How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment

Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge, especially as adults. Many healthcare professionals are not familiar with ADHD symptoms in adults, or might have limited tools for diagnosing.

Using self-assessment tools may provide some clues, but an accurate diagnosis must be made by a qualified professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist), physicians (psychiatrists) and medical social workers.

What is a private assessment?

A few people who suspect that they suffer from ADHD may seek out private medical attention to get an assessment and prescription for medication. However, it is important to recognize that the only doctors who can diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists who have undergone specialist training and have gained experience working with ADHD in adults. Mental health professionals and counselors are able to discuss ADHD symptoms but they are unable to give a formal diagnosis.

The main method for diagnosing ADHD is through a structured interview and questionnaires. These are usually based on research comparing the behaviors of ADHD patients with and without it. During the evaluation it is essential for the individual to be honest and transparent and not hold back information or hide any difficulties they face. The doctor will inquire with the patient about the severity and frequency of symptoms in various situations and over time. They will also talk about family history as well as any other mental health problems or alcohol and drug use.

A psychiatrist will evaluate the symptoms and their impact on daily life. This is a more comprehensive evaluation than a standard psychiatric evaluation, so it is essential to schedule an appointment prior to the time. It is a good idea to bring a trusted friend or family member to support the individual and provide feedback. Sometimes, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities is utilized to supplement the clinical evaluation and determine if ADHD is present or other conditions are contributing to the symptoms.

Following the assessment the doctor will inform the patient what the next steps will be. In most cases, they will discuss whether medication is necessary and come up with a holistic treatment plan. Some clinics provide a rapid stabilisation and titration service for those who wish to start taking medication straight away. This service is only available to a small number of patients who meet certain requirements. For example they must be at least 18 years old and have no existing conditions that would hinder them starting their medication immediately. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular illness).

How do I book an Assessment Private?

If you think you may have ADHD and are concerned about the effects it may have on your relationships, work or general health, it is possible to seek an assessment privately. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a specialist. They are able to do this via the NHS 'Right to Choose' scheme, which means you can pick the hospital or wellbeing centre of your choice.

If you are recommended to the clinic, you will be offered an appointment to complete the clinical evaluation usually within two weeks. The assessment will be conducted face-to-face or online, and will involve an organized interview with an expert in the field. This appointment is vital since without it, a diagnosis can't be determined. It is also useful to bring a loved one along for collateral information, although this is not necessary.

Your clinician will discuss your medical history, symptoms and how they affect you. They will also inquire how long the symptoms have been present for. You can expect to answer questions about your personal and social life, how you deal with symptoms and how they impact your work and relationships. It is normal to be nervous at the first appointment Our psychiatrists have the knowledge and experience to make you feel relaxed and secure.

private adhd assessments will also comprise diagnostic tests, in addition to the structured interview. They will typically include the QbCheck or QbTest. Both of these are CE certified and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the diagnosis of people suffering from ADHD and employ an adapted version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults Version 5 (DIVA5). The results of the test are compared with clinical judgment to provide an accurate diagnosis.

It is very important that you receive a valid diagnosis because left untreated it can cause serious problems with relationships, work and wellbeing. It is important to keep in mind that medical professionals may have preconceived ideas about who they believe might be suffering from ADHD and this could have an impact on their ability to provide a correct diagnosis.

What happens during what happens during a Private Assessment?

While every doctor has their own evaluation process however, there are some procedures that all physicians believe to be essential for a comprehensive ADHD assessment. This includes an exhaustive diagnosis interview, data collected from independent sources (such spouse or other family member) as well as the standard scales of behavior rating for ADHD and other types of psychometric testing deemed appropriate by the therapists.

The diagnostic interview is usually the first step of the process. The person being evaluated is asked a series questions designed to get them to think about their behavior and then describe how that behavior affects their life. This may take up to an hour or more. It is essential to get a full and honest response from the patient or family member. Some patients may feel embarrassed or hesitant to talk about their behavior, which can affect the accuracy of your assessment.

During the examination, the examiner will inquire about the impact of ADHD on the person's relationships and daily life. The examiner will also inquire of the individual about their medical history and length of time they have been suffering from symptoms of ADHD. This is an essential aspect of the assessment, because it will determine whether a diagnosis of ADHD should be made.

At the conclusion of the interview, the examiner will complete some standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD. These scales are based on research that compares the behaviors of those with ADHD to the behavior of those without ADHD and are a significant source of information objective. These rating scales are typically completed by the person being rated and their spouse.

Broad-spectrum scales that screen for depression or anxiety are frequently included in an ADHD assessment as are tests for specific abilities (such as vocabulary development, language development, memory recall and motor abilities). Sometimes, the clinician may decide that a different type of psychometric or psychological assessment is needed and order it.

Priory is extremely experienced in looking into differential diagnosis. (What other conditions may share symptoms with ADHD). For instance, a person who is diagnosed with anxiety may be recommended psychotherapy as for medication to optimize the treatment plan.

What happens following What happens following Private Assessment?

Whether you or someone you know suffers from ADHD having a diagnosis can help to manage symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is especially true for adults who have difficulties working or in their relationships. find it difficult to keep up with household chores or lose track of things or struggle to plan or organise the day-to-day routine. The first step is to find an expert doctor to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can ask your general practitioner for an opinion, or consult an acquaintance or a relative. You can also call an office for mental health or medical school to get recommendations. Participate in an ADHD support group to chat with members.

Face-to-face or online A thorough ADHD assessment is available. The clinician will interview you, look over pertinent clinical history and may recommend psychometric testing to better understand your cognitive capabilities. These tests typically include standardised behavioural rating scales for ADHD psychometrics, broad-spectrum psychometrics, and tests for specific abilities.

The clinician will incorporate all the information gathered from various sources to provide diagnostic opinions regarding your ADHD and any other learning or psychiatric disorders that are identified during the test. The physician will talk with you about treatment options and can help you develop a holistic treatment plan that includes therapy, medication and/or other psychosocial treatments.


After a final diagnosis is completed, the doctor will provide you and your GP the full report. If you are looking to receive prescription medication through the NHS, the clinician will give your GP with all the required documentation. You'll need to attend regular appointments with your GP to ensure that they keep track of your progress and make sure the medication is working.

After your psychiatrist has provided you a written summary and reached an agreement on a holistic treatment program, you can decide whether to continue with private or NHS care. You must have a minimum three months of medication stabilisation, and follow-up appointments prior to when you can be admitted to the NHS.