How to Get the Best Out of an ADHD Private Assesment

After the BBC's Panorama program exposed a number of clinics that rushed patients through online tests, without following the national guidelines, the accuracy of private ADHD assessments has been called into question. It's important to not over-interpret the evidence presented in the BBC program.

It's not surprising that a lot of patients opt to pay for private assessments because the wait times can be long.

What is an ADHD assessment?

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD you may require an expert assessment and diagnosis to help you understand what is affecting your performance and overall health. Psychologists have been trained to recognize ADHD in both children and adults. They can provide assistance and treatment, which may include medication.


Often an adult who is worried that they may have ADHD is referred to an individual specialist by their GP, or contact the service directly to organise a consultation with a psychiatrist experienced in ADHD assessments. The process for an ADHD assessment will vary from provider to provider however, it will typically begin with the completion of a questionnaire to determine if you have several ADHD symptoms. Observer forms are also often available for you to hand to family members, friends or colleagues to complete during the screening process. These forms are essential to ensure that your appointment runs smoothly and that the clinician has the information before meeting with you.

If the results of the screening show an increased likelihood that you are suffering from ADHD symptoms you are invited to an in-person ADHD assessment session with the psychiatrist. This is usually an hour or so and will involve a discussion about the current challenges you face, your history with ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on your daily functioning. The doctor will also ask you to rate how many ADHD symptoms are a problem in your daily life, as well as in specific situations such as school or at work.

The doctor will then write a detailed assessment report and discuss how the results of the assessment can inform your future treatment decisions. This includes whether you would like to try a trial of medication and should you, if so, what option would be the best for your particular circumstance.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, ask your GP to see if they are willing to sign an agreement for shared-care to ensure that you receive the medication you require through the NHS. If you haven't yet done so, you should inform your insurance company that you have ADHD. This could have an impact on the cost of your insurance.

What is the cost for an ADHD assessment?

A comprehensive ADHD private assessment typically consists of a number of sessions and can cost anywhere from PS300 to PS1200. However private healthcare providers take the individual's budget into consideration and will be in a position to provide discounted or even free services to people who are struggling. adhd assessment private Iam Psychiatry UK can recommend patients to private ADHD clinics that offer these services through the NHS. This is an excellent option for those who cannot afford the cost of an individual ADHD assessment and want to benefit from the new "Right to Choose" pathway offered by NHS England.

In most instances, the initial step in an ADHD assessment is to have the person complete the questionnaire. They can also bring in previous medical records or self-assessments. The professional will then conduct a medical assessment, and may also use an assessment system. Professionals may also incorporate an assessment using a computer at home, such as TOVA. This can provide a robust quantifiable marker for ADHD, measuring attention and the ability to be impulsive.

Once the information is gathered after which the specialist will create an assessment. This will be based on an individual's general performance in various social circumstances. They will also look into whether the patient has co-morbidities that could be contributing to their symptoms. They will also take into consideration the impact of certain circumstances like parental disapproval or work stressors.

A prescription for medication cannot be issued following an ADHD assessment. The specialist will only prescribe medication when they determine that the person needs treatment for ADHD to function effectively.

In recent years, a lot of websites have come online that provide a fast and cost-effective diagnosis for a single fee. They're not as precise or thorough as an in-person assessment with a doctor, however, they can be beneficial to those who are looking to start the process. If you do opt for this route, it's important to inform your service that you'll require the GP referral letter, as some will require it and others won't.

What is the process of ADHD assessment?

A private ADHD assessment is a physical examination performed by a healthcare professional. These professionals are usually psychiatrists who have experience diagnosing ADHD, as well as related conditions like depression, anxiety and dyslexia.

The assessment is carried out by a qualified clinician, who will interview the patients and examine the documents sent prior to the appointment. Depending on the individual's situation and the severity of their symptoms, further tests or screenings may be recommended.

A person who has ADHD might be asked to take the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA) which is a common questionaire that is used by many psychiatrists around the world. It asks about the severity of symptoms and their impact on the individual's life as well as relationships at work. It is essential for those with ADHD to be honest and sincere when answering the questions so that they receive an accurate diagnosis.

For children with ADHD, an assessment may be more thorough and may include questionnaires or interviews with many people who interact with the child, including teachers, coaches and day care providers. Additionally the specialist could require a copy of the child's work and report cards.

In some cases the doctor may want to see the patient at a clinic or their home in order to observe the patient's symptoms and behavior. They will ask to see their GP referral letter, as well as any paperwork or questionnaires completed prior to the appointment.

If a GP is referring an ADHD patient for assessment they should be familiar with the NICE guidelines (87) that state that only healthcare professionals who is specialized in ADHD can make a diagnosis or deny an ADHD diagnosis. This includes GPs as well as consultant psychiatrists.

Remember that just because you are able to receive an NHS ADHD evaluation, it doesn't mean that the results will be accepted. Some insurers may not recognize an ADHD diagnosis, and refuse to cover the cost in the event of a car accident.

What are the advantages of an ADHD assessment

ADHD is a neurologic condition that affects the way the brain functions. It can cause difficulties in areas like working memory, planning, and organisation. This disorder can impact the lives of both children and adults, which is why it's so important that those who suffer from the symptoms are assessed by a specialist. A specialist assessment can provide you with the information you need to better comprehend your symptoms and decide the best treatment for you.

A specialist can conduct a more detailed diagnostic interview than a quiz on the internet, which does not be able to take into consideration the entire spectrum of symptoms an individual might be experiencing. A thorough discussion with an expert in mental health or psychiatrist is required to diagnose ADHD. If you're not confident asking your family doctor for a referral, you can locate specialists who provide private appointments. Be aware that a private assessment could cost more than NHS rates.

An ADHD assessment will help you find the appropriate treatment to treat symptoms and improve your life quality. The right treatment can greatly improve your mood well-being, energy levels and overall wellbeing. Your doctor will be able to guide you on the most effective way of managing your symptoms, which could include lifestyle changes and medication, or other treatments.

Undiagnosed individuals may experience difficulties with daily tasks and may feel like they're failing in their relationships and work. A ADHD diagnosis can change all of that, and can give them the help and tools needed to thrive in their lives.

Being able to identify the correct diagnosis is also crucial for young and children as they make it much easier to access medical treatment via the NHS. The NHS is notoriously long waiting times, which can be stressful for parents and children who require treatment. Diverse Diagnostics' private ADHD assessment can help accelerate the process so that your child teenager receives the treatment they require sooner.