Private ADHD Clinics Exposed

Many people suffering from ADHD are prone to serious personal and professional issues because of their uncontrolled symptoms. These can include problems with relationships and work, depression and anxiety.

Private assessments must follow Nice guidelines. They are only performed by UK certified psychiatrists or ADHD nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professionals". Each private assessment provider has a different policy regarding GP letters of referral.

What is ADHD?

ADHD people have difficulty paying attention, staying still and following directions. They might fumble and talk too much or constantly interrupt other people. Their issues can manifest in their relationships, work and in their general functioning. People with neurodivergent disorders can also be creative, imaginative and enthusiastic in their social and professional lives.

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

ADHD is diagnosed by a psychiatric specialist who evaluates the symptoms of the patient and caregivers, responds to questionnaires and rating scales and takes medical history and a physical examination. A psychiatric assessment can also include mental diagnoses like depression or anxiety, as well as information about the child's childhood, family history, and education.

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. It was previously known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with inattentive symptom are less disruptive in school, but have trouble keeping their attention and organizing their work. They are more likely to make mistakes at home or have difficulty recalling important conversations or events.

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 kind of ADHD that people tend to picture when they think of someone suffering from 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 shows how crucial it is for parents to speak to their doctor about any concerns they have for their child, regardless of their gender or sex. They can then determine whether their symptoms are typical and determine if treatment should be considered.

Why do I require an examination?

There is a growing concern that people are being 'over diagnosed' with ADHD/ADD. This is due to an insufficient amount of money for NHS mental health services and logjammed waiting lists for assessments. This has led to a lot of people seeking private assessment and diagnosis services. Some of these private providers are now causing concern as they are selling false diagnoses. The BBC released a documentary titled Private ADHD Clinics Revealed.

The documentary exposed the shoddy practices that are prevalent in a handful of private ADHD assessment firms, however the problem is more complex than this. Anyone concerned about treatment should seek out a healthcare professional who is an expert in that area. This could be a psychiatrist, GP or other healthcare professional. This will ensure that the healthcare professional is in compliance with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for the assessment and treatment of ADHD.

In addition to adhering to NICE guidelines, it is important that the healthcare specialist has experience and knowledge in diagnosing ADHD and in managing its symptoms. It is therefore crucial to select a healthcare professional who provides a thorough ADHD evaluation. This includes a discussion with the client to discuss their symptoms and how it has affected them, a review of their mental history, and consideration of other people who have a good understanding of them.

After the assessment the physician can confirm or reject the diagnosis of ADHD. They will also discuss the best method to proceed, including the treatment options. They will also discuss any other mental issues that the client might have in addition to their family history of mental illness.

It is also worth remembering that if your doctor is of the opinion that you have ADHD the doctor will have to give you a prescription for stimulant medication. This is a requirement of the current UK law. Some private assessment companies will require an GP referral letter, while others won't. Always check with your chosen provider to know their policy prior to making a booking.

How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis?

It can be intimidating and overwhelming to be given an ADHD diagnosis. But, it's worth remembering that an ADHD diagnosis can be helpful. It explains why you may have difficulties with everyday tasks like concentration, following directions, listening closely and organisation-things that seem natural to others.

With the right help, you can manage ADHD. In addition to medication and cognitive behavior therapy and lifestyle changes can help you deal with the difficulties associated with ADHD. Adults with ADHD are typically identified by issues with impulsivity, concentration and poor time management. These difficulties can lead low self-esteem, to problems at work or in university and even to difficulties forming relationships.

Adult ADHD is difficult to diagnose due to its symptoms overlapping with other mental disorders. In addition, sex - and race prejudices can make it difficult for women and people of colour to receive a diagnosis. This is because medical professionals might not take their complaints seriously or assume that they aren't really struggling with ADHD.


A private ADHD assessment is similar to a standard mental health assessment but will include more in-depth discussions with your doctor, as well as an in-depth conversation about your symptoms over time and in different settings. You will be asked to assess the severity of your symptoms as well as their impact on your daily life. private adhd assessment includes physical examination and tests to rule out any other medical causes for your symptoms.

Priory will call your GP to set up an appointment with a psychiatrist. We'll require you to complete the screening questionnaires and provide any other supporting documents you may have. These questionnaires are designed to see whether you show enough signs of ADHD to allow us to proceed with the assessment.

It's important to be honest when answering these questions. You should also explain how you have been feeling in full detail. This will help us identify the most effective options for treating your condition. After you've completed the ADHD assessment we will review the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

What happens when the assessment is completed?

If your GP believes that you be suffering from ADHD they will refer you to a mental health specialist, usually a psychologist, for an assessment. GPs cannot diagnose ADHD however they can help you communicate your symptoms and ask about family mental health history and co-morbidities (the term used to describe other disorders that can occur in conjunction with ADHD). It's often helpful for you as well as your partner or a close friend to attend the test with you as well. The assessment is a dialogue with a specialist, which can last 45 to 90 minutes. It will include a symptom list and questions about how your symptoms impact your life in various situations and at different times of the day, along with other activities.

If the person who conducts your examination believes that you might be suffering from ADHD they will speak with you about the medication options available. They will also discuss any underlying health concerns you may have. They will also look at how your symptoms impact you professionally, socially and generally. They will also discuss with you if they believe you'd benefit from treatment or if you'd prefer to consult your GP to discuss your management.

You may not feel comfortable discussing certain details with your doctor. This includes information about previous experiences that may be triggering for you to discuss. You can leave a question unanswered or not answer it if you are uncomfortable. It's worth noting that there are a few private insurers who do not cover the cost of ADHD assessments and medication, even if they're deemed as having ADHD. If you have a policy with one of these insurance companies you should make sure that it covers an ADHD assessment and treatment prior to proceeding.

Depending on the price of your private diagnosis, a psychiatrist could provide you with a program of treatment or recommend you to your GP for re-discussion. If you decide to have a treatment program your doctor may decide to adjust your medication dosage to ensure you receive the right dose before prescribing.