How to Find a Private ADHD Assessment in Leicester

A lack of investment in NHS mental health services has led to demand exceeding the availability which has led to long wait lists for ADHD assessments. This has led many to turn to private clinics that charge for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up treatment.


Some private providers adhere to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's guidelines but others don't. It's important to do your research prior to booking an appointment.

What is ADHD Assessment?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterised by persistent and impaired attention, hyperactivity and an impulsiveness. It can be diagnosed from the age of five and is often present into adulthood, with a few people suffering from symptoms all their life. ADHD can impact on relationships at home, work, and social life.

A specialist psychiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and determine if you suffer from ADHD. The specialist psychiatrist will also consider other conditions that could be causing the symptoms, like mental health issues or physical illnesses.

Your GP can refer you to a specialist psychiatrist who will examine your ADHD. However, patients should be aware of the 'right to choose' law that allows them to self-refer for an assessment through a private psychiatric service when they are registered with an GP in England.

A thorough evaluation of ADHD is conducted over two to three appointments. The psychiatrist will examine the mental state of the patient and take an extensive medical record.

The doctor will request the patient to inform him or her about their family and personal background, including past or current mental health issues. The doctor could also speak with members of the family, friends and colleagues to get information about the patient's behavior when in various situations (e.g. School, church and scout groups). In certain cases the doctor might use pre-screening questionnaires that can be completed in advance of the appointment.

The clinician will also perform objective tests to assess your attention, impulsivity, and motor activity. This is an important part of the diagnosis and can be done in clinic or by post. The clinician will draft a report that will be sent to the patient's doctor. The clinician will then go over the report with their patient and then decide on the treatment plan. This can include medication or behavioral therapy. If the patient wishes to be prescribed medication, they is able to return to his her GP to obtain ongoing prescriptions. The doctor will be responsible for ensuring the medication is properly administered and monitored, and must be aware of any side effects that might need to be reported.

Who should be considering an ADHD Assessment?

ADHD is a complicated mental health disorder that can impact the way you interact and behave with others. It can cause issues in a variety of areas of your life, including relationships, work and your home. It is possible to manage ADHD symptoms with medications and other treatments. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD, it is important to seek out help from an expert nurse or doctor.

Your GP can recommend an ADHD assessment however psychiatrists are medically trained doctor who specializes in mental health and will be in a position to offer you the best care. The psychiatrist will take an exhaustive psychiatric history, and will examine any other conditions that may be present in conjunction with or as a result of the ADHD diagnosis. The doctor will then make an accurate diagnosis of your condition and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

During the examination, the psychiatrist will ask a lot of questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history, as well as any past medical issues. It is essential to provide as much detail as you can.

If the psychiatrist believes that you suffer from ADHD they will recommend the treatment plan, which could include medication or other therapies. adhd assessment uk private will then send a detailed report to your GP detailing the recommendations. Based on the policy of your GP, they may then offer you ongoing treatment through the NHS under the basis of a Shared Care Agreement.

Anecdotal evidence from NHS highlights the tension between the desire for longer patient waiting times to be cut down and the cost of treating ADHD. This can lead to adolescents suffering from severe comorbidities due to untreated ADHD not receiving treatment or being denied care (88).

It is sometimes difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because there are a lot of preconceived ideas about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can make it harder for certain people to be diagnosed, especially those who are of colour, an assigned female gender or not an native English speaker.

How can ADHD be assessed?

During the evaluation you will meet with an expert who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and history. They will also seek out other explanations for your symptoms. This is important as it will prevent unnecessary treatment and other conditions from being diagnosed. It may take several hours to conduct an exhaustive examination but it will let your physician to make a clear diagnose.

The evaluator can also use tests to assess your mental health. This could include questionnaires, clinical interviews and brain scans. In some instances your evaluator might recommend more thorough tests. These additional tests will aid in confirming the diagnosis and find the most effective treatment for you.

You will then be asked if you'd like to discuss medication as part of your treatment. If you choose to discuss this, your psychiatrist will ask for the prescription from your GP. Your GP will be responsible for ensuring that your treatment is being monitored and any adjustments are made if necessary.

It is worth noting that some patients who seek private medical assessments are doing so to bypass the gaps or obstructions in NHS services (see Figure 1). Participants to the consensus noted that certain private healthcare providers make use of patients who are desperate for a response from their NHS services. Private ADHD diagnostic reports do not adequately prove that the guidelines for clinical care were followed, which can be a problem for patients who wish to return to NHS treatment.

In certain cases, an ADHD diagnosis can reveal other health issues, like depression or anxiety. Your psychiatrist will discuss with you any other health concerns and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication, lifestyle modifications, and therapy. Psychiatrists, psychologists or social workers are usually the ones who prescribe medications. If you are insured be sure to verify whether your policy covers the costs of these services.

Support groups, like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and CHADD can provide the names of specialists who specialize in treating ADHD. You can also request referrals from your GP.

What is the cost of an ADHD Assessment?

The cost of an ADHD assessment varies based on the person performing the assessment, if neuropsychological testing is included as well as if other tests are ordered. Insurance coverage is the most popular method of covering the cost of an ADHD evaluation. There are a number of ways to determine whether you are eligible for insurance coverage. It is important to notify the insurance company prior to when you schedule any tests or appointments scheduled. The insurance company might be able to provide you with a listing of companies that will accept your insurance coverage.

Private healthcare organizations are usually the only option for those who are unable to access NHS services. They can offer an ADHD diagnosis and assessment. These organisations vary in price however they are able to offer assessments at a quicker rate than the NHS. They can also provide complete ADHD diagnostic reports.

Unfortunately, a significant portion of those seeking help for ADHD in the UK cannot get a diagnostic assessment or treatment through the NHS due to long waiting times. BBC News FOI requests revealed that NHS Trusts in the UK have adult ADHD waiting lists that could be as long as five years. This is largely due the lack of sufficient funds and the inability of some services to increase their budgets to satisfy demand.

Some people who cannot wait for an NHS diagnosis turn to internet-based self-referral websites, where they can pay a one-off fee and receive a diagnosis in minutes. These websites should be used with caution. They aren't always regulated and may not follow good guidelines for clinical practice. The quality of the online services is also questionable. They might not be able to provide the right medication or counselling for patients who have been diagnosed with.

While there is a growing concern that people are being 'over diagnosed' with ADHD, it is clear that a lot of people with the condition are not receiving the appropriate care and support from the NHS. There is a need to increase investment in mental health services and a better coordination between services funded by the state to ensure that adults with ADHD are appropriately referred to.