Private ADHD Clinics Exposed

Many people suffering from ADHD are prone to serious personal and professional issues due to untreated symptoms. This can result in low performance at work and in relationships, depression and anxiety.

Private assessments adhere to Nice guidelines and can only be performed by UK registered psychiatrists, specialists ADHD nurses or "other appropiately qualified healthcare professionals". Each private assessment provider has their own policies on GP referral letters.

What is ADHD?

People suffering from ADHD struggle to sit still paying attention, focusing and following instructions. They might talk or fidget too much, or interrupt others constantly. Their problems can show up in their relationships, work and in their general functioning. However, there are some strengths of the neurodivergent condition: they can be imaginative, creative and bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas to their social or work lives.

These challenges are frequently evident in the classroom where students have to be able to sit and focus. It's impossible to learn when your child is running around in the classroom or is not paying attention when their teacher is speaking. This can lead to poor performance, broken relationships with teachers and parents and a struggle to keep up with school.

A psychiatric doctor determines ADHD by reviewing the symptoms and taking a medical history. They also take part in questionnaires, rating scales and ratings and conduct an examination of the body. A psychiatric evaluation can also include mental health diagnoses like anxiety or depression, and information on the child's educational background and family history, as well as their growing up.

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. Before, this was known as attention deficit disorder (ADHD). Children with inattentive symptom are less disruptive at school, but struggle with keeping their attention and organising their work. They may make careless mistakes at home, or have trouble remembering important events or conversations.

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 type most people envision when they picture someone with 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 imbalance demonstrates the need to consult your doctor about any concerns you have about children, regardless of gender or sex to determine whether their symptoms are typical for their age, and if there's a need for treatment.

Why do I need an examination?

There is an increasing concern that people are 'over-diagnosed' with ADHD/ADD. This is due to a shortage in funding for NHS mental health services, and the long wait lists for assessments. This has led to a lot of clients seeking private assessment and diagnosis services. Some of these private providers are now causing concern as they are selling false diagnoses. The BBC broadcast a documentary titled Private ADHD Clinics Revealed.

The documentary exposed the shoddy practices that are prevalent in some private ADHD assessment companies, but the issue is much more extensive than this. Anyone with concerns regarding treatment should consult an healthcare professional who is an expert in the field. This could be a psychiatrist, GP, or another healthcare professional. This will make sure that the healthcare professional is adhering to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for assessing and treating ADHD.

It is essential that, in addition to adhering strictly to NICE guidelines and managing ADHD symptoms, the healthcare professional has a wealth of experience and expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This is why it is essential to select a healthcare provider who offers a comprehensive ADHD assessment. This will include a meeting 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 doctor will be capable of confirming or denying the diagnosis of ADHD and then discuss what they would like to do to proceed with their care, including medication options. They will also discuss any other mental issues the patient may have in addition to their family history of mental illness.

You should also remember that if your physician is of the opinion that you suffer from ADHD they will have to prescribe stimulant medication. This is a requirement under the current UK law. Certain private assessment companies may require a GP referral, whereas other do not. Before making a booking, always confirm with the provider.

How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be an overwhelming and intimidating process. It is important to remember that a diagnosis may be beneficial. It explains why you may struggle with life skills like concentration, following instructions, listening closely and organisation-things that seem natural to others.

If you've been diagnosed of ADHD it is possible to manage it with the right help. Alongside medication, a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle changes can help you deal with the challenges that come with ADHD. Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically identified by difficulties with concentration, impulsivity and poor time management. These difficulties can lead to low self-esteem, difficulty forming relationships and may cause problems at school or work.

Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose due to its overlap with other mental health issues. In addition, sex - and race biases can make it harder for women and people of color to be diagnosed. This is because medical professionals might not take their complaints seriously or believe that they aren't suffering from ADHD.

A private ADHD assessment is similar to a regular psychotherapy assessment, but it will involve more focused discussion with the doctor and an in-depth discussion about your symptoms in various situations. You will be asked to evaluate the severity of your symptoms as well as their impact on your daily life. The assessment includes a physical exam and blood tests in order to rule out any other medical causes of your symptoms.

Priory will call your GP to make an appointment with psychiatrist. We will request you to complete an array of screening questionnaires and also provide any supporting documents that you may have. These tests will determine if you show enough evidence of ADHD to warrant an assessment.

It is essential to be honest when answering these questions, and to describe how you've been feeling in full detail. This will help us identify the most effective options for treating your condition. We will go over the results of your ADHD assessment with you, and then recommend the best treatment strategy.

What happens following the assessment?

If your GP believes that you might have ADHD the doctor will refer you to a mental specialist typically a psychiatrist for an evaluation. Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can help you relay your symptoms and ask about your family's history of mental health and the presence of comorbidities (the term used to refer to other conditions that are present alongside ADHD). It is often beneficial to bring a companion or a friend along with you. The assessment is a discussion between the expert and you, and can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will include a symptom list and questions about the way your symptoms affect your life in various situations and at various times of the day, along with other activities.

If the person who conducts the assessment believes that you might have ADHD They will discuss with you about the treatment options available. They will also talk about any underlying health concerns you may have. private assessment for adhd uk will also look at how your symptoms impact you socially and professionally, and how they're affecting your life overall. They will discuss with you whether they believe you could benefit from treatment, and if you would prefer to see your GP to discuss your the management.

As with any psychiatric assessment there will be personal details asked about that you may not be at ease discussing. It is possible that you do not want to discuss specific details about your previous experiences. If there's something you are uncomfortable about you may ask to not answer the question or leave it blank. Some private insurers don't cover the costs of ADHD assessments or medication even if they're diagnosed with ADHD. If you are insured by one of these insurers you should make sure whether it covers an ADHD assessment and medication prior to beginning.

Depending on how much you pay for your private diagnosis, your doctor will either give you a treatment plan or refer you to your GP to discuss further. If you choose to have a treatment plan, your psychiatrist is likely to want to titrate your medication so that you are on the right dosage prior to prescribing it.