Adult ADHD Assessments & Treatment in Dubai | Psychiatrist-Led Testing
- Consultant Psychiatrist-led: Dr Millia is a UK-trained, MRCPsych-qualified Consultant Psychiatrist offering adult ADHD assessments in Dubai.
- Comprehensive assessment: Detailed psychiatric interview, careful distinction from trauma, anxiety, and depression-related struggles, and validated ADHD tools such as the DIVA-5.
- Beyond the label: Integrated treatment plans including Internal Family Systems therapy, medication (if indicated), and practical lifestyle strategies.
- Neurodiversity-affirming: Specialist focus on late-identified ADHD, ADHD in women, and masking, with attention to self-esteem, anxiety, and burnout.
- Flexible access: In-person assessments at First Psychiatry Clinic, Al Manara, Dubai, and secure online assessments for UAE residents and expats.
📲 Ready to explore whether ADHD fits your experience?
Book a consultation via WhatsApp
What Is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a brain development condition that usually starts in childhood and often continues into adulthood. NIMH – ADHD overview
People with ADHD often struggle with paying attention, sitting still, or controlling impulses. These difficulties go beyond normal “being distracted” and affect daily life in more than one place (for example, at home and at work). CDC – About ADHD
There’s no blood test or brain scan that can diagnose ADHD. Instead, trained professionals use interviews, checklists, and observation over time to make a diagnosis. CDC – Diagnosing ADHD
Many people aren’t diagnosed until later in life, because some symptoms are subtle or people learn ways to hide (mask) them. CDC – ADHD Across the Lifetime
Treatments like behavioral support, coaching, and sometimes medication can help people manage symptoms and improve functioning. CDC – ADHD Treatment
Types (Presentations) of ADHD
Inattentive
- Easily distractible
- Fast-paced racing mind
- Not hearing parts of conversations
- Forgetting smaller tasks
- Not reading sentences fully
- Skimming or missing text messages
- Mind drifting in meetings
Hyperactive–Impulsive
- Fidgeting or movement
- Physical restlessness
- Talkative or interrupting
- Impulsive actions or purchases
- Acting before thinking
Combined Type
- Mix of inattention + impulsivity
- Most common presentation in adults
- Can shift across the lifespan
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). DSM-5-TR — ADHD Presentations.
- NIMH. ADHD — Symptoms & Diagnosis.
- CDC. ADHD in Adults.
- MedlinePlus — Inattentive ADHD.
- APA. ADHD Types.
Common Adult ADHD Symptoms—Three Key Domains
Adult ADHD symptoms often cluster into three overlapping domains. Each person’s profile is unique: you may recognize yourself more in one area, or across all three.
Inattention
- Easily distracted and losing track of tasks.
- Unfinished projects and difficulty following through.
- Forgetfulness with appointments, emails, or instructions.
- Disorganization at home or work (clutter, piles, lost items).
- Struggling to prioritize and plan ahead.
- Mind wandering during conversations or meetings.
- Periods of intense “hyperfocus” on narrow interests.
Hyperactive & Impulsive
- Inner restlessness, feeling “driven,” or being unable to switch off.
- Fidgeting, pacing, or needing to move to stay engaged.
- Talking quickly or over others without meaning to.
- Acting before thinking (impulse purchases, quick decisions).
- Difficulty waiting in queues or tolerating delays.
- Starting many things at once, struggling to slow down.
Emotional & Sensory Regulation
- Heightened emotional sensitivity and strong reactions.
- Feeling rejected or criticised very quickly (rejection sensitivity).
- Overwhelm in noisy, crowded, or busy environments.
- Needing music or background noise to focus, yet struggling in group settings.
- “Energy crashes” after social or work demands.
- Shame, self-criticism, and feeling “behind” or “not good enough”.
Not everyone with ADHD experiences all of these symptoms. A structured assessment helps distinguish ADHD from anxiety, trauma, or other neurodivergent patterns.
Affordable & Transparent Pricing
Fees are aligned with standard psychiatric consultations. For an exact quote, please get in touch.
📲 WhatsApp: +971 55 355 7855 • +971 4 221 6000 • info@firstpsychiatryclinics.com • First Psychiatry Clinic, Al Manara, Dubai
ADHD, Masking and Late Identification
Many women are diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Their symptoms are often quieter or channeled into overachieving, people-pleasing, and perfectionism rather than visible hyperactivity.
- Masking ADHD by working twice as hard to appear “organized” or “together.”
- Internalizing difficulties as personal failure rather than recognizing a neurodevelopmental pattern.
- Feeling emotionally overwhelmed, exhausted, or “too sensitive” in relationships and at work.
- Experiencing anxiety, depression, or burnout before ADHD is ever considered.
Dr. Millia has a specialist interest in ADHD in women and masking, offering a neurodiversity-affirming approach that validates your experience rather than pathologizing your coping strategies.
What Causes ADHD?
ADHD arises from a mix of genetics, brain development, and neurochemistry. Parenting style or screen time does not cause ADHD.
- Family genetics
- Differences in attention/impulse-control networks
- Dopamine & norepinephrine regulation
- Prenatal/early-life factors (e.g., prematurity)
How ADHD Impacts Work, Relationships and Self-Worth
At Work
- Missed deadlines, difficulty completing projects, and losing momentum after the initial excitement wears off.
- Struggling with time management, prioritising tasks, and staying organised across multiple responsibilities.
- Feeling overwhelmed or exhausted after long meetings due to the volume of incoming information.
- Using a strong sense of responsibility to “overcompensate” at work, which can lead to burnout over time.
- In unstructured environments (home, weekends), becoming visibly disorganized or chaotic after holding things together at work.
Source: WebMD – ADHD & Work
In Relationships
- Forgetfulness, distractions, and missed details can be experienced by partners as disinterest or emotional distance.
- Interrupting, talking over others, or zoning out during conversations can lead to conflict or feeling “misunderstood”.
- Heightened sensitivity to perceived criticism or rejection (sometimes called rejection sensitivity) can trigger intense emotional responses.
Source: HelpGuide – ADHD & Relationships
On Self-Worth
- Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD can create a lifelong narrative of being “lazy”, “careless”, or “not reaching your potential”.
- Shame, harsh self-criticism, and constantly feeling behind can contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
- Core beliefs such as “I’m flawed”, “I’m broken”, or “I’m an imposter” are common — especially in high-achieving adults and professionals.
- Accurate diagnosis, explanation, and compassionate therapy can gradually replace these beliefs with more realistic and kind self-understanding.
How Adult ADHD Assessment Works—Step by Step
An ADHD diagnosis is never based on a single questionnaire or quick visit. It is a structured process that looks at your history, current challenges, and how symptoms affect your daily life.
Step 1: Comprehensive Psychiatric Interview
We begin by getting to know you. This includes your personal history, education and work background, family history, mental health, and any previous assessments or diagnoses. This helps distinguish ADHD from anxiety, trauma, depression, or other conditions.
Step 2: Structured ADHD Assessment with DIVA-5
The DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults) is a gold-standard, structured interview that explores ADHD symptoms in both childhood and adulthood across different life areas (work, home, relationships, and education).
Step 3: Functional Impact & Differential Diagnosis
We assess how attention, impulsivity, and regulation difficulties affect your functioning and well-being, and whether other conditions (such as anxiety, trauma, autism spectrum traits, or mood disorders) may be contributing.
Step 4: Feedback & Collaborative Formulation
Once the information is gathered, Dr. Millia explains whether your experience meets the criteria for ADHD and, if so, which presentation fits best. You will receive a clear explanation—not just a label—and time to ask questions.
Step 5: Personalised Care Plan
Together, we agree on your next steps: medication options (if appropriate), therapy, IFS-informed work on shame and masking, coaching, and lifestyle strategies tailored to your goals and responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions — Adult ADHD Assessment in Dubai
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time?
Yes. Many adults are diagnosed for the first time in adulthood after years of undiagnosed symptoms. Dr. Millia Begum provides comprehensive evaluations that identify lifelong attention and regulation patterns, including those previously missed or masked.
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
The assessment typically takes 90 to 120 minutes, followed by a feedback session. It includes a detailed clinical interview, rating scales, and analysis of your developmental history and current challenges.
Is the assessment available online?
Yes. Online ADHD assessments are available for UAE residents and expats, conducted via secure video sessions with the same thorough process as in-person appointments.
Do you prescribe ADHD medication?
As a UK-trained Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Millia Begum can prescribe ADHD medication in Dubai after a formal diagnosis, if clinically indicated. Medication is always part of an integrated treatment plan that may include therapy and lifestyle support.
Do you assess for co-occurring conditions (anxiety, trauma, autism)?
Yes. Comprehensive assessments include screening for co-occurring issues such as anxiety, trauma, depression, and autism spectrum traits, ensuring an accurate and holistic understanding of your mental health profile.
How much does an ADHD test cost in Dubai?
Fees vary depending on the depth of assessment and follow-up requirements. Dr. Millia’s clinic offers transparent pricing during the booking process. You may also request a quote via WhatsApp or the contact form.
Is the assessment covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans reimburse psychiatric evaluations. Please check your policy or contact your insurer. A detailed report can be provided to support reimbursement claims.
Do you have experience with ADHD in women and masking?
Yes. Dr. Millia Begum specializes in ADHD presentations in women, including masking, emotional overwhelm, and perfectionism, using a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approach.
People Also Ask
- Is it ADHD or just stress and burnout?
Many adults are first labelled as “stressed” or “burned out.” A structured assessment looks at lifelong patterns, not just current pressures. - Can trauma or anxiety look like ADHD?
Yes. Trauma, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and other conditions can mimic ADHD. This is why a full psychiatric assessment is essential before diagnosing and prescribing medication. - Is ADHD overdiagnosed or underdiagnosed in adults?
In many adults—especially women and high-functioning professionals—ADHD remains underdiagnosed, as they have learned to mask or compensate for symptoms. - Will a diagnosis change my identity?
A diagnosis does not define you; it provides a framework to understand your nervous system and choices and to work with your strengths instead of against them.
About Dr. Millia
Dr. Millia Begum
is a trained trauma specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience in psychiatry and therapy. She trained in the UK’s NHS system and served the NHS in various senior roles.
She is a former EMDR Europe Approved Consultant, EMDR researcher, and board member of the EMDR Association UK. She is now a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Dr. Millia is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, bringing a compassionate, parts-informed approach to her work with clients in Dubai.
📞 Contact Dr. Millia
If you would like to book a consultation or learn more about services, please get in touch:
- Clinic: First Psychiatry Clinic
- Address: 975 Al Wasl Road, Dubai, UAE
- Phone: +971 55 355 7855
- Email: info@milliabegum.ae
- Website: milliabegum.ae