Private ADHD Clinics Exposed

Unmanaged symptoms can cause serious problems for those with ADHD. These can include problems with relationships and work as well as depression and anxiety.

Private assessments follow Nice guidelines and can only be conducted by UK registered psychiatrists and specialist ADHD nurses or "other qualified healthcare professionals". Each private assessment provider has a different policy on GP letters of referral.

What is ADHD?

ADHD people have difficulty paying attention, focusing and following directions. They may fidget or talk too much or interrupt other people constantly. Their issues can manifest in their relationships, careers and general life functioning. But there are also strengths to the neurodivergent condition that allow them to be imaginative and creative, bringing energy and new ideas into their social or work lives.

Often these challenges are evident at school, where children must sit down and study. It's difficult to learn if your child is running around in the classroom, or is unable to focus when their teacher speaks. This can lead to poor performance, tensions with teachers and parents, and a struggle to keep up with school.

A psychiatric specialist determines ADHD by reviewing the symptoms and taking an examination of the medical history. They also take part in questionnaires, rating scales, and perform physical examinations. A psychiatric evaluation can also include mental health diagnoses such as depression or anxiety, and information on the child's educational background and family history as well as the child's upbringing.

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. This was previously called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with inattentive symptoms are less disruptive at school, but struggle to stay on track and organize their work. They could make a few mistakes at home or forget 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 imagine when they imagine someone suffering from 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 difference shows how important parents should speak to their doctor about any concerns they may have regarding their child, regardless of gender or sex. They can then assess whether their symptoms are common and if they should seek treatment.

What is the reason I need a diagnosis?

There is a growing concern that people are 'over-diagnosed' with ADHD/ADD. This is due to a deficiency in funding for NHS mental health services and the long wait lists for assessments. Many people have sought out private assessment and diagnostic services. Some of these private companies are now in the news because they seem to be selling false diagnoses. The BBC released a documentary titled Private ADHD Clinics Exposed.

The documentary exposed the poor practice within some private ADHD assessment firms, but the problem is more complex than this. Anyone concerned about treatment should seek out an healthcare professional who is an expert in this field. This could be a physician or psychiatrist, or any other healthcare specialist. This will ensure that the healthcare professional follows the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for assessing and treating ADHD.

It is crucial that, in addition to adhering to NICE guidelines and addressing ADHD symptoms the healthcare professional has extensive knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD. It is therefore essential to select a healthcare professional who can provide a thorough ADHD evaluation. This will include a meeting with the client to discuss their concerns and how it has affected them, an examination of their mental history, and assessment of other people who know them well.

After the evaluation the physician can confirm or reject the diagnosis of ADHD. They will also discuss the best method to proceed, including treatment options. They can also discuss any other mental health issues that the client may have and their family history of mental illness.


Also, keep in mind that if your doctor agrees with you that you suffer from ADHD they will have to prescribe stimulant medication. This is legally required under current UK laws. Some private assessment providers will require a GP referral letter, but others won't. It is best to consult with the provider you choose to find out their policy before making a booking.

How do I get a diagnosis?

Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a daunting and intimidating process. It is important to remember that a diagnosis can help. It explains why you may struggle with everyday skills such as concentration, following instructions or listening attentively, and other things that seem to be natural to others.

With the right help with the right support, you can conquer ADHD. Alongside medication and cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle changes can help you cope with the challenges that come with ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are often characterized by problems with concentration, impulsivity and poor time management. These issues can cause low self-esteem, difficulties in forming relationships, and even issues at work or university.

Adult ADHD is a difficult condition to recognize because its symptoms overlap with other mental disorders. Women and people of color may also have a harder in obtaining a diagnosis due to sexism and racism. This is because medical professionals might not take their symptoms seriously or think that they're not really suffering from ADHD.

A private ADHD assessment is very similar to a standard mental health evaluation, but it will involve more specific discussions and a thorough discussion of your symptoms in different situations and over time. You will be asked to assess the severity of your symptoms as well as their impact on your everyday functioning. The evaluation also includes physical examination and tests for blood to rule out possible medical causes for your symptoms.

Once you have an appointment with your GP, Priory will contact you to arrange an appointment with one of our experienced psychiatrists. We'll require you to complete the screening questionnaires and provide any other supporting documentation you may have. These questions are designed to determine whether you have enough evidence of ADHD for us to conduct the evaluation.

private adhd assessment to be honest when answering these questions, and to be able to describe how you've been feeling in full detail. This will allow us to determine the most effective treatment options for you. After you have completed the ADHD assessment we will go over your findings with you and recommend an appropriate treatment strategy.

What happens after the test is completed?

If your GP believes that you might be suffering from ADHD the doctor will refer you to a mental expert typically a psychiatrist to conduct an evaluation. GPs can't diagnose ADHD but they can explain your symptoms, and inquire about your family's mental history, and other comorbidities. It is often beneficial for you and your partner or close friend to attend the assessment together. The assessment is a conversation with the expert, which can last 45 to 90 minutes. It will include a symptom list and questions about the way your symptoms affect you in different circumstances and at various times of the day, along with other activities.

If the person who conducts your assessment feels that you might have ADHD they will speak with you about the medication options available. They will also talk about any health issues you may have. They will also look at the way your symptoms affect your social and professional life and how they affect your life overall. They will also discuss with you whether they think you'll benefit from treatment and if you'd prefer to consult your GP to discuss your management.

Like any psychiatric evaluation, there will be some personal details asked about which you may not feel at ease with sharing. You may not want to discuss specific details about your previous experiences. You can leave a question blank or refrain from answering it if you're uncomfortable. It's worth noting that there are a few private insurance companies that do not cover the costs of ADHD assessments and medication, even if they are diagnosed as having ADHD. If you are insured by one of these insurance companies it is important to make sure whether it covers an ADHD assessment and medication prior to proceeding.

Depending on the cost of your personal diagnosis, a psychiatrist might offer you a plan of treatment or recommend you to your GP for a re-discussion. If you opt to take a treatment plan, your doctor will likely want to titrate your medication to ensure you are on the right dosage before prescribing it.