online practice, headquartered in North Berwick, East Lothian, and registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland. All patients must be aged 18 or over. We expect the vast majority of our patients to be based in Scotland, though we do receive referrals from GP practices in other parts of the UK. All consultations are delivered by secure video link. We have found that many patients find remote appointments easier to schedule, less stressful, and more conducive to open conversation, though we recognise that remote consultations are not suitable for everyone. If we feel that a face-to-face assessment would be more appropriate, we will discuss this with you and signpost you to a suitable local service. Wherever you are located, you should expect the same standard of care, and where appropriate we will signpost you to services closer to home.

Because every appointment is delivered by secure video, where you live is rarely a barrier. We regularly work with patients across Scotland (including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Stirling, Perth, Falkirk, Dunfermline, Livingston and the Highlands and Islands) and with patients throughout the rest of the UK, including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield, Bristol, Nottingham, Leicester, Cardiff and Belfast. If your town isn’t listed, it simply means we haven’t added it yet: we can see any adult located anywhere in the UK.

No. Caledonian Psychiatry is not an emergency or crisis service and we do not provide out-of-hours care. Our patients are predominantly based in Scotland, but we see patients across the UK. If you are in crisis or feel at immediate risk of harm, please contact 999, attend your nearest Accident and Emergency department, or call 111 (NHS 24 in Scotland, NHS 111 in England and Wales). You can also contact the Samaritans at any time on 116 123. See our crisis and emergency contacts page for a full list of support services across the UK.

You can reach us by email at admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk or by phone on 0131 510 6013. Email is our primary means of communication and the quickest way to get a response, and we aim to respond within 48 hours. For more details, visit our contact page.

We use Semble, a secure clinical management platform with encrypted video consultations. You do not need to download any software or create an account. You simply click the link sent to you by email, enter your name, and allow access to your camera and microphone. You can join from a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Yes. Whichever of our psychiatrists you book with (Dr Crocker or Dr Kamaledeen), you will see that same doctor at every appointment; we do not rotate clinicians. Most patients are seen by Dr Crocker. The practice’s psychiatrists provide cover for one another for continuation prescribing during unforeseen absence, but this would only ever be activated with your explicit consent. If your doctor is unavailable for a planned absence, we will contact you in advance to reschedule.

As of June 2026, Dr Crocker has conducted over 5,500 appointments across more than 1,000 patients since beginning independent practice. The majority of these are ADHD and autism assessments, along with ongoing medication management. Dr Crocker has worked in psychiatry since 2018 and has a particular focus on neurodevelopmental conditions in adults. These figures are Dr Crocker’s own; Dr Kamaledeen’s background and experience are described on his profile.

Yes. We use the CARE Measure (Consultation and Relational Empathy), a validated 10‑item patient experience questionnaire developed at the University of Edinburgh and used widely across UK healthcare.

In his most recent audit, Dr Crocker’s overall mean CARE score was 4.97 out of 5.0 against a published normative median of 4.67, based on 71 valid responses and 706 scorable item ratings. 96.6% of ratings were “Excellent” and 3.4% “Very Good”, with no “Good”, “Fair” or “Poor” ratings recorded. His scores exceeded the normative median across all ten CARE domains.

Taken together, these scores place Dr Crocker in the highest band the CARE Measure benchmark reports. The CARE Measure normative data are drawn from the published CARE dataset (Mercer et al., 2004; Bikker et al., 2015).

Dr Kamaledeen collects feedback through the same measure: in his most recent audit his overall mean CARE score was 4.91 out of 5.0 against the same normative median, based on 17 anonymous responses and 170 scorable ratings, with 91.8% of ratings “Excellent” and his scores above the normative median across all ten domains. See his profile for details.

All patients are sent a feedback request following their assessment. Responses are anonymised and reviewed as part of our ongoing quality improvement process, helping us to identify areas where the service can be strengthened. You can read the full audit and patient testimonials on our patient feedback page.

For an independent view, you can also read verified patient reviews on Dr Crocker’s Doctify profile. Dr Kamaledeen also collects verified patient reviews through Doctify, on his own Doctify profile.

No, and we want to be upfront about this. Dr Crocker holds Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) and is fully GMC-registered with a licence to practise, but he is not on the GMC Specialist Register and does not use the title “Consultant Psychiatrist”. That title is reserved for doctors who have completed Higher Specialist Training and been awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).

Dr Crocker works as an Associate Specialist Psychiatrist (a senior, established clinical grade in UK psychiatry), with a practice dedicated entirely to direct patient care. He has personally completed several thousand adult psychiatric assessments since 2018, with particular expertise in adult ADHD and autism. Patients receive thorough, evidence-based psychiatric care delivered personally by an experienced senior doctor.

The same transparency applies to Dr Kamaledeen, who also works as an Associate Specialist Psychiatrist, holds MRCPsych, and does not use the title “Consultant Psychiatrist”.

See the registration and clinical role section of our about page for more detail.

Consultations are usually held in English, but Dr Abderahman Kamaledeen is proficient in Arabic and is happy to offer consultations in Arabic where patients prefer it. Just mention this when you book. For other languages, please contact us before booking so we can discuss whether we are able to accommodate your needs.

We accept self-referrals, so you do not need a GP referral to book. However, a GP referral is strongly recommended. For certain conditions such as ADHD, treatment may involve controlled medications, and we will normally require a summary of your medical history from your GP before initiating any controlled medication. This allows your psychiatrist to verify your medical history, concurrent prescribing, substance use history, and any contraindications that may not be apparent from self-report alone.

We ask that you request this summary from your GP yourself and provide it to us, ideally before your first appointment. As part of your consent to treatment, we will also require your consent for your psychiatrist to confirm with your GP before issuing any controlled medication. In the majority of cases, GP information is available before prescribing. Where there is a delay in obtaining GP records, we may take alternative steps to verify key safety information before prescribing.

Early GP involvement also makes it much easier to arrange shared care prescribing later if medication is recommended: GPs are much more likely to agree to shared care if they have been involved from the start. If possible, ask your GP to email a referral to referrals@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk. If your GP or another health professional would like more information about referring to us, they can visit our referring professionals page. You can also try our free screening questionnaires to help you decide whether an assessment is worthwhile.

To book, email us at admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk with a brief description of what you are looking for, and we will reply with the relevant information, answer any questions, and arrange a suitable appointment time.

Most patients are seen by Dr David Crocker, the practice’s founder and Clinical Director. Dr Abderahman Kamaledeen, Associate Specialist Psychiatrist, also sees adults for ADHD assessment, autism and combined ADHD and autism assessment (both available from the week of 11 August 2026), medication titration and review.

For ADHD, autism and combined assessments you can choose your psychiatrist: book with Dr Crocker on our booking pages, or with Dr Kamaledeen on his own booking page. His appointments start on 11 August 2026. Whichever doctor you see, the fees, standards and clinical approach are the same, and your care stays with the same named psychiatrist from your first appointment onwards. You can read about both doctors on our clinical team page.

Email us at admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk and we will arrange the earliest suitable appointment. We will always do our best to see you as quickly as we can.

Once you get in touch, most of our communication will be by email. This is deliberate: it means you have a clear written record of everything we discuss, and you can read and respond in your own time without needing to be available for a phone call. We will send you information about the relevant service, including what the assessment involves, fees, and what to expect. If you decide to go ahead, we will arrange your appointment and send you questionnaires to complete in advance. Please return these at least 48 hours before your consultation. If you have relevant documents such as school reports or previous assessments, you are welcome to send them to admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk. On the day, make sure you are somewhere private and quiet with a reliable internet connection, and test your camera and microphone beforehand.

A telephone line for brief queries is available on 0131 510 6013. Email is still the quickest way to reach us: we aim to respond within 48 hours, whereas telephone messages may take longer to return. Calls are intended for brief queries; anything requiring a longer discussion is usually best addressed during a scheduled consultation.

You are welcome to enquire on behalf of a family member, but the patient themselves will need to provide consent before we can book an appointment or share any clinical information.

We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or not attended, are charged at the full rate. If something genuinely unavoidable comes up, please let us know. We will always consider the circumstances. To cancel or reschedule, email admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk.

You need a device with a camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) and a reasonably stable internet connection. Standard home broadband or 4G/5G mobile data is fine. You do not need to download any software: our video platform runs in your web browser. We recommend using a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted, and testing your camera and microphone before the appointment. If you have any technical concerns, email us beforehand and we can help you prepare.

It happens occasionally and is nothing to worry about. If the connection drops, try refreshing the page and rejoining using the same link. If that does not work, your psychiatrist will call you on the phone number you provided to continue the consultation or arrange to resume by phone. You will not be charged extra or penalised for technical difficulties.

Yes. Before your first appointment, we will ask you to verify your identity with photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. This is a one-time check to confirm we are seeing the right person. The identity document is not retained after your first appointment.

If you have school reports, previous psychological or psychiatric assessments, or other relevant documents, please send them in advance. Our assessment process requires objective evidence, and any documentation that can help corroborate your history is valuable. For ADHD and autism assessments in particular, we need evidence that symptoms were present before the age of 12, and corroborative history from someone who knew you in childhood (such as a parent, sibling, or long-standing friend) is an important part of the process.

We use a range of validated screening and diagnostic tools, including the ASRS and the Barkley Current and Childhood Symptoms Scales, which themselves require corroborative information to complete. Structured diagnostic interviews such as the DIVA-5 are used where clinically justified, for example to support Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) applications in competitive sport. The clinical interview remains the cornerstone of diagnosis, but it is strengthened by objective supporting evidence. If you do not have school reports from decades ago, do not worry: many people do not, and we can work with other sources of information.

If medication may be part of your treatment, we will also need a summary of your medical history from your GP, so it is worth requesting this early. Many people find it useful to jot down a few notes beforehand about the difficulties they want to discuss. It is easy to forget things in the moment. We will send you any pre-appointment questionnaires by email in advance so you can complete them at your own pace.

The ASRS-5 is a five-item screening questionnaire developed by the World Health Organisation based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD. It is one of the most widely validated ADHD screening tools available and is used in clinical practice worldwide to help identify adults who may benefit from further evaluation (Ustun et al., 2017).

A screening tool is not the same as a diagnostic assessment. The ASRS-5 can suggest that ADHD is worth exploring, but it cannot tell you whether you have ADHD. Many conditions (including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and autism) can produce symptoms that look very similar to ADHD on a screening questionnaire. A comprehensive clinical assessment looks at the full picture: your developmental history, how symptoms have affected you across different areas of your life, whether other conditions might better explain your difficulties, and what treatment or support is likely to help. This is what allows a confident diagnosis and a safe, informed treatment plan.

The AQ-10 is a ten-question screening questionnaire developed by the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge. It is recommended by NICE (CG142) as a first-stage screening instrument for autism in adults. A score of 6 or above suggests that a formal diagnostic assessment may be worthwhile. The AQ-10 has known limitations: it was developed using predominantly male research samples and may underestimate autistic traits in people who mask, particularly women and late-identified adults. A low score does not rule out autism.

No. A screening score above the threshold means that a full diagnostic assessment is likely to be worthwhile, but it is not a diagnosis. Many factors can produce a high screening score, and only a comprehensive clinical assessment (including a detailed history, validated diagnostic tools, and clinical judgement) can determine whether you meet diagnostic criteria. If your score suggests further evaluation, we would be happy to discuss next steps.

A low score does not rule out ADHD or autism. Screening tools are imperfect: the AQ-10 in particular may miss autistic traits in people who mask, and the ASRS-5 can underestimate symptoms in people with strong compensatory strategies. If you recognise yourself in descriptions of ADHD or autism despite a low score, a clinical assessment may still be worthwhile. You are welcome to get in touch with a description of your experiences and we will give you an honest view.

• ADHD assessment (2 × 60-minute consultations): £800
• ASD assessment (2 × 60-minute consultations): £800
• Joint ADHD and ASD assessment (3 × 60-minute consultations): £1,300
• Previously diagnosed ADHD, initial consultation (60 minutes): £350
• Follow-up review appointment (30 minutes): £130
• Private prescription: £25 each for non-controlled medications, £30 for controlled medications such as ADHD stimulants

Fees are inclusive and there are no hidden charges. Additional charges for clinical reports or letters are discussed and agreed with you in advance. See our fee schedule and medication cost guide for full details.

We recognise that any private psychiatric care represents a significant financial commitment, and we never take that lightly. We are pleased to hear that patients find us competitively priced, particularly as we provide a traditional model of care: every appointment is with the same doctor, with thorough assessment, personalised treatment and detailed communication with your GP at every stage.

We keep our fees down primarily by delivering all of our services remotely, which removes the overhead costs associated with maintaining clinic premises. We are also committed to keeping psychiatric care as affordable as we reasonably can, because we believe cost should not be the reason someone goes without the help they need.

Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment slot. Your consultation link will be activated once payment has been received. If you need to cancel or reschedule, refunds are issued in line with our cancellation policy.

We send invoices by email through Semble Pay, our secure clinical payment platform. You can pay online using any major debit or credit card. Simply click the payment link in your invoice email. Alternatively, we accept direct bank transfer to our business account. Both methods are safe and secure. Payment details and bank transfer instructions are included on every invoice.

We do not accept private medical insurance and cannot bill insurers directly. You are welcome to submit our invoices to your insurer for reimbursement, but please check your cover before booking: you remain responsible for all fees regardless of whether your insurer reimburses you. Many insurers exclude ADHD and autism assessments from their policies, and some require that the treating doctor is listed on the GMC Specialist Register, which does not apply to our current psychiatrists. Please confirm what your policy covers before booking.

Here is a breakdown of typical costs:

• Assessment: £800 (two 60-minute consultations)
• Follow-up appointments during titration: £130 each, typically every 3–4 weeks
• Prescriptions: £25–£30 each (usually monthly)
• Medication: £20–£120 per month, paid directly to your pharmacy

Once stable, most patients move to reviews every 6 months (this is the maximum interval for controlled medications). If your GP agrees to shared care, they take over routine prescribing on the NHS, which significantly reduces your monthly costs. See our shared care page for how this process works. Medication prices vary between pharmacies. See our medication cost guide for a detailed breakdown by drug and dose. Your psychiatrist is always happy to point you towards good value options. For fees relating to other assessments, including autism and combined ADHD and autism, see our fee schedule.

We do not offer payment plans. We would rather be upfront about our fees than have anyone take on debt to access care. If cost is a concern, please do get in touch. We are always happy to talk it through.

Yes. We can provide clinical letters or reports to support reasonable adjustments, occupational health assessments, insurance claims, or other purposes. These are charged separately and the fee will be agreed with you before any work is carried out. See our prescribing and reports page for the types of reports we offer. We will only share information with third parties with your explicit written consent.

Our ADHD assessments are conducted over two 60-minute consultations by secure video link. These can be scheduled close together or on the same day if you prefer. The assessment includes a detailed clinical interview covering your developmental history, current symptoms, and how ADHD may be affecting your daily life. We use validated rating scales and structured diagnostic tools, review any available corroborative evidence, and consider whether other conditions might better explain your difficulties. You can read more about our assessment methodology on our approach page. You will receive a detailed written report within 7 to 10 working days.

Yes, and we would encourage it. A family member, partner, or someone who knows you well can provide observations about your behaviour and history (particularly from childhood), which strengthens the quality of the assessment.

If you have school reports, previous assessments, or other relevant documents, they can be helpful, but they are not essential. Many people do not have school reports from decades ago, and we can still conduct a thorough assessment without them. We use a range of validated tools as part of the process, including the ASRS and the Barkley Current and Childhood Symptoms Scales, alongside the clinical interview which remains the cornerstone of diagnosis. Structured diagnostic interviews such as the DIVA-5 are used where clinically justified.

We take several steps before your assessment to reduce the likelihood of an unexpected outcome. Completing our screening questionnaires, providing background information, and sharing any relevant documents such as school reports or previous assessments all help us build a clearer picture before your consultation. If the information suggests ADHD is unlikely, we will be honest about that before you commit to the cost of a full assessment. Not every assessment results in a diagnosis of ADHD, and nor should it. A rigorous assessment must be willing to reach any conclusion the evidence supports. We will always explain our reasoning clearly. A thorough assessment can still provide useful insight, and where appropriate we may suggest alternative explanations or other avenues of support. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Yes. If you have had a previous assessment and feel it did not adequately capture your difficulties, we are happy to conduct a fresh assessment. We would ask you to share any previous reports so we can take them into account, though our assessment will be conducted independently and reach its own conclusions. Please email your previous report to admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk and we will advise you on the best pathway.

Yes. Please email a copy of your assessment report to admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk. Before taking over your care, we need to be satisfied that your original diagnosis was made to an appropriate clinical standard. If we have concerns about the quality of the original assessment, we will discuss this openly. Where a fresh assessment is needed, we offer this at a reduced fee. If your report meets the required standard, your first appointment will be a 60-minute consultation at £350. See our existing diagnosis page for full details of how this works.

If you are unsure, we would encourage you to complete the ADHD screening tool on our website: the ASRS-5, a short validated questionnaire developed by the World Health Organisation. It takes less than two minutes and is very good at identifying people likely to meet diagnostic criteria. You are also welcome to email us with a description of your difficulties. We screen all enquiries carefully and will give you an honest view of whether a full assessment is worthwhile before you commit.

Yes. If you have an existing ADHD diagnosis but never pursued treatment, you can book a medication review appointment (£350, 60 minutes). We will review your original assessment, discuss your current difficulties, and if appropriate, begin titration. If the original diagnosis was made to an appropriate standard, there is no need to repeat the full assessment. Please email a copy of your diagnostic report when you enquire so we can advise you on the right pathway. See our existing diagnosis page for more detail.

The core assessment process is the same for everyone, but our psychiatrists are experienced in recognising ADHD presentations that are commonly missed in women. The predominantly inattentive type is more common in women and often goes undiagnosed until adulthood because it does not fit the stereotypical image of ADHD. Women with ADHD are more likely to have been previously diagnosed with anxiety or depression, and to have developed compensatory strategies (such as over-preparing, list-making, or relying on routines) that mask their symptoms from others and sometimes from themselves.

The assessment is designed to explore the internal experience of living with ADHD, not just outwardly visible behaviours. We look at the effort behind the coping, not just the coping itself. If you have spent years feeling like things are harder for you than they seem to be for everyone else, that experience is taken seriously.

Our free ADHD screening questionnaire can be a useful starting point if you are considering an assessment. Organisations such as ADHD UK offer resources and peer support for adults diagnosed later in life.

Yes. There is no upper age limit for an ADHD diagnosis, and many adults are not identified until their 30s, 40s, 50s, or later. This does not mean the ADHD was not always there: it means other factors kept it hidden. High intelligence, structured environments, supportive partners, or sheer determination can compensate for ADHD symptoms for decades. It often becomes apparent when those structures change: a new job with less routine, a relationship ending, children arriving, or the accumulated toll of years spent working twice as hard as everyone else to achieve the same result.

A common concern is “but I managed to get through university” or “I have a successful career.” These things do not rule out ADHD. The assessment looks at the cost of that success: the exhaustion, the last-minute scrambles, the things that fell apart around the edges, not just the outcome.

If you have coped for a long time without a diagnosis, the assessment is designed to account for that. We look at your full developmental history and the strategies you have built up, rather than relying on how things look from the outside. Our free ADHD screening questionnaire takes less than two minutes and can help you decide whether a full assessment is worthwhile.

Our autism assessments are conducted over two 60-minute consultations by secure video link. The assessment includes a detailed clinical interview focusing on social communication, restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, sensory experiences, and developmental history. Every assessment includes a full suite of validated tools (the AQ-50, EQ-40, RAADS-R, CAT-Q, and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test) alongside structured clinical observation. You can read more about our assessment methodology on our approach page. If you would like a preliminary sense of whether an assessment might be right for you, you can try our free AQ-10 screening questionnaire. With your consent, we also seek an informant account from someone who knows you well. You will receive a detailed written diagnostic report.

Yes. We offer a combined assessment over three 60-minute consultations at £1,300. If you are not sure whether you need both, you do not have to decide upfront: our free screening tools for ADHD and autism can help you think it through, and if concerns about the other condition come up during your appointment, we can add a full assessment at a reduced rate.

Unlike ADHD, autism does not typically require ongoing medication management. We will provide a detailed diagnostic report and discuss what the diagnosis means in practical terms, including support, adjustments, or onward referrals. A formal diagnosis can support requests for reasonable adjustments at work or in education under the Equality Act 2010. See our reports and letters page for details, including Access to Work and Equality Act documentation. You are welcome to book follow-up consultations at any point, whether to help digest your report or to address related conditions such as anxiety or low mood.

If you are unsure, a good starting point is our free AQ-10 screening questionnaire: ten quick questions that can help you decide whether a full assessment might be worthwhile. However, screening tools have important limitations, particularly for people who have learned to mask. If you score below the threshold but still recognise yourself in descriptions of autism, that does not rule it out. The full assessment includes instruments designed for exactly this situation, such as the CAT-Q, which measures masking directly, and the RAADS-R. You are also welcome to email us with a description of your experiences and we will give you an honest view of whether an assessment is likely to be helpful.

The core assessment process is the same, but our psychiatrists have particular experience with presentations that are commonly missed in women. Many autistic women score within the typical range on brief screening questionnaires while meeting full diagnostic criteria, because the tools were originally developed using predominantly male research samples.

The assessment is designed to look beyond surface presentation. We explore the internal experience: the effort behind social functioning, the exhaustion after ordinary interactions, and the cost of fitting in. Many women describe a lifelong sense of performing a version of themselves rather than being themselves. This is something the assessment explicitly explores. Every autism assessment includes the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q), which specifically measures the extent of masking and is particularly informative for women, alongside the RAADS-R, a scale designed for adults whose autism went unrecognised in childhood.

Our free AQ-10 screening questionnaire can be a useful starting point, and if you suspect both autism and ADHD, our combined assessment may be worth considering. The National Autistic Society has a dedicated resource on autistic women and girls, including information on masking and late diagnosis.

Yes. Many adults are not identified as autistic until well into adulthood, sometimes after a child or family member is diagnosed, after a period of burnout, or simply after encountering a description of autism that resonates in a way nothing else has. A late diagnosis does not mean autism appeared late: it means it was not recognised earlier.

Adults who have gone undiagnosed often have decades of learned coping strategies. You may have built a career, maintained relationships, and navigated daily life, but at a cost that others around you may not see. The assessment accounts for this. We take a detailed developmental history and look for patterns across your life, rather than relying on how you present in a single consultation.

If you do not have a parent or childhood informant available, the assessment can still proceed. While informant accounts are valuable, they are not essential, and many late-diagnosed adults do not have access to someone who can speak to their early development. We work with the evidence that is available.

Our free AQ-10 screening questionnaire can help you think about whether a full assessment might be worthwhile, though screening tools have known limitations for people who have learned to mask. If you recognise yourself in descriptions of autism despite a low score, you are welcome to get in touch and we will give you an honest view.

There is no medication for autism itself. However, many autistic adults experience coexisting conditions such as anxiety, depression, or sleep difficulties that can be treated with medication. If these are identified during your assessment, your psychiatrist can discuss treatment options. For many people, the most valuable outcome of an autism diagnosis is understanding rather than medication: a framework that makes sense of lifelong experiences and opens the door to appropriate support.

Yes. A diagnosis of ADHD or autism made by a private psychiatrist carries the same clinical and legal weight as one made through the NHS: there is no legal distinction between the two. Each organisation then decides for itself what evidence it needs and how it responds: most accept a thorough psychiatric report, and ours are written to make that straightforward, but a GP’s decision to prescribe or enter shared care is a separate clinical decision. See our shared care page for exactly how that works. Your diagnosis can be used to support requests for reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, applications for Disabled Students’ Allowance, and Access to Work funding.

Your report is typically completed within 7–10 working days and sent to you by email. Report length varies depending on the complexity of the assessment: an ADHD or autism assessment report is typically 6–10 pages, and a joint ADHD and autism assessment may be 15 pages or more. The report sets out the diagnostic conclusion, the evidence on which it is based, and personalised recommendations for next steps. With your consent, a copy is also sent to your GP. If you have questions about anything in the report, you are welcome to book a follow-up appointment to discuss it. Many people find it helpful to sit with the report for a few days before deciding on next steps.

Yes. A formal psychiatric diagnosis can support applications for reasonable adjustments at work under the Equality Act 2010, Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), Access to Work funding, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Our diagnostic reports include a functional impact section and specific recommendations that are designed to be useful for these purposes. If you need a more targeted letter for a particular application, we can provide one. See our reports page for details and fees.

Our aim is to provide you with the best possible care while actively supporting your transition back to NHS services wherever appropriate. We do not seek to replace NHS care: we see our role as providing timely assessment, diagnosis, and stabilisation, with a clear pathway towards NHS follow-up and shared care.

For ADHD, the main route is shared care: once you are stable on medication, we write to your GP with a formal shared care request so they can take over routine prescribing on the NHS. We actively encourage and facilitate this transition for all patients. Acceptance varies by GP practice and local policy and is not always within our control. This is one of the reasons we encourage you to involve your GP early. See our shared care page for more on how this works.

For autism, NHS follow-up options vary by area but may include community autism teams, psychological therapy, or occupational therapy. Your report will include specific recommendations for NHS services relevant to your needs, and your GP can use it to make onward referrals. We will support you in accessing these services wherever we can.

There is no time limit. If we diagnose you with ADHD but you decide not to start medication straight away, that is completely fine. You can come back whenever you are ready, whether that is weeks, months, or years later. Because we already hold your full assessment on file, you would simply book a follow-up appointment (£130, 30 minutes) to discuss your options and begin titration. Your diagnosis does not need to be repeated. If you were diagnosed elsewhere and are looking to start treatment, see our existing diagnosis page instead.

Our focus is neurodevelopmental psychiatry: ADHD and autism in adults. Where conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD or sleep difficulties occur alongside ADHD or autism, we assess and treat them as part of your care. If your difficulties are unrelated to ADHD or autism, we are probably not the right service — get in touch and describe what is going on, and we will give you an honest answer and point you in the right direction.

ADHD and many other mental health conditions are often best managed by a combination of medication and psychological therapy. The balance between the two varies from person to person. For some, medication is the main intervention and therapy is a useful addition; for others, therapy is the primary treatment and medication plays a supporting role, or is not needed at all. What works best depends on the diagnosis, your circumstances, and your own preferences.

Our role is the psychiatric side of that picture: assessment, diagnosis, and medication management. We do not provide psychological therapy directly. Where therapy would be helpful, whether alongside medication or as the main approach, we have established referral pathways to three trusted external providers, all offering remote sessions:

• Ben Blunt of World With Colour, a UKCP-registered Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and Certified AEDP Psychotherapist (www.worldwithcolour.com).
• Christina Raeburn of Counselling for All, an Edinburgh-based, BABCP-accredited cognitive behavioural psychotherapist (www.counsellingforall.co.uk).
• Carrie Hall of Carrie Hall Counselling, an MBACP-registered clinical experiential psychotherapist specialising in trauma-focused therapy, drawing on AEDP and IFS (www.carriehallcounselling.co.uk).

Referral is made only with your consent. Any fees are set by the provider concerned, and Caledonian Psychiatry receives no referral fee or commission.

Stimulant medications are recommended by NICE as first-line treatments. Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) is usually our first choice: a long-acting prodrug taken once daily, lasting 10–12 hours. Methylphenidate is available in long-acting (Concerta XL, Equasym XL) and short-acting formulations. Dexamfetamine is a short-acting option lasting 3–5 hours per dose.

Non-stimulant medications may be considered if stimulants are not effective or not suitable. Atomoxetine takes several weeks to reach full effect and is not a controlled substance. Guanfacine can be particularly helpful for emotional dysregulation. Clonidine is sometimes used as an adjunct, particularly where sleep difficulties or tics are prominent.

The choice of medication depends on your individual circumstances, and your psychiatrist will discuss the options with you in detail before prescribing. For typical pharmacy prices, see our medication cost guide. You can also read independent patient information at patient.info.

Titration is the process of finding the right medication and dose for you. Follow-up appointments are typically every 3–4 weeks during this period, at £130 each. Sometimes we get it right quickly; other times we need to try different doses or a different medication altogether. Most patients are stable within 3 to 9 months. Once settled, reviews move to every 6 months. This is the maximum interval for controlled medications. You will never feel like you are figuring it out on your own.

Yes. Before initiating any controlled medication such as methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine or dexamfetamine, we will normally require a summary of your medical history from your GP. This is a safety measure: it allows your psychiatrist to check for any current prescriptions, relevant medical conditions, substance use history, or other factors that could affect your treatment. We ask that you request this summary from your GP yourself and provide it to us, ideally before your first appointment.

As part of your consent to treatment, we will also require your consent for your psychiatrist to confirm with your GP before issuing any controlled medication. This does not delay your assessment. Your psychiatrist can complete the clinical evaluation and discuss a management plan while GP records are being obtained. Where there is a delay in obtaining GP records, we may take alternative steps to verify key safety information before prescribing.

Common side effects include reduced appetite, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, headache, and increased heart rate or blood pressure. Most are mild and often settle as your body adjusts. We monitor for side effects at every follow-up appointment and can adjust the dose or try a different medication if needed.

Stimulant medications are classified as controlled substances because of their potential for misuse, and we take this seriously. Before prescribing any controlled medication, we will normally require a summary of your medical history from your GP, which allows your psychiatrist to review your substance use history, concurrent prescribing, and any other risk factors. This is a standard safeguard and one of the reasons early GP involvement is so important.

Your psychiatrist will always assess the individual risk before prescribing and, where the risk profile indicates that controlled medication is not appropriate, will recommend non-stimulant alternatives or non-pharmacological approaches instead. When prescribed at therapeutic doses and taken as directed under appropriate clinical supervision, the risk of addiction is very low. Research suggests that treating ADHD with medication may actually reduce the overall risk of substance misuse. Non-stimulant alternatives such as atomoxetine and guanfacine are also available and do not carry a risk of addiction.

According to DVLA guidance, a diagnosis of ADHD is not in itself a bar to holding a driving licence. If you have already passed your driving test, you have already demonstrated the ability to drive safely, and the DVLA only needs to be notified if there is a change to your condition or if there are concerns about your ability to drive safely: for example, significant difficulties with attention, concentration, impulsivity, or emotional regulation that affect driving.

You must also notify the DVLA if your prescribed medication or its side effects are likely to impair safe driving. In practice, research suggests that ADHD medication often improves driving safety by improving concentration and reducing impulsivity. However, you should not drive if you feel your alertness or reaction times are affected, particularly when starting a new medication or changing dose. We will discuss driving as part of your treatment plan. For more detail, see the driving section on our prescriptions and reports page.

If your medication is not providing adequate benefit or is causing troublesome side effects, we will review your treatment and discuss the options, whether that means adjusting the dose, trying a different formulation, or switching medication altogether. It is not uncommon for the first medication tried not to be the best fit, and this is exactly what titration is designed for.

ADHD medication does not change who you are. What it does is reduce the noise: the restlessness, distractibility, and impulsivity that can make it hard to be the person you already are. Most people describe feeling more like themselves on the right medication, not less. If you ever feel that medication is flattening your emotions or making you feel unlike yourself, that is important information and something we would want to adjust.

Most ADHD medications are not routinely recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but stopping medication is not always straightforward, particularly if your symptoms significantly affect your functioning, safety, or quality of life. There are also risks associated with untreated ADHD during pregnancy, including difficulties with self-care, attendance at antenatal appointments, and managing day-to-day responsibilities.

Some women, after careful discussion, choose to continue medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is a personal decision and there is no single right answer. We will discuss the available evidence on risks and benefits with you, following current NICE guidance and UK Teratology Information Service advice, and support you in making the choice that is right for you. You can find evidence-based information at www.medicinesinpregnancy.org.

Stimulant medications can cause small increases in blood pressure and heart rate. In line with NICE guidance, we require baseline blood pressure and heart rate readings before prescribing any stimulant medication. In exceptional circumstances, such as when recent readings are available from a GP consultation or other clinical source, we may accept these in lieu of home monitoring. Monitoring continues at every dose adjustment, and at least every six months once stable.

Because our consultations are remote, we ask you to take readings at home using a validated upper arm blood pressure monitor (around £20–£40 from any pharmacy). Sit quietly for five minutes before measuring, with your feet flat and arm supported at heart level, and take two readings one to two minutes apart. If you consistently record readings above 140/90 mmHg, or notice a significant increase from your baseline, please let us know before your next appointment. You can find helpful guidance from the British Heart Foundation.

If you consent to us writing to your GP, your diagnosis will become part of your NHS medical record. We strongly recommend this, as it ensures your GP can provide appropriate care, continuity, and safe prescribing. Where controlled medications are being prescribed, communication with your GP is a clinical requirement. As part of your consent to treatment, you will be asked to consent to this before any controlled medication is issued.

In some circumstances, we may have a legal or professional duty to share information without consent: for example, where there is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of others, where disclosure is required by law or by a court order, or where it is necessary for the safe management of controlled medications. These situations are uncommon, and wherever possible we would discuss this with you first. For full details, please see our privacy notice.

A diagnosis on your medical record does not automatically affect insurance or employment. If you have concerns about any aspect of confidentiality, we are happy to discuss them. Please email admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk if you would like to discuss this before your appointment.

If this has been previously agreed with your psychiatrist, you can request a prescription between appointments by emailing admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk. There are no automatic repeat prescriptions in private practice: each prescription requires individual clinical decision-making by your psychiatrist, including review of timescales since the last prescription. For controlled medications in particular, this oversight is essential to ensure safe and appropriate prescribing.

Controlled medications require a handwritten prescription, which is sent to you or to your pharmacy by Royal Mail Tracked 24. Tracking helps ensure timely delivery and means a delayed prescription can be followed up quickly. Please plan ahead where possible, as posting adds time. We cannot issue prescriptions without a prior agreement or for patients we have not previously assessed. We routinely audit prescriptions of controlled medications as part of our clinical governance and to prevent misuse.

Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine have a low risk of addiction when used at prescribed doses for ADHD. They do not require gradual tapering and some people choose to take them only on working days, with breaks at weekends or during holidays. Some people notice rebound symptoms such as fatigue or low mood when stopping, which are usually short-lived. If you are thinking about stopping or changing how you take your medication, we would recommend discussing it at your next appointment so we can help you plan and monitor how things go. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine should be tapered gradually rather than stopped abruptly. You can book a follow-up appointment to discuss this.

Several psychiatric medications need physical health checks before they are started and at intervals while you take them. Depending on the medicine, this can include blood pressure and heart rate readings, an ECG (a tracing of the heart), blood tests, weight, or other measurements. We follow national prescribing standards (SIGN, NICE and the BNF), so the checks we ask for are those recommended for safe prescribing rather than anything optional.

For most patients these are best arranged through your NHS GP. Many practices are happy to carry out reasonable, guideline-based monitoring as part of routine care, taking the readings during an appointment and sharing the results with us.

Where that is not possible, for example if your GP is unable to help, you do not currently have an NHS GP, or a particular test is needed sooner than your practice can manage, we will help you arrange it another way. Some checks can be done at home, such as blood pressure readings using a simple home monitor. Others, such as ECGs and blood tests, may need to be arranged privately.

It is worth being aware that monitoring arranged privately usually carries a cost, which is set by the provider rather than by us, whereas NHS GP monitoring is normally free. We will always explain in advance what is needed and why, and where there is a choice we will help you find the most practical and affordable option.

Our nominated referral pathway for independent private primary care input is Edinburgh GP (Dr David Richardson and team), based at 2 Randolph Place, Edinburgh EH3 7TQ (www.edinburghgp.co.uk). Referral is made only with your consent. Any fees are set by Edinburgh GP, and Caledonian Psychiatry receives no referral fee or commission.

Once you are settled on an effective dose, most patients move to reviews every 6 months. For controlled medications, a specialist review is required at least every six months before further prescriptions can be issued. At that point, we will look to establish a shared care arrangement with your GP so that routine prescribing and physical health monitoring can transfer to the NHS. We will only submit a formal shared care application where there is a reasonable prospect of it being accepted. This is one of the reasons we encourage you to involve your GP early. If shared care is not possible, you can continue receiving prescriptions from us.

Shared care is an arrangement where we initiate and stabilise your medication, then your GP takes over routine prescribing and physical health monitoring while we continue specialist reviews. This means you can get your prescriptions through the NHS, which is more convenient and significantly less expensive. One of our core goals is to make the quality of our shared care applications as strong as possible, so that GPs have every reason to say yes. See our shared care page for full details on the process, timeline, and the documentation we send to your GP.

Yes, and we encourage it. Before booking, you can ask your GP practice whether they would consider a shared care agreement for ADHD medication started by a GMC-registered psychiatrist at a provider regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Some practices agree readily, some prefer to see the assessment report first, and a few decline shared care with private providers as a matter of policy. Knowing their position early helps you plan with confidence. You do not need to wait for their answer before booking: appointment slots are limited and can fill quickly, so booking secures your place, and you can cancel or reschedule without charge with at least 48 hours’ notice under our cancellation policy. Whatever your GP decides, treatment remains available: our shared care page explains every route, including ongoing private prescribing.

Shared care is at your GP’s discretion. We will only submit a formal application where there is a realistic prospect of acceptance. If your GP is not willing, you can continue receiving prescriptions from us (£25–£30 per prescription depending on medication type, plus the cost of medication at your pharmacy; see our medication cost guide for typical prices). Early involvement of your GP significantly improves the likelihood of a successful arrangement. See our shared care page for full details on the process.

If you are stable on ADHD medication, we will write to your GP to request a shared care arrangement so that your prescriptions can continue on the NHS. We will always make this request as early as clinically appropriate, and provide your GP with all the information they need to support it. We make shared care applications to all GP practices unless they have explicitly indicated that they do not accept them.

However, acceptance is ultimately at your GP’s discretion, and we want to be transparent that not all practices currently agree to shared care with independent providers. We would encourage you to let your GP know you are being seen privately, as early engagement with your practice can help.

If shared care is not agreed, we can continue to prescribe privately and will work with you to keep costs manageable. Our medication cost guide can help you estimate ongoing pharmacy costs. If you need to pause private follow-ups for any reason, we can provide a handover letter to your GP with clear guidance for ongoing monitoring. We would rather you told us about financial difficulty than stopped your medication abruptly.

A diagnosis made by a GMC-registered psychiatrist following NICE guidelines is clinically valid regardless of whether it was made in an NHS or private setting. Our assessments use the same validated diagnostic tools as NHS services, and every report includes a clear diagnostic formulation, the evidence on which it is based, and specific recommendations for your GP.

However, accepting a diagnosis is not the same as agreeing to prescribe. For ADHD, where ongoing controlled medication is typically involved, your GP must separately decide whether to enter into a shared care arrangement. This is a clinical and administrative decision at your GP’s discretion, and acceptance varies between practices and local health board areas. We invest significant effort in making our shared care applications as thorough as possible, but we cannot guarantee acceptance. This is one of the reasons we encourage early GP involvement. If your GP has questions about your diagnosis or our recommendations, we are always happy to speak with them directly.

For some people, non-medication strategies such as CBT adapted for ADHD, coaching, environmental changes, and structured routines are sufficient. Organisations such as ADHD UK offer helpful resources on non-medication approaches. However, for most adults with moderate to severe ADHD, medication remains the most effective treatment per NICE guidelines. Many people find that a combination works best. We will never pressure you into taking medication.

You are not legally required to disclose an ADHD diagnosis to your employer. However, ADHD is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 where it has a substantial and long-term effect on day-to-day activities, which means you may be entitled to reasonable adjustments. ACAS provides helpful guidance on reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent employees. Whether to disclose is a personal decision. We are happy to discuss the implications during a consultation.

For non-urgent queries, email admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk and we aim to respond within 48 hours. Some queries may need to be discussed in a scheduled appointment, and medication changes are always made during a consultation. If your concern is urgent, please contact your GP, NHS 24 on 111, or 999 in an emergency. See our crisis and emergency contacts page for further support.

We are unable to provide consultations or prescriptions to patients outside the UK due to prescribing and regulatory restrictions. If you are planning to relocate, please discuss this in advance so we can provide a comprehensive handover summary and help you identify appropriate services in your new location.

Please let us know. If you are stable on ADHD medication, the most important step is establishing shared care with your GP so that your prescriptions continue on the NHS. We will always prioritise writing the shared care request as early as possible. If you need to pause private follow-ups, we can provide a handover letter to your GP with clear guidance for ongoing monitoring. Our medication cost guide can help you estimate ongoing pharmacy costs. We would rather you told us about financial difficulty than stopped your medication abruptly.

Your clinical records are stored securely on Semble, an encrypted system that is ISO 27001 certified and Cyber Essentials Plus accredited, with data hosted in UK data centres. We process all personal information in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Edinburgh Psych Limited is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO registration: ZB532461). You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data at any time by emailing admin@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk. See our privacy notice for full details.

Email complaints@caledonianpsychiatry.co.uk. We will acknowledge your complaint within three working days and aim to provide a full written response within 14 working days. Making a complaint will never affect the care you receive.

You also have the right to contact Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) at any time if you have concerns about any aspect of the care or service you have received. You do not need to raise the matter with us first. HIS can be contacted at his.ihcregulation@nhs.scot. See our complaints policy for full details.