How to Get the Best Out of an ADHD Private Assesment

After the BBC's Panorama program exposed several clinics that rushed people through online assessments, without following national guidelines, the quality of private ADHD assessment has been questioned. However, it's important not to misinterpret the anecdotal evidence presented in the program.

It's not a surprise that many patients choose to pay for private assessments due to the wait times can be long.

What is an ADHD assessment?

When you or your child is struggling with symptoms of ADHD you may need an professional assessment and diagnosis to understand how it is affecting your functioning and overall well-being. Psychologists have been trained to recognize ADHD in both children and adults. They also provide support and treatment options, which include medication.

Often, an adult who is worried that they may have ADHD is referred to a private specialist by their GP or contact the service directly to arrange an appointment with a psychiatrist skilled in ADHD assessments. The process of an ADHD assessment varies from the provider to the provider. It usually begins with a questionnaire to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. The forms for observing are often provided for you to give to friends, family or work colleagues to complete as part of the screening process. These forms are essential to ensure that your appointment runs smoothly, and that your physician has the right information prior to meeting you.

If the results of the screening show a high probability that you are suffering from ADHD symptoms, you will be invited to an in-person ADHD assessment session with the psychiatrist. The session typically lasts around an hour, and it involves an examination of your current problems, the history of ADHD symptoms, and their impact on your performance. The doctor will also ask you to rate how much ADHD symptoms cause problems in your everyday life as well as in particular situations such as school or work.

Once your evaluation is completed and the psychiatrist has completed the assessment, he will provide a thorough report and discuss with you what the findings of the assessment could help you decide on the treatment you will receive in the future. You will be asked if you would like to try the medication, and which one is the best option for your situation.


If you are diagnosed it is recommended to check with your GP whether they'll accept a shared care agreement to ensure that you receive the medication you require through the NHS. If you haven't done this, you should inform your insurance company that you have ADHD. This could affect your premiums.

What is the price for an ADHD assessment?

A comprehensive ADHD private assessment typically consists of many sessions that range from PS300 to PS1200. However private healthcare providers will take the individual's finances into consideration and will be able to offer discounted or even free treatment for those struggling. Many doctors can send patients to private ADHD clinics who offer these services under the NHS. This is a great option for those who cannot afford the expense of an individual ADHD assessment and wish to benefit from the new "Right to choose" option provided by NHS England.

The first step of an ADHD assessment usually starts with the individual answering a questionnaire or bringing in self-assessments and medical records from previous appointments. private adhd assessment will then conduct a medical assessment and may employ an assessment system. Professionals may also incorporate an assessment using a computer at home, like TOVA. This can provide an accurate, quantifiable indicator for ADHD that measures the level of attention and the ability to be impulsive.

After the data is gathered after which the specialist will make a diagnosis. The diagnosis will be based upon the individual's ability to function in a variety of social situations. They will also determine whether the individual has any co-morbidities contributing to symptoms. They will also consider the impact of certain situations, such as parents' disapproval or stressors at work.

It is important to remember that an ADHD assessment does not lead to a medication prescription. It will only be given in the event that a specialist determines the person needs treatment for ADHD in order to function effectively.

In recent years, a variety of sites have emerged online that provide a quick and cost-effective diagnosis for a one-time cost. They're not as accurate or thorough as an in-person consultation with a physician, but they could be useful to those who are looking to start the process. If you do decide to take this route, it's important to inform your provider that you will require an GP referral letter, since some will require it and others won't.

What is the procedure of an ADHD assessment?

A private ADHD assessment is a medical test performed by a qualified healthcare professional. They are usually psychiatrists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD and related disorders like depression, anxiety and dyslexia.

The assessment is carried out by a qualified doctor, who will talk to the patients and review any documents that were provided prior to the appointment. Additional tests or screenings may be recommended depending on the patient's symptoms and specific circumstances.

A person who has ADHD might be required to complete the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA) which is a standardised questionaire that is used by a variety of psychiatrists across the world. It inquires about the frequency of the symptoms and how they impact on the person's work, relationships and lifestyle. Adults with ADHD should be honest when answering questions in order to be able to receive a valid diagnosis.

Children with ADHD might require a more thorough evaluation that could include interviews with coaches, teachers, and daycare providers. In addition, the specialist may ask for a sample of the child's schoolwork as well as report cards.

In some instances, the specialist may want to visit the patient in a clinic or at their home to observe their symptoms and behaviors. They will request that the patient bring along their GP referral letter, along with any paperwork or questionnaires completed prior to the appointment.

If a GP refers a patient for an ADHD assessment, they should be aware of the NICE guidelines 87 that state that a patient can only be diagnosed or denied an ADHD diagnosis by an healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This includes GPs and consultant psychiatrists.

It is important to remember that while it is possible to receive an NHS ADHD assessment, that does not mean that the results will be accepted by all insurers. Certain insurers may not recognize an ADHD diagnosis and might refuse to pay in the event of an accident.

What are the benefits of an ADHD assessment?

ADHD is an illness of the brain that affects the way the brain functions and can cause difficulties in areas such as working memory and planning. This disorder can impact the lives of both children and adults this is why it's so important that people who exhibit symptoms are evaluated by a qualified specialist. An assessment can give you the information you need to comprehend your symptoms and decide on the most appropriate treatment for you.

A specialist can provide a more in-depth diagnostic interview than an online quiz, which is not able to assess all the symptoms a person may have. A thorough interview with an expert in mental health or psychiatrist is necessary to determine the cause of ADHD. If you aren't at ease asking your doctor for recommendations You can also search for specialists who offer private appointments. However, be aware that the cost of private assessments can be significantly more than the NHS cost.

An ADHD assessment can help you find the best treatment for your symptoms and improve your life. Getting the right treatment can make a huge difference to your mood, energy levels and wellbeing. Your doctor can advise you on the most effective way of managing your symptoms, that could include lifestyle changes and medication, or other treatments.

Undiagnosed people can have difficulty with everyday tasks, and may feel like they're failing in their relationships and work. A diagnosis of ADHD can alter that perception and provide the tools and assistance they require to be successful.

The right diagnosis can be crucial for young and children because they make it easier to access medical care through the NHS. The NHS has long waiting times that can be stressful for children and families who need treatment. A private ADHD assessment from Diverse Diagnostics can speed up the process, which means your child or teenager will start to get the help they require sooner.