Private ADHD Clinics Exposed

Untreated symptoms can create serious problems for those with ADHD. These symptoms may include low performance at work, in relationships, depression and anxiety.


Private assessments adhere to Nice guidelines and are only carried out by UK licensed psychiatrists and specialist ADHD nurses or "other qualified healthcare professionals". Each private assessment provider has their own guidelines regarding GP referral letters.

What is ADHD?

ADHD people have difficulty paying attention, sitting still and following instructions. They may fumble or talk too much, or constantly interrupt other people. The issues they face can manifest in their relationships, careers and overall life performance. People with neurodivergent disorders can also be creative, imaginative and enthusiastic in their work and social lives.

These challenges are frequently evident in the classroom, where students need to be able to sit still and focus. It's impossible to learn when your child is rushing around in the classroom or is not paying attention when their teacher is speaking. This can result in poor performance, conflict with parents and teachers, and difficulties in keeping up with school.

A psychiatric doctor diagnoses ADHD by reviewing symptoms and taking an examination of the medical history. They also complete questionnaires, rating scales and perform physical examinations. A psychiatric evaluation can include mental diagnoses such as depression or anxiety as well as details about the child's childhood as well as family history, and educational background.

When a person has inattentive ADHD, they only have trouble with the inattentive symptoms and may not be as easily identified as someone with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Before, this was known as attention deficit disorder (ADHD). Children who have inattention symptoms are less disruptive in school, but struggle with keeping their attention and organizing their work. They may make careless mistakes at home or have difficulty remembering important events or conversations.

The most common type of ADHD is combined type, which means the person displays at least six of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. This is the type most people envision when they think of someone who has ADHD.

It's not clear why boys and children assigned male at birth are more than twice as likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis as girls and children assigned female at birth, but it may be because they have more of the hallmark hyperactive-impulsive symptoms that are easier to see and identify. This disparity highlights how important it is to consult your doctor about any concerns you have about your child, regardless of gender or sex, so they can assess whether their symptoms are typical for their age, and if there's a need for treatment.

Why do I require an assessment of my condition?

There is a growing worry that people are being "over diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. This is fuelled by the lack of funds for NHS mental health services and logjammed waiting lists for assessment. This has led to many clients seeking private assessment and diagnosis services. Some of these private companies have now caused concern, because they appear to be selling false diagnoses. This has led to the BBC airing a documentary called Private ADHD Clinics Expose.

The documentary exposed the poor practices within a few private ADHD assessment firms, however the problem is more complex than this. It is important that anyone with concerns about their treatment seeks assistance from a healthcare professional who is skilled in their area of expertise. This could be a doctor or psychiatrist, or another healthcare specialist. This will make sure that the healthcare professional is following the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for diagnosing and treating ADHD.

It is essential that in addition to adhering strictly to NICE guidelines and addressing ADHD symptoms the healthcare professional has extensive knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD. It is therefore important to choose a doctor who can provide a thorough ADHD evaluation. This will include a discussion with the client about their symptoms and how they've been affected, a thorough review of their mental health history as well as taking into account information from people who know them well.

After the evaluation the physician can confirm or reject the diagnosis of ADHD. They will also discuss the best method to proceed, including the medications available. They will also discuss any other mental issues that the client may be suffering from and also their family history of mental illness.

Also, keep in mind that if your doctor believes that you suffer from ADHD they will have to prescribe stimulant medications. This is a requirement under the current UK law. Some private assessment companies will ask you to provide an GP referral letter, however others will not. It is best to check with your chosen provider to learn about their policies before making a booking.

How can I obtain a medical diagnosis?

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a stressful and intimidating process. It is crucial to keep in mind that a diagnosis may help. It can explain why you struggle with everyday skills such as concentration, following directions, paying attention and organising things that seem natural to other people.

With the right help with the right support, you can conquer ADHD. Alongside medication and cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle changes can help you overcome the difficulties associated with ADHD. The most frequent symptoms of ADHD in adults are problems with impulsiveness, focus, and poor time management. These issues can lead to low self-esteem, which can lead to issues at work or in university, and can lead to problems forming relationships.

Adult ADHD is difficult to recognize because of its symptoms that overlap with other mental disorders. Women and people of color might also have a tougher in obtaining a diagnosis due to racism and sexism. This is because doctors might not take the symptoms seriously or believe that they don't need ADHD.

A private ADHD assessment is similar to a regular psychotherapy assessment, but it will involve more specific discussions with your doctor, as well as an in-depth interview about your symptoms in various environments. You will be asked to assess the severity of your symptoms as well as their impact on your daily functioning. The test also includes physical examination and blood tests to rule out other medical reasons for your symptoms.

Once you have an appointment with your GP, Priory will contact you to set up an appointment with one of our skilled psychiatrists. We'll require you to complete the screening questionnaires and provide any documents you may have. These questionnaires are designed to see whether you exhibit enough signs of ADHD for us to proceed with the evaluation.

When answering these questions, it's crucial to be honest and explain your feelings in detail. This will help us identify the best options for your treatment. We will discuss the findings of your ADHD assessment with you, and then propose a treatment program.

What happens following the assessment?

If your GP thinks you might be suffering from ADHD they will refer you to a mental health professional typically a psychologist for an assessment. Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD, but they can help you relay your symptoms and inquire about family mental health history and co-morbidities (the term used to describe different conditions that occur alongside ADHD). It is usually beneficial to bring a companion or a friend along for the assessment. The assessment is a dialogue between the expert and you, and can take 45 to 90 minutes. It will include a symptom checklist and questions about how your symptoms impact you in different situations and at different times of the day, in addition to other activities.

If the clinician conducting the assessment believes that you might have ADHD They will discuss with you about the medication options available. They will also talk about any health issues that you might have. They will also take a look at the way your symptoms affect your social life, professionally and generally. private adhd assessment uk will talk with you whether they believe you'd benefit from treatment, and if you would prefer to consult your GP to share management.

Like any psychiatric evaluation There will be personal information that you might not feel comfortable discussing. It is possible that you do not want to discuss details about previous experiences. You can decide to leave a question blank or not answer it if you're uncomfortable. It's worth noting that there are private insurance companies that don't cover the cost of ADHD assessments and medication, even if they're deemed as having ADHD. You will need to check if your policy covers an ADHD evaluation and medication if you have one of these insurers.

Depending on the amount you pay for your personal diagnosis, your doctor may offer you an treatment plan or refer you back to your GP for further discussion. If you decide to go on a treatment plan, your doctor will likely want to titrate your medication so that you are taking the appropriate dosage before prescribing it.