ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Find a Private Clinic

Doctors can refer patients to private ADHD assessment services if they think they might be suffering from the condition. However this process can be long and frustrating. adhd private assessment IamPsychiatry is essential to find a psychiatrist who has previous experience treating ADHD.


NHS guidelines in England, Wales and Northern Ireland offer a right to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Some patients don't receive the care they need.

We accept referrals from GPs

ADHD is a challenging condition to manage. A diagnosis can help you to manage the symptoms. However, many adults with ADHD find it difficult to obtain a diagnosis and treatment from the NHS. Many are forced to pay privately for their medication and get private assessments due to the deficiency of services. Some are even using loans to cover their assessments and treatments. This is an unwise use of money and can create stress for the patient.

The best method to determine ADHD is to conduct an exhaustive assessment and consult with an expert psychiatrist. This assessment will take into account your family history, your current symptoms and your personal experience with the disorder. The tests will include standard tests for children and adult versions, like ADOS or Conners adult ADHD ratings scales. It will also include a semi-structured conversation with the psychologist and diaries and questionnaires. In some instances psychiatrists might request old school reports.

Before booking an appointment, it is important to confirm that the doctor has experience in ADHD. Some psychiatrists only treat children and are not capable of assessing adults with ADHD. You should also inquire with the psychiatrist about the medications they prescribe and if they have a special interest in this field.

If you schedule a private ADHD assessment, you can expect to meet with a psychiatrist and to complete a variety of psychological tests. These tests are similar to those administered by the NHS but can be tailored for adults who suffer from ADHD. They will be looking for the specific characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD like inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsiveness. You can prepare for the test by studying the various traits to know how they impact you.

Depending on where you live in England or elsewhere, you have a legal right choose your mental health provider. This includes choosing one with short waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to get an appointment with your local NHS trust, try downloading the ADHD UK support letter and taking it to your GP.

We are based in Belfast

Our expert doctors spend the time to understand your symptoms and their impact on your daily routine. We will then discuss the treatment options that are available. This could include medication or cognitive therapy for behavioral problems. We can also provide advice on an aftercare plan, whether you opt for private care or return to NHS care. You will be treated by a certified clinical psychologist who has completed advanced training in ADHD and related mental health conditions. They are committed to providing an exceptional level of care.

A BBC investigation found that patients are prescribed powerful medications and deemed to be diagnosed with ADHD following unreliable online assessments. Three private clinics identified the undercover reporter using a video call, but a detailed NHS evaluation showed that he didn't have ADHD. The private clinics, including Harley Psychiatrists and ADHD Direct claim they conduct thorough assessments and follow national guidelines. One clinic sent a letter to a patient who was interviewed by Panorama and asking her to remove negative reviews online.

The Northern Trust said it has seen an increase in referrals for adults who suspect they have ADHD. The time it takes to get diagnosis could take years. A trust assembly answer said it could take "several years" for a patient to get their first diagnosis. Many patients are turning to private clinics to get a diagnosis.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a major influence on the daily life of an individual. It can cause problems at the workplace, at school, or at home and lead to feelings such as depression and anxiety. It can also make it difficult to maintain relationships. It can also be challenging for those with ADHD to find work and to find housing.

Many adults suffering from ADHD are not aware that they suffer from the condition. Some are referred to psychiatrists after their children were diagnosed. Parents are required to be aware of the signs and seek advice from a healthcare professional. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may be eligible for Disabled Student Allowance. However they must first get a medical diagnoses from a GP.

We provide a variety of treatments

Adult ADHD is now an increasingly common disorder and many adults are living with it without being diagnosed. This can have a negative impact on their relationships, jobs, and careers. It can also lead to health issues such as depression and anxiety. It is crucial to get a diagnosis for adults with ADHD to receive the treatment they require. There are many treatment options available for adults with ADHD. They include medication and psychological therapy.

However, the availability of ADHD services is not adequate and this was highlighted by a recent BBC Panorama investigation. The program found that the journalist was misdiagnosed in private clinics and that NHS assessments were not always thorough enough. The journalist missed out on receiving treatment for his ADHD symptoms. This could have impacted his studies and career prospects.

The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD services however the quality of the assessment and treatment is not the same across different regions. In some areas adults wait years to be assessed for ADHD. The NHS has recently launched the 'Right to Choose path in England which gives patients the option to choose their mental healthcare provider and to see psychiatrists who specialize in ADHD. This is a much faster method to receive an ADHD diagnosis and could help people avoid frustration and time.

In Northern Ireland, a number of health boards and NHS trusts have stated they are struggling to provide ADHD services to adults. A Freedom of Information request by ADHD UK to the NI trusts in social and health care revealed that people were waiting more than four years to schedule an appointment with an expert. This is a lot more than the typical wait of just over two years in Wales three and a half years in England and more than one year in Scotland.

If you're referred by an individual clinic for an ADHD assessment they will be able to tell whether you are eligible for an assessment of ADHD or if another condition better explains your difficulties. They might also suggest treatment options. If they choose not to offer you a diagnosis of ADHD they will explain the reason. They will give you an original copy, which could be sent to your GP.

We are committed to providing excellent service

ADHD is a multi-faceted neurodevelopmental disorder that can be diagnosed in a clear manner. A comprehensive assessment will include a discussion of symptoms, a review of mental history, as well as information that is provided by those who know the patient. Without a thorough evaluation it's impossible to make a safe decision about prescribing medication. It is important to choose a private clinic that provides high-quality service.

Many adults who think they have undiagnosed ADHD are forced to pay for private assessments because of the lack of NHS services according to a charity. The Northern Trust told BBC News NI that the demand for assessments has risen to the point that it is not able to take new referrals for adult ADHD tests. The trust has promised to launch a local service in April to meet with those who were previously been referred.

The procedure will consist of an in-depth assessment of the patient's past and current problems, as well as an interview with them as well as their families. The service will also ask about the patient's behavior and activities. The psychiatrist will utilize the DIVA semistructured interview and school reports to determine if the symptoms are consistent with an ADHD diagnosis.

The service will provide a written diagnosis that will be sent to your GP. The report can be used to aid an application for Disability Living Allowance or to prove ADHD to a student in order to be eligible for Disabled Students Allowance. The report will also contain recommendations for treatment options. The patient can then discuss these options with their GP and then decide on a treatment plan. The GP will then schedule an expert to prescribe the medication.