How to Find a Private ADHD Assessment in Leicester

The lack of investment in NHS mental healthcare services has resulted in a demand that is outpacing the supply, resulting in long waiting lists for ADHD assessment. This has led to people going to private clinics which charge for poor assessments and poor aftercare.

Certain private practitioners adhere to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's guidelines however, others don't. It is important to conduct your research prior to booking an appointment.

What is ADHD Assessment?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterised by persistent and impaired inattention, hyperactivity, and the ability to be impulsive. It is often diagnosed in the age of five and is often present into adulthood, with some people continuing to suffer from symptoms for the rest of their lives. ADHD can impact on the home, work, relationships and social interactions.

A specialist psychiatrist can assess your symptoms and determine if you are suffering from ADHD. The specialist psychiatrist will also consider other conditions that may be causing the symptoms, like mental health issues or physical ailments.

Your GP can refer you to an expert psychiatrist who will assess your ADHD. Patients must be aware of the 'right-to-choose' legislation allows them to self refer for an assessment at an psychiatric clinic privately when they have an authorised physician in England.

The comprehensive examination of ADHD is completed over one or two appointments. The psychiatrist will collect an in-depth medical history and perform an enumeration of the person's mental health.

The doctor will have the patient tell them about their personal and family history, including past or current mental health issues. They will also speak with other members of the patient's family and friends and colleagues who can provide details about how the patient behaves in different situations (e.g. church, school and Scout groups). In I Am Psychiatry , the doctor may use pre-screening questionnaires that can be completed prior to the appointment.

The doctor will also carry out objective tests to evaluate your attention, impulsivity, and motor activity. This is an essential part of the diagnosis and can be carried out in the clinic or by post. The doctor will write a report which will be shared with the patient's GP. The clinician will discuss the report with the patient and determine the best treatment plan. This could include medication or behavioural therapy. If the patient wishes to be prescribed medication, they may return to his or her GP to receive prescriptions on a regular basis. The GP is responsible for monitoring and directing the medication and must be aware of potential adverse effects.

Who should take into consideration an ADHD Assessment

ADHD is a complicated mental health issue that can impact the way you conduct yourself and interact with other people. It can cause issues in a variety of areas including relationships, work, and home. However, it is possible to treat the symptoms of ADHD by taking medications and other treatments. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD it is essential to seek help from a specialist nurse or doctor.


Your GP can recommend an ADHD assessment however, psychiatrists are a medically qualified doctor who specialises in mental health and will be able to provide you with the highest quality of care. The psychiatrist will look into your psychiatric history and examine any other issues that could be present in addition to or instead of ADHD. The psychiatrist will formulate a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment.

During the examination, the psychiatrist will ask you a number of questions about your behaviour and how it has impacted your life. The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family history, as well as past medical issues. It is important to give as much information as possible.

If the psychiatrist believes that you suffer from ADHD They will recommend the treatment plan, which may include medication or other therapies. They will then write a report to your GP with their recommendations. In accordance with the policies of your GP, they may then offer you ongoing medication through the NHS under the basis of a Shared Care Agreement.

Anecdotal evidence from NHS illustrates the tension between the desire to reduce long patient wait times to be reduced and the additional cost of treating ADHD. This could lead to young people with severe comorbidities caused by untreated ADHD not receiving treatment or being denied care (88).

It can be hard to identify ADHD precisely due to the many assumptions about what a person with ADHD could look like. This can make it harder for certain people to be diagnosed, particularly if they are a person of color, assigned gender, or are not a native English speaker.

How is an ADHD Assessment carried out?

During the examination, you'll speak with a specialist with experience in diagnosing ADHD. This person will ask you about your symptoms as well as your background. They will also search for other possible causes for your symptoms. This is important, as it can avoid unnecessary treatment or other ailments being identified. It could take a long time to conduct an exhaustive examination however, it will help your physician to make a clear diagnose.

The evaluator can also use tests to assess your mental health. This may include questionnaires interviews with a psychiatrist and brain scans. In some instances your evaluator might recommend more extensive testing. These tests will aid in confirming the diagnosis and find the most effective treatment for you.

You will be asked if would like to discuss medications with your psychiatrist as part of the treatment. If you decide to do so the psychiatrist will then ask your GP for prescription. Your doctor will then be the one to ensure that your treatment is being monitored and any adjustments made as needed.

It is important to note that some patients seek private assessments in order circumvent gaps or obstructions in NHS services (see figure 1). Participants to the consensus acknowledged that certain private healthcare providers take advantage of patients who are in desperate need of an answer from their NHS services. In addition, some private ADHD diagnostic reports fail to properly demonstrate that the clinical guidelines have been adhered to, which can be a problem for patients who want to return to NHS treatment.

In certain cases, a diagnosis of ADHD can uncover other health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Your doctor will discuss these other health concerns with you, and recommend treatments as appropriate.

Adults with ADHD may be treated with medication, lifestyle modifications and therapy. Psychologists, psychologists, or psychiatrists are the most common types of workers are typically the ones who prescribe medication. If you are insured, check to see whether your policy covers the costs of these services.

Support groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and CHADD can give you names of professionals who are specialists in treating ADHD. You can also ask for referrals from your GP.

What is the cost for an ADHD Assessment?

The cost of an ADHD assessment varies depending on who is conducting the assessment, whether neuropsychological testing is required as well as any other tests that might be ordered. Insurance coverage is the most common method of covering the cost of an ADHD evaluation. You can find out whether your insurance will cover the cost of an ADHD assessment in various ways. It is important to notify the insurance company prior to when you make any appointments for tests or any appointments scheduled. The insurance company might be capable of providing you with a the list of companies that will accept your insurance coverage.

For individuals who are unable to access NHS services private healthcare providers are usually the only option for ADHD assessment and diagnosis. Private healthcare organisations provide assessments more quickly than the NHS. Prices vary, but they are usually cheaper. They can also provide complete ADHD diagnostic reports.

A significant number of people seeking assistance in the UK for ADHD are unable to receive a diagnosis or treatment through the NHS due to long wait times. BBC News FOI requests revealed that NHS Trusts in the UK have adult ADHD waiting lists that can be as long as five years. This is due to a shortage of funds and a reluctance by certain services to increase budgets to meet the demand.

Some people who are unable to wait for an NHS diagnosis opt for internet-based self-referral websites, where they can pay a one-off fee and receive a diagnosis in minutes. However these websites should be treated with caution. These websites are not always regulated, and they may not follow good clinical practice guidelines. The quality of online services is also a matter of debate. They might not be able offer the right medication or counselling to patients who have been diagnosed.

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 aren't receiving the necessary assistance and care from the NHS. There is a pressing need to invest more in mental health services and better coordination of state-funded services, to ensure that adults with ADHD are referred appropriately.