ADHD Diagnosis - Why Some Private Clinics May Be Exploiting Vulnerable People

A recent BBC Panorama investigation has found that some private ADHD clinics could be exploiting vulnerable individuals. Certain patients receive a diagnosis before they have been evaluated or their mental health history is considered.

GPs can provide your symptoms and inquire about the family history, but they cannot provide a complete ADHD diagnosis. Private psychiatric assessments can help you receive the diagnosis you require and get treatment as soon as possible.

Waiting times

The NHS can be a great resource for diagnosing ADHD, but the waiting times can be long. It's not uncommon to hear of patients waiting up to two years for an NHS assessment. Some people choose to pay for a privately conducted assessment which is more expensive but is often quicker. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that private clinics were prescribing powerful medications without considering all the risks.

The Panorama investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who went to three private ADHD assessment clinics. Each of them identified him as ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs to be used for a long time. The report also pointed out the lack of accurate mental health assessments as well as the failure to consider other conditions that can be confused with ADHD.

A good clinical interview with an ADHD specialist can last between two and three hours, and this gives the clinician time to investigate all of your symptoms, even those you might not be aware of. It is crucial that the professional is aware of all your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The expert will then give you the diagnosis and will discuss the options for treatment, including medication.

If you're unsure if your GP would allow you to make use of Right to Choose for adult ADHD assessments, you may talk to your GP about the NHS waiting list. You should also have a copy this NHS document explaining how the policy works to show your GP.

Many local Clinical Commissioning Groups are introducing new strategies to cut down on ADHD waiting times, including Right to Choose. This is a complicated process and many GPs aren't familiar with it. Download and print the support letter from ADHD UK if you're interested in this option. This will help you explain to your GP the reason you believe you need to be referred to an ADHD assessment.

Options for medication

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD you might be wondering how they'll manage their symptoms. There are many treatment options, including medication and alternative treatments. If you are concerned about the side effects of medications discuss it with your therapist. They will be able to recommend more safe alternatives.

Having a private assessment is an ideal option for parents who wish to avoid the lengthy wait times of the NHS. The process is quick and easy. Your doctor will also take into account your medical background. A physical exam is also conducted to rule out conditions that may have similar symptoms to ADHD such as sleeping disorders or learning disabilities.


A private GP cannot prescribe controlled substances, but they can refer you to a psychiatrist or nurse who is an expert in ADHD for an assessment. If they believe your child is suffering from ADHD, they will perform a series tests and interviews in order to determine if the condition is affecting their daily life. They will then draft a report which will include the diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.

In some instances children and teens with undiagnosed ADHD can have significant problems in school, home and work. A customized treatment plan and an ADHD diagnosis can make a big difference. Diverse Diagnostics can help you get answers and give your family the care they require.

If you have an insurance policy for medical expenses you might be eligible to pay for an online private ADHD assessment. Make sure the site you choose to use is managed by a GMC registered consultant psychiatrist, and that it follows NICE guidelines for adult ADHD assessment. These guidelines require the health professional to be able to assess adult ADHD sufferers and adhere to a code of practice.

If you choose to use private providers, it is important to understand their rules regarding prescriptions. In general the private psychiatrist is only able to provide a prescription for the first time through Shared Care with your GP and it is important to check the website's policies on this prior to making an appointment.

Making an accurate diagnosis

If you're located in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment You have the right to choose where to go. This is called "Right to Choose" and is a great option to get an ADHD assessment much quicker than waiting for the NHS. Private clinics provide a faster service and often will give you the medication that you require immediately if you ask for it.

In a confidential online adhd assessment, you'll be asked about your symptoms and the impact on your life. You'll be asked about your family history, as well as any other mental health issues. This will help them determine if you have ADHD and if medication is appropriate. They'll then recommend the best treatment plan and go over the options that are available to you.

It is crucial to understand that you are only diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare professional who is certified and has experience in this area. This includes doctors and Consultant Psychiatrists. If you're a student you might be able obtain an ADHD assessment at your university, but they're not able prescribe medication for you unless they have an agreement for shared care with your GP.

The healthcare professional will explain why you may not meet the criteria. This might be due to the fact that they believe you're not battling enough or that a different condition explains your symptoms better. You don't need to accept the outcome. adhd assessment for adults private can still seek another opinion.

A comprehensive assessment can take many hours and include questionnaires, interviews with you and your caretakers and tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing. Additional tests could be recommended depending on your personal preferences. This could include blood testing, genetic testing or brain imaging.

Adults may have difficulty to get an ADHD diagnosis, particularly if it is not recognized as a disability. A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your daily living and help you to manage your issues. You can also access support that can help you, like reasonable adjustment and Disabled Student's Benefit.

Treatment options

If you have ADHD, it can be hard to manage the demands of everyday life. It can cause issues at school, at home and at work. There are many treatments available to help you manage your symptoms. These treatments can enhance your relationships and your quality of life. These treatments can include medication management and therapy. Some of these services are telehealth-based, which means that you can access them from your home. These services are often covered by insurance, allowing you to access the care you require at a cost you can afford.

If your GP can't make an appointment for an assessment or has the time to do so, you may go to a private hospital or wellness centre to make an appointment with an accredited ADHD consultant. These specialists are GMC certified psychiatrists with years of experience diagnosing ADHD. They will ask you along with a close friend or family member to rate certain behaviors in different social situations. They may also conduct neuropsychological tests to test your brain's function. In addition, they will examine your medical history as well as any relevant documents.

It is crucial to remember that psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals able to diagnose ADHD in adults. Other mental health professionals, including psychologists, cannot provide this diagnosis. They are able to prescribe ADHD medication. Some psychiatrists require a referral letter from an GP before they can perform an assessment. Some do not. This is why it is essential to consult your chosen doctor to determine whether you need one or not.

BBC Panorama recently exposed a problem in the treatment offered by the NHS for ADHD. Patients were forced to wait for up to three years before getting an assessment and then pay for private consultations. This is a huge problem and, although the NHS claims that its waiting times are reasonable, many people are being cheated by the system.

There are a variety of online companies who offer private evaluations of ADHD despite the long waits to receive an NHS diagnosis. These services are usually faster and more convenient than going to a doctor. For instance, LifeStance offers a variety of therapies, including Dialectical therapy for behavior (DBT) which can help you focus on the present moment and modify ineffective behaviors. They also can prescribe stimulants if needed. They also have a large network of providers across the country.