Private ADHD Assessments

It's tempting to seek alternatives, especially when you consider NHS wait times for ADHD assessment at an all-time high. Private ADHD assessments are an option, but they come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

A recent investigation by the BBC's Panorama programme found that certain private clinics are pushing patients through poor quality assessments which can lead to a false diagnosis. This is inhumane to the patients affected.

What is a private assessment?

A private ADHD assessment is a consult with a healthcare professional that specializes in diagnosing ADHD. It could be a Psychiatrist, Specialist ADHD nurse or another "other appropriately qualified healthcare professional" [Nice Guidelines].

You can request your GP for a referral for an adult ADHD assessment on the NHS. They must take your concerns seriously and request you to fill out screening, and then put you on the NHS waiting list.

You can also request an ADHD assessment at a mental health specialist such as Priory. They have a variety of wellness centers and hospitals throughout the country, with some being in a position to schedule an appointment within 24 hours. Each has its own requirements for determining if a GP referral letter is required (some do, while others do not). If you opt for this option it is possible that the GP may still be involved. A shared care agreement between the GP and patient may be signed if medication be prescribed. The formal recognition of ADHD is essential for workplace protections.

What to expect when you take a private examination?

A private ADHD assessment usually involves a structured clinical conversation with medical professionals who discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. You will also be asked to take a few cognitive tests and questionnaires to help get a clearer picture of your situation. These tools are generally non-invasive and easy to use.

You will be required to fill out questionnaires for pre-screening prior to your appointment date. These questionnaires help your psychiatrist to check whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. It is important that these are returned in the shortest time possible prior to your consultation, to ensure that you don't be waiting for an extended period of time before the appointment begins.

When you visit your psychiatrist consultant they will discuss your lifestyle and medical history, taking into account any issues you might have encountered in the past. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor so that they can be aware of the issues you are experiencing and determine the correct diagnosis.

During the appointment, your psychiatrist will consider any concerns you may have about your performance in your work or with others. They will also take into account any other symptoms that you may be experiencing, including depression and anxiety. If they believe that the symptoms are due to your ADHD, then they will discuss the issue with you and suggest any treatment options that they believe you could benefit from.

Once your psychiatrist has finished the interview, they will review all the information you have provided. The psychiatrist will go over their findings with you and answer any questions you may have. If necessary, they will suggest that you start taking medication and give you an appointment.

It isn't easy to determine ADHD accurately, despite the growing awareness. This could be due to a variety of factors such as gender and race prejudices in healthcare professionals. In the end, many people with untreated ADHD remain undiagnosed for a long time, causing difficulties in their personal and professional lives.

What is the price for an assessment by a private party?

Private ADHD assessments can be costly. However, there are options for those who cannot afford the full cost of the evaluation. For instance, some companies offer a sliding scale rate based on an individual's income level. Some also provide pro bono evaluations for those who are unable to afford an evaluation at all.

If you cannot afford to pay for a private evaluation, another option is to ask your insurance provider to cover these costs. This is done by contact the insurer directly asking about coverage. Many insurance companies have a list that includes providers or locations that accept their insurance. This can be helpful for those who don't have access a psychiatrist in narrowing their options.

Private ADHD assessments are usually carried out by a specialist nurse psychologist, or psychiatrist. In the UK only healthcare professionals like these are competent to diagnose ADHD. During the assessment an expert in healthcare will interview the patient and look over their medical background. They will also look at the individual's symptoms and how they affect their daily life. In addition the healthcare specialist will also look into whether there are any mental health issues in the family that could be present.

It is important to note that there aren't any definitive tests for ADHD, and the diagnosis is based on the experience of a healthcare professional's and judgment. This is why it is important to choose a healthcare professional who has the expertise to diagnose and treat ADHD.


It is essential to inform the healthcare professional you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD when you need an assessment. This will ensure that the test is complete and covers all relevant aspects of the condition. Additionally, it can be important to provide the healthcare professional with any additional information that could be relevant, such as a family history of ADHD or other mental health disorders.

In the end, it is crucial to keep in mind that an ADHD assessment can take several weeks to complete. Therefore, it is essential to schedule an appointment with the healthcare expert as soon as you can after contacting them about an assessment.

Do I have the right to obtain an official diagnosis of ADHD?

ADHD is a complicated disorder that is difficult for GPs to recognize. If your GP is not familiar with the condition, they will likely refer you to a specialist like an Psychiatrist or Psychologist. These health professionals can evaluate and diagnose ADHD both in adults and children. They can also prescribe medications in the event of need.

It is important to know that only Psychiatrists or Psychologists can diagnose ADHD in the UK. If you're assessed by a nurse, Counsellor or other mental health professional they are not able to provide you with an official diagnosis of ADHD. Doctors are legally required to sign shared-care agreements with NHS mental services when a qualified Psychiatrist, Psychologist or other mental health professional diagnoses you with ADHD and prescribes medication.

If you opt to get an assessment at a private clinic, you'll have to pay. However, the assessment should be based upon evidence and NICE guidelines. private adhd assessment is important to be aware that the services offered by private health insurance companies are not always as comprehensive as NHS. It is essential to locate an establishment with a good reputation and that adheres to the highest standards of care.

After you have completed your personal evaluation and have been given a diagnosis you will have to decide whether or not you want to seek treatment for ADHD with your GP. Before you make a decision it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and advantages of taking medications for ADHD.

A Psychiatrist is able to assess your symptoms, take into consideration any co-morbidities you may have, and determine the best method of treatment. If you decide to take medication for ADHD you should be fully adjusted to the final dose before leaving your GPs care.

In the past, it was commonplace for private clinics to diagnose ADHD in children and adults and then prescribe medication. However, it's been reported that many of these companies are not conducting proper assessments of patients and giving inaccurate diagnoses. This puts children and adults at risk. It is crucial to select an accredited and reliable clinic when seeking the diagnosis of ADHD.