ADHD

Get in touch to discuss which one of our team of specialists would be the most relevant for you to speak to.

We can empower you to thrive with ADHD.

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents unique challenges, but with the right support and strategies, you can overcome obstacles and unlock your full potential. 

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by difficulties with focus, organisation, impulse control, and emotion regulation.

Although symptoms often appear in childhood, many individuals are not diagnosed until adulthood when the pressures of work, school, or family life highlight these challenges.

Causes of ADHD

The exact cause of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not fully understood, but it often has a familial component, leading some adults to seek assessment after a child or family member is diagnosed. This complexity highlights the importance of considering a range of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors in understanding ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD

ADHD diagnostic assessment 

An ADHD diagnosis in adults brings clarity, explaining challenges with focus, time management and impulsivity.

A diagnosis enables personalised treatment—therapy, medication, or coaching—to make daily life easier. It also brings increased self-awareness that fosters self-acceptance.

At Edinburgh Adult Psychiatry, we offer comprehensive ADHD assessments following UKAAN’s gold-standard guidelines. Our expert psychiatrists also assess co-existing conditions like anxiety, mood disorders and autism.

> Book an online ADHD assessment with a specialist today.

Already got a diagnosis?

If you already have a diagnosis of ADHD our team of specialist prescribers offer a pathway for initiation and titration of medication for ADHD. All we need is a copy of the original ADHD assessment, confirming your diagnosis.  

Treatment of ADHD

ADHD and Dyslexia and Dyscalculia 

Dyslexia affects reading, spelling, and writing due to differences in how the brain processes language. Despite normal intelligence, individuals may struggle with decoding words and reading fluency.

Dyscalculia impacts numerical understanding, making tasks like arithmetic and number patterns challenging. It’s a brain-based difficulty unrelated to intelligence.

ADHD & Learning Differences

Dyslexia and dyscalcula is four times more common in individuals with ADHD than the general population. Shared challenges with attention, memory, and processing speed can make diagnosis complex, but recognising them allows for better-targeted support.

> Book an online appointment to discuss ADHD and learning differences with our Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Specialist

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Our clinical team

Get in touch to discuss which one of our team of specialists would be the most relevant for you to speak to.

> Enquire here.

Dr. John Ferguson

EAP Medical Director & Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr. John Ferguson is a highly experienced Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong background in neuroscience, mood disorders, ADHD, and sports psychiatry. He holds a dual degree in Medicine and Neuroscience from the University of Aberdeen, where his fascination with the brain and consciousness first took shape.

Dr. Ferguson commenced his psychiatry training in Edinburgh in the early 2000s, drawn to the field for its emphasis on understanding people's lives and experiences. Over the years, he has worked in both NHS and private settings, providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual. Dr. Ferguson continues to serve as an NHS Consultant in East Lothian, where he leads a specialist clinic focused on ADHD.

With a specialist interest in neurodevelopmental conditions and mood disorders, Dr. Ferguson is particularly motivated by personal insight and a deep belief in his patients’ capacity for recovery and growth.

Qualifications:

MBChB – University of Aberdeen

BScMed Sci (Neuroscience) – University of Aberdeen

MRCPsych

Outside of work, he enjoys open water swimming and playing chess. He lives in East Lothian with his family and their two dogs, Maisie and Brodie.

Book an appointment below.

Dr. David Crocker

Associate Specialist Psychiatrist

Dr David Crocker is an experienced psychiatrist with a particular focus on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although born in the United Kingdom, he spent a significant portion of his childhood in the United States. He graduated in Medicine from King’s College London in 2013 and completed his foundation training in sunny Cornwall. Subsequently, he undertook further training in expedition medicine before relocating to Edinburgh in 2018 to commence core training in psychiatry. In 2022, Dr Crocker was awarded Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and has since dedicated his clinical practice to the assessment and treatment of ADHD and ASD.
Having been diagnosed with ADHD early in his career, Dr Crocker has first-hand insight into the challenges of feeling heard and understood. He prides himself on being an attentive listener and adopts a personalised, non-judgmental approach in his therapeutic work.

Qualifications:

BSc – University of St Andrews (2008)
MBBS – King’s College London (2013)
Diploma in Expedition Medicine – Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (2018)
MRCPsych (2022)
David lives in Edinburgh, where he enjoys playing racquet sports, PC gaming, and spending time with his partner and their loving labradoodle, Winston.
Book an appointment below.

Claire Watt

Occupational Therapist

Claire Watt is an experienced Occupational Therapist with over 15 years working across NHS Scotland and private care, specialising in both hospital and community mental health. Claire takes a holistic, strengths-based approach, supporting individuals with ADHD, autism, and other conditions to overcome everyday challenges and build meaningful, fulfilling routines.

Claire offers a range of practical services including Workplace Needs Assessments, Occupational Therapy Assessments, and Access to Work application support, all tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

Qualifications:

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy – Robert Gordon University (2009)

Outside of work, Claire enjoys walking, jogging, CrossFit, and quality time with her husband and two young daughters.

Book an appointment below.

Dr. Darren O'Reilly

Counselling Psychologist

Dr. Darren O'Reilly is a dedicated ADHD therapist with over six years of experience supporting adults and university students. With both professional expertise and lived experience of ADHD, he understands its emotional and psychological impact and helps clients navigate challenges with compassion and practical strategies.

Darren specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients manage anxiety, self-criticism, and overwhelm. His therapy approach is structured yet flexible, tailored to each individual’s needs.

Qualifications:

Doctorate in Counselling Psychology – GCU (2022)

MSc in Applied Statistics – St Andrews (2019)

MA in Applied Psychology – University College Cork, Ireland (2017)

BA in Psychology – Waterford, Ireland

Outside of work, Darren enjoys an active lifestyle, including surfing, mountain biking, and rock climbing. He also loves hillwalking with his wife and their dog.

Book an appointment below.

Elspeth Campbell

Certified ADHD Coach

Elspeth Campbell is a dedicated ADHD Coach with professional certification from the ADHD & Life Coach Training Program (ADDCA) in the USA. She also holds a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Groupwork from the Centre of Therapy & Counselling Studies in Edinburgh.

With a deep personal connection to ADHD and mental health through her family, Elspeth brings both professional expertise and personal empathy to her coaching. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate ADHD with confidence, providing practical strategies to improve focus, organisation, and daily life.

Qualifications:

ADHD & Life Coach Training Program (ADDCA), USA

Diploma in CBT & Groupwork – Centre of Therapy & Counselling Studies, Edinburgh

Based in East Lothian, Elspeth finds balance in outdoor adventures, quality time with loved ones, and the company of her cat, Thomas. She enjoys CrossFit, yoga, meditation, walking, and curling up with a good book.

Book an appointment below.

Jenny O’Shea

Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Assessor and Tutor

Jenny O’Shea is a specialist assessor and tutor with a passion for understanding and supporting neurodivergent learners. After moving from Newcastle to Edinburgh for university, Jenny developed a keen interest in psychology and education. With her extensive background—from primary teaching to advanced studies—she is committed to helping individuals overcome challenges in reading, writing, and working with numbers. Her personalised approach ensures that each learner receives the targeted strategies and support they need to thrive.

Qualifications:

Level 5 OCN Dyscalculia and Mathematical Learning Difficulties: Identification and Intervention (ongoing)

MEd Languages, Literacies and Dyslexia (AMBDA Enhanced) with Distinction – University of Birmingham

Additional Support for Learning (SpLDs) PGCert with Distinction – University of Edinburgh

PGDE Primary – University of Edinburgh

MA in Psychology and Philosophy – University of Edinburgh

Outside of work, Jenny loves spending time with her family outdoors, reading, and watching films at the cinema.

Book an appointment below.

Oana Oancea

Registered Dietitian

Oana Oancea is a highly experienced Registered Dietitian with over 10 years of expertise in mental health and eating disorders across both NHS and private sectors. As the Lead Clinical Eating Disorder Dietitian for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, she has a special interest in women’s health and neurodiversity, including how nutrition impacts ADHD.

Oana takes a compassionate, practical approach, helping clients build a healthier relationship with food by challenging unhelpful patterns, debunking nutrition myths, and overcoming limiting beliefs. 

Qualifications:

Honours Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

Passionate about education, she writes for magazines, hosts webinars for dietetic students at Queen Margaret University, and has recently completed a book on supportive strategies for parents of fussy eaters.

Book an appointment below.

Samantha Bennett 

Psychological Therapist

Samantha Bennett is an experienced Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP) who has been supporting clients since 2008 across NHS and private settings. A close family member’s ADHD diagnosis deepened her understanding and inspired her to specialise in compassionate, tailored care for individuals with ADHD.

Samantha uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients manage anxiety, self-criticism, and overwhelm. Her approach is structured yet flexible, focusing on each individual’s needs.

Qualifications:

MSc Psychological Therapy in Primary Care – University of Dundee (2008)

MA in Psychology – University of Glasgow (2005)

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys staying active and exploring the outdoors.

Book an appointment below.

Dr Jake Hawthorn

Associate Specialist Psychiatrist

Dr. Jake Hawthorn is an experienced psychiatrist specialising in ADHD, autism, and addictions. Originally from the Scottish Borders, he graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2013 before gaining psychiatry experience in Manchester, New Zealand, and Edinburgh. He became a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2019.

Since 2020, Dr. Hawthorn has specialised in addictions, working part-time in an NHS harm reduction team. He also spent a year in a specialist NHS multidisciplinary team supporting adults with autism and ADHD. In 2023, he completed a Master’s in Contemporary Drug and Alcohol Studies, further expanding his expertise.

Qualifications:

MB ChB – University of Edinburgh (2013)

MRCPsych – 2019

Dr. Hawthorn lives in Edinburgh with his family and enjoys keeping fit through running and going to the gym.

Book an appointment below.

Dr. Helen Pears

Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr. Helen Pears is an experienced and compassionate Consultant Psychiatrist with over two decades of expertise in adult mental health, including ADHD, autism, mood disorders, and women’s mental health. She graduated in medicine from the University of Liverpool in 1999, where her passion for psychiatry first took root.

During her training, Dr. Pears developed a strong interest in medical ethics and education, completing a Master’s in the Ethics of Health Care and a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education. She has been a Consultant Psychiatrist since 2007, serving the NHS in and around Merseyside, where she continues to work today.

Known for her collaborative and empathetic approach, Dr. Pears is a skilled communicator who listens deeply and works closely with her patients to understand and meet their individual needs. Her clinical expertise is complemented by personal insight, having close family experience of both ADHD and autism.

Qualifications:

MB ChB – University of Liverpool (1999)
MRCPsych

Outside of work, Helen enjoys walking, yoga, reading, and painting. She lives in Merseyside with her husband, children, and their greyhound, Granger.

Book an appointment below.

Dr. Sharon Brown

Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr. Sharon Brown is an experienced and compassionate Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong clinical and academic background in ADHD, autism, mood disorders, and OCD. She discovered her passion for psychiatry while studying medicine at the University of Dundee, earning first-class honours in Medical Psychology during an intercalated year and receiving the university’s Psychiatry Prize upon graduating in 2001.

Alongside her postgraduate clinical training, Dr. Brown also contributed to psychiatric research at the University of Dundee, focusing on mood disorders, OCD, and later developing a dedicated interest in neurodevelopmental conditions.

Since qualifying as a Consultant in 2009, she has worked primarily in community outpatient psychiatry across Scotland. Her clinical practice is enriched by personal and family experience of ADHD and autism, which informs her deep empathy and nuanced understanding of neurodivergent care. She currently serves as Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland’s Working Group on Adult ADHD.

Qualifications:

MB ChB – University of Dundee (2001)
MRCPsych

Dr. Brown lives along the Moray Firth coast with her husband, children, and a growing collection of animals—including cats and chickens. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling quiet rural roads and gardening as a family.

Book an appointment below.

Fees

Assessment:

ADHD Assessment (2 x 1 hour plus report) Consultant - £1200

ADHD Assessment (2 x 1 hour plus report) Associate Specialist) - £800

Joint ADHD and ASD Assessment (3 x 1 hour plus report) Consultant - £1700

Joint ADHD and ASD Assessment (3 x 1 hour plus report) Associate Specialist) - £1300

 

Reviews:

30-min video review (Consultant) - £180

30-min face-to-face review (Consultant) - £200

30-min video review (Associate Specialist) - £130

 

Existing diagnosis:

1 hour General Assessment (pre-existing diagnosis*) Associate Specialist - £350

*These appointments are subject to clinician discretion and a satisfactory review of previous diagnostic information

 

All payments must be made at the time of booking by card payment.

 

Cancellation Policy

 

We operate a strict cancellation policy for appointments. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the appointment will be charged the full rate. Failure to attend appointments will also be charged the full rate. Cancellations can be made by emailing admin@edinburghadultpsychiatry.co.uk or phoning 0131 364 4758

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