How to Find a Private ADHD Assessment in Leicester

The lack of investment in NHS mental healthcare services has led to a demand that is outpacing the supply, resulting in long wait lists for ADHD assessment. This has led people to seek out private clinics that charge for poor assessments and poor follow-up care.

Some private providers follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, while others are not. It's important to do your research before booking an appointment.

What is an ADHD Assessment?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by impulsivity, hyperactivity and a constant lack of attention. It is diagnosed as early as early childhood and can last into adulthood, with some people suffering from symptoms for the rest of their lives. ADHD can impact the home, work as well as relationships and social life.

A specialist psychiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and determine if you have ADHD. The specialist psychiatrist will also consider any other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, like mental health problems or physical illnesses.

NHS referrals to specialist psychiatrists for an assessment of ADHD can be arranged with your GP. Patients must be aware of the "right-to-choose" legislation permits them to self-refer to an assessment at a private psychiatric facility provided they have an approved physician in England.

A thorough assessment of ADHD takes place over two or more appointments. The psychiatrist will take an in-depth medical history and undertake an examination that is structured to assess the patient's mental state.

The doctor will request the patient to inform them about their personal and family history, including any past or current mental health issues. He or she could also speak with family members or friends to learn more about the patient's behavior in different situations (e.g. church, school and scout groups). In some instances, the doctor may use pre-screening questionnaires which can be completed in advance of the appointment.

Additionally, the doctor will conduct tests objectively to evaluate your impulsivity, attention and motor activity. This is an essential element of the diagnostic process. It can be done in the clinic or by post. The doctor will write a report that will be sent to the patient's GP. The doctor will then discuss the report with their patient and determine the treatment plan. This can include behavioral therapy or medication. If the patient decides to be prescribed medication, they can return to his or her GP to obtain ongoing prescriptions. The doctor will be responsible for ensuring the medication is correctly managed and monitored, and must be aware of any adverse effects that might need to be reported.

Who should consider an ADHD Assessment

ADHD is a mental health condition that can affect the way you conduct yourself and interact with others. It can cause issues in many aspects of your life, such as relationships, work and home. However, it is possible to treat the symptoms of ADHD through medications and other treatments. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD, it is important to seek out help from a specialist physician or nurse.

Your GP can refer you for an ADHD assessment however psychiatrists are medically trained doctor who specializes in mental health and is able to provide you with the best treatment. The psychiatrist will take a full psychiatric history and will examine any other illnesses that may be present in addition to or instead of the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will then make an accurate diagnosis of your disorder and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

During private adhd assessment will ask you a lot of questions regarding your behavior and how it has affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history and past health issues. It is crucial to be as honest as possible and to give the most complete picture of your circumstances.

If a psychiatrist suspects that you have ADHD, he or she will recommend a plan of treatment that may include medication and other therapies. The psychiatrist will then provide an extensive report to your GP outlining their recommendations. Based on the policy of your GP they may recommend continuing medication through the NHS under a Shared Care Agreement.

Anecdotal evidence from NHS shows the tension between the desire for long patient waiting times to be cut down and the cost of treating ADHD. This could lead to adolescents with severe comorbidities caused by 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 notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This could make it difficult for some people to be diagnosed, particularly if they're a person of color, a woman or are not native English native English speakers.

How is an ADHD Assessment carried out?

During the assessment, you will talk with an expert who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. This person will ask about your symptoms and experiences with them. They will also seek out other possible explanations for your symptoms. This is important, as it can help to avoid unnecessary treatment or other ailments being identified. It could take a long time to conduct a thorough evaluation, but it will allow your doctor to make a precise diagnosis.

The evaluator will also conduct tests to evaluate your mental health. This could include questionnaires, clinical interviews and brain scans. In some instances the evaluator may suggest that you have more extensive tests done. These additional tests can help to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment for you.

You will be asked if you would like to discuss medications with your psychiatrist as part of your treatment. If you decide to do so, your psychiatrist will ask your GP for a prescription. Your GP will then be accountable for ensuring that your treatment is being monitored and any changes made as necessary.

It is important to remember that some patients seek private examinations to circumvent the gaps or blockages in NHS services (see figure 1). Consensus participants reported issues with some private healthcare services profiting from the plight of patients who are waiting for a prompt response from their NHS service. In addition, some private ADHD diagnostic reports fail to sufficiently demonstrate that the guidelines for clinical care were adhered to, which could be a problem for patients who want to return to NHS care.

In certain cases a diagnosis of ADHD may uncover other health issues such as anxiety or depression. Your psychiatrist will discuss these health issues with you, and suggest treatment as needed.

Adults with ADHD are treated with medication, lifestyle modifications and therapy. Psychologists, psychiatrists, or social professionals are typically the ones who prescribe medication. Check your insurance policy to see whether these treatments are covered by your policy.

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

What is the cost of an ADHD Assessment?

The cost of an ADHD assessment is contingent on the person performing the test, whether neuropsychological testing is part of the process as well as if other tests are ordered. The most common method to cover the cost of an ADHD assessment is through insurance coverage. You can find out whether your insurance will cover the cost of an assessment in different ways. Contact the insurance company prior to scheduling any appointments or making any appointments. The insurance company may also be in a position to provide you with an inventory of the companies that will accept your insurance coverage.

Private healthcare providers are often the only option for people who are not able to access NHS services. They can provide an ADHD diagnosis and assessment. They vary in cost but generally provide assessments at a faster rate than the NHS. They can also offer comprehensive ADHD diagnostic reports.

Unfortunately, a large portion of those seeking help for ADHD in the UK are not able to access an assessment or treatment through the NHS, due to long waiting times. BBC News FOI requests revealed that NHS Trusts in the United Kingdom have adult ADHD waiting lists that could last for up to five years. This is mostly due to the lack of sufficient funding and the reluctance of certain services to increase their budgets to meet the demand.

Some people who cannot wait for an NHS diagnosis, turn to online self-referral websites, where they can pay a one-off fee and receive a diagnosis in minutes. However, these websites should be approached with caution. They are not always regulated and may not be following the best practices in clinical practice. In addition, the quality of the online services can be questioned, and they may not be able to offer appropriate medical or counseling services for those diagnosed.


There is a growing fear that people are being "over diagnosed as having ADHD, it is clear that many who have the condition aren't receiving the proper care and support from the NHS. There is a need for further investment in mental health services as well as better coordination between state-funded services to ensure that adults with ADHD are properly referred.