ADHD Diagnosis

ADHD is a complex disorder that is difficult to diagnose. It can affect anyone from childhood until adulthood.

With NHS service waiting times at an all time high, some customers are opting to pay for private ADHD assessments and prescriptions. The recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted concerns that some of these services are not up to par.

What is an ADHD diagnosis?

Your doctor will make an official diagnosis of ADHD in light of the symptoms that you have, your history of development and your behavioural patterns. They will ask you to fill out various questionnaires, and then interview you in order to create a picture of your clinical condition. Some of these are common questionnaires that psychiatrists all use and some are unique to them, which means that each clinic and psychiatrist has their own set of tests and questions they prefer to use.

A psychiatrist may also want to review your family medical and psychiatric history and your current symptoms. They'll often ask you about how your symptoms affect your daily life at home, work and in other locations. They will then assess whether your symptoms are in line with the clinical guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be evident in two or more settings (home or at school, as well as social situations) and significantly impair your ability to perform. Your symptoms should have begun before you were 12 years old, and they must be present for a lengthy period of time. In addition, you must meet the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations of ADHD to get a diagnosis.

During the appointment, your psychiatrist will try to determine if your symptoms have been present from childhood and how they affect you now. They will also determine if there are other conditions that may explain your symptoms. For example, a sleep disorder or depression, or anxiety.

It is crucial to keep in mind that many people with ADHD have a poor memory of their childhood experiences, especially if they had an unhappy childhood. This makes it difficult for them to identify ADHD symptoms in the present. Your doctor may have to interview your family members like your spouse or partner, to get more details about your childhood.

Asking your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist or the staff of the local hospital for university patients, or calling an office for mental health will help you find the right healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD assessments. You can also talk to a support group for individuals who suffer from ADHD and request recommendations.

Why do I require an ADHD assessment?

If you think you might be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that you may have it, it is essential to have a complete diagnosis before beginning any treatment. Only private adhd assessment can diagnose ADHD after a thorough examination. If it is not diagnosed, ADHD can cause major issues in your work, with relationships, and also with your overall wellbeing.

If your GP is aware that you think you may have symptoms of ADHD They will consider you a serious patient and will ask for specifics of your life and history. They'll likely refer you to an NHS screening assessment, which will include an interview with a psychiatrist and the submission of a number of validated ADHD evaluation scales.

You will also be asked to complete questionnaires with those who know you, like your close family members or friends. This will help your healthcare professional get a more holistic picture of your behaviour and see how it affects others. A person with an IQ that is high IQ might have developed coping mechanisms to compensate for the symptoms of ADHD. For instance they may use technology to track their appointments, but spouses can tell if they're having trouble remembering things.

Private healthcare professionals are not allowed to bend the rules because they pay for the assessment. They must still adhere to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for ADHD assessments. The process may be quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment.


An ADHD assessment can help to identify the root cause of the problem and the best approach to address it. It can also get you on the right track with treatment. If you decide to begin treatment for ADHD, it's best to get your GP sign a shared care agreement with your private physician (so you only pay for the NHS prescription cost), so that they can keep track of your progress and offer advice on any changes. This will ensure that you're receiving most appropriate and effective treatment for your needs. If you're interested to get an ADHD assessment, speak to one of our brain and mind specialists at an Priory hospital or wellness centre today.

What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?

ADHD symptoms are very different from individual to individual, and the way they manifest can change as time passes. It is because of this that a reliable diagnosis, particularly for adults, can be difficult to obtain, despite fact that a majority of GPs take their concerns seriously. This is why some have a difficult time accessing NHS services in comparison to others. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long, and it takes years before someone who wants to be assessed is able to get an assessment.

A person may not be able to get an employment opportunity or their relationship could suffer. Adults who are not diagnosed are at a higher risk for serious problems like mood disorders and addiction to drugs. Undiagnosed adults may experience extreme anxiety or sadness, and may be forced to accept the fact that they are not able to have the drive and success they could have had when they were diagnosed and treated.

It is possible to receive a proper diagnosis for ADHD. If you decide to go to a private specialist for your assessment it is essential to select your doctor carefully. Do your research and request recommendations from your friends and family prior to making any decisions. Verify their credentials and qualifications and ask previous clients and patients about their experience.

A trained professional can employ a variety of tools to help diagnose ADHD using questionnaires, interviews medical examinations, behavioural observations. The objective is to rule out other causes of the symptoms, such as a learning disability or emotional issues that can be difficult to differentiate from ADHD.

During an ADHD evaluation, a specialist will interview you or your partner to discuss the symptoms and how they affect your life. They might also use a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms and other psychometric tests to gauge the severity of your symptoms. The stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. It has been in use since 1937. It is an extremely effective treatment because it can have a highly positive effect on mood and can stabilise brain functioning.

How do I get an ADHD diagnosis?

A medical professional will interview you or your children to diagnose ADHD. They will ask you or your child questions about their behavior in different settings, such as at school and at home. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They'll also need to know whether your or your child's symptoms have been evident since childhood and if they have affected daily functioning.

They will also ask whether the symptoms you or your child is experiencing are related to other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. About 80% of ADHD sufferers have co-occurring disorders. It's essential to determine if they are.

A private healthcare professional may also ask your permission to interview family members, friends, teachers as well as religious leaders, scout leaders or coaches. adhd assessment private will need to know how your child's behavior impacts them and their daily routine and will be asked about any past history of abuse or trauma.

If they do not consider a diagnosis of ADHD to be appropriate then the healthcare expert will explain why. It could be because they do not think the symptoms are severe enough, or they are better explained by another condition.

A referral from your family physician is a great idea to get an ADHD assessment. If you don't have a family physician you can call your insurance company or a local mental health support group to get recommendations.

If you've made an appointment for an ADHD assessment, make sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological, education or employment records with you. The health professional will likely want to know your an extensive family and social history. They will also conduct a physical examination.

After looking over all the data that the health professional has reviewed, they will be able to determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD. If necessary, they will suggest medication or other treatments. If you are planning to use the NHS prescription services for your medication, make sure you check with them first to make sure they will accept a private diagnosis of ADHD that has been accredited by the NHS.