An adult at a desk in Dubai looking thoughtful while trying to focus on work

ADHD Assessment in Dubai

Struggling with focus, organisation, or feeling constantly overwhelmed? It may be worth understanding why.

For some people, difficulties with attention, planning, or managing everyday tasks have been present for years.

For others, these difficulties become more noticeable during university, demanding work, or major life changes.

At Belle Vie Therapy & Wellness, Gordon Shaw, a DHA-licensed Counselling Psychologist, provides structured psychological ADHD assessments for adults and young people aged 16 and above.

The assessment looks carefully at your symptoms, personal history, and other possible explanations before reaching a conclusion.

  • ADHD Assessment for Ages 16+
  • Structured Clinical Tools
  • Written Report Provided

Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai

Our Team

Meet Gordon Shaw

DHA-Licensed Counselling Psychologist

Gordon Shaw is a Counselling Psychologist at Belle Vie Therapy & Wellness in Dubai with eight years of professional experience.

He holds a Master's degree in Community-Based Counselling Psychology from South Africa and works with adults experiencing attention-related concerns, anxiety, trauma, and other psychological difficulties.

For ADHD assessments, Gordon uses structured interviews, standardised measures, and a detailed review of relevant developmental and psychological history.

His assessment approach focuses on understanding the individual's experiences carefully rather than relying on symptoms or screening scores alone.

  • Assessment age range: 16 years and above
  • Language: English
  • Location: Belle Vie Therapy & Wellness, JLT, Dubai
An adult at a cluttered desk with notes and a laptop, struggling to stay focused

Understanding ADHD

Have You Been Wondering Whether It Could Be ADHD?

ADHD is not always easy to recognise, particularly in adults.

You may have managed certain difficulties for years without knowing what is behind them.

Some commonly reported experiences include:

  • Finding it difficult to start or complete tasks
  • Frequently losing track of time or deadlines
  • Struggling to maintain attention during conversations or meetings
  • Feeling mentally restless or easily distracted
  • Forgetting appointments, belongings, or everyday responsibilities
  • Having difficulty organising tasks, even when you know what needs to be done
  • Feeling that everyday responsibilities take more effort than they seem to for others

These experiences do not automatically mean someone has ADHD.

Anxiety, stress, sleep difficulties, and other psychological or medical concerns can sometimes lead to similar symptoms.

A structured assessment helps explore whether ADHD may explain your difficulties or whether something else needs attention.

The Process

What Does an ADHD Assessment Involve?

There is no single questionnaire or computer test that can diagnose ADHD on its own.

A proper assessment brings together information from different sources to understand your experiences over time.

Gordon uses a structured assessment process that may include:

01

1. A Detailed Clinical Interview

Gordon will ask about your current concerns, everyday functioning, and how your difficulties affect work, studies, relationships, or other areas of life.

He will also explore your developmental history, including whether relevant symptoms were present during childhood.

02

2. Standardised ADHD Questionnaires

Established assessment tools are used to examine patterns of attention, impulsivity, and other ADHD-related symptoms.

These may include:

  • DIVA-5 structured diagnostic interview
  • Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
  • Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS)
03

3. Attention and Cognitive Testing, Where Appropriate

Additional attention testing, such as CPT-3, may form part of the assessment when clinically indicated.

Test results are interpreted alongside the clinical interview and other information, not used as a diagnosis on their own.

04

4. Exploring Other Possible Explanations

Gordon will also consider factors that may contribute to attention and concentration difficulties, including anxiety, mood concerns, sleep problems, and relevant aspects of your personal history.

05

5. Findings, Feedback and a Written Report

The assessment findings are brought together and explained to you.

You receive a written psychological assessment report outlining the findings, the tools used, relevant conclusions, and recommendations.

Where a formal medical diagnostic review is appropriate, the next steps will also be explained.

Timeline

How Long Does an ADHD Assessment Take?

An ADHD assessment is not usually completed in a single appointment.

The process includes:

Initial assessment:

A detailed conversation about your symptoms, history, and current difficulties.

Assessment measures:

Structured interviews, questionnaires, and any additional testing considered appropriate.

Review and feedback:

Discussion of the findings and recommendations, including a further clinical review where required.

Written report:

Preparation of a report documenting the psychological assessment.

The number of appointments and overall duration depend on the assessment requirements and the information that needs to be reviewed.

Our team will explain the expected appointment schedule before you begin.

Your Report

What Will Your ADHD Assessment Report Include?

Following the assessment, a written psychological report is provided.

Depending on the findings, it may include:

  • Your presenting concerns and relevant history
  • The assessment tools used
  • A summary of results and clinical observations
  • Whether the findings support ADHD or suggest another explanation
  • Recommendations for further support or assessment
  • Practical considerations for work, studies, and everyday functioning

If you are seeking assessment documentation for an employer, university, or another professional, please mention this when enquiring so the team can explain the report's scope and any applicable requirements.

A psychologist reviewing a written ADHD assessment report

Why a Detailed Assessment Matters

Difficulty concentrating does not always have one explanation.

For example, poor sleep may affect memory and attention. Persistent anxiety can make it difficult to focus. Long periods of stress may interfere with planning and organisation.

ADHD can also occur alongside other psychological conditions.

This is why a thorough assessment considers your symptoms in context, including when they began, where they occur, and how they affect your life.

The purpose is to reach a clinically informed understanding, whether or not ADHD is identified.

Client Experiences

What Our Clients Say

Google Review
★★★★★

Very welcoming and incredibly calming atmosphere. I felt truly heard and supported from the very first session. Highly recommended for anyone.

Berkay Topçu

Google Review
★★★★★

I would guess it is one of the most experienced psychology clinics in Dubai. Their academic background and professional approach to issues is truly remarkable.

Onur UZUN

Google Review
★★★★★

Highly professional and helpful

Samrin Kibria

Good To Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Gordon provides structured psychological ADHD assessments for adults and young people aged 16 and above.

Yes. Belle Vie's assessment service is available from age 16. The team can explain the process and consent requirements for younger clients.

No. ADHD assessment involves a combination of clinical history, structured interviews, questionnaires, and other relevant information. No single test determines the conclusion.

The assessment involves more than one appointment. The exact schedule depends on the clinical process, the assessment measures required, and any additional review.

Yes. A written psychological assessment report is provided, documenting the findings and relevant recommendations.

The findings will be discussed with you, including other factors that may help explain the difficulties you have been experiencing and any appropriate next steps.

No. You can contact Belle Vie directly to enquire about the ADHD assessment process.

Assessment information is managed according to applicable professional confidentiality and data protection requirements, including the relevant provisions for clients under 18.

Looking for Answers About ADHD?

If difficulties with concentration, organisation, or attention have been affecting your everyday life, a structured assessment may help you better understand what is happening.

Contact Belle Vie to enquire about an ADHD assessment with Gordon Shaw.

Belle Vie Therapy & Wellness

Office 403, HDS Business Centre, Cluster M, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai

ADHD psychological assessments for people aged 16 and above. Appointments by prior booking.

Request an ADHD Assessment