Private ADHD Clinics Exposed

Many people with ADHD are prone to serious personal and professional issues because of their uncontrolled symptoms. These can include poor work performance and relationships as well as depression and anxiety.

Private assessments must adhere to Nice guidelines. They are only performed by UK licensed psychiatrists or ADHD nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professionals". Each private assessment provider has a different policy regarding GP letters of referral.

What is ADHD?

People with ADHD are unable to remain still, paying attention and following instructions. They might fumble, talk too much or be constantly interrupting others. Their issues can manifest in their relationships, work and in their general functioning. But there are also strengths for those suffering from neurodivergent conditions: they can be imaginative and creative, and bring energy and new ideas to their social or work lives.

These challenges are frequently evident in the classroom where students have to be able to sit and focus. They won't be able to do that if they're running around the classroom or tuning out while their teacher is talking. This can result in poor performance, conflict with parents and teachers and a struggle to keep up with school.

ADHD is diagnosed by a psychiatric provider who examines the symptoms of the patient and caregivers, responds to questionnaires and rating scales and conducts medical history and a physical examination. A psychiatric examination can include mental health diagnoses such as depression or anxiety, and information about the child's education and family history, as well as their the child's upbringing.

When a person has inattentive ADHD, they only have trouble with the inattentive symptoms and may not be as easily identified as someone with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Previously, this was called attention deficit disorder (ADHD). Children with inattentive symptoms are less disruptive in school but struggle to stay focused and organize their work. They could make a few erroneous mistakes at home or have trouble remembering important conversations or events.

The most common type of ADHD is combined type, which means the person displays at least six of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. This is the kind of ADHD that people usually imagine when they think of someone suffering from ADHD.

It's not clear why boys and children assigned male at birth are more than twice as likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis as girls and children assigned female at birth, but it may be because they have more of the hallmark hyperactive-impulsive symptoms that are easier to see and identify. This disparity highlights the need to discuss with your doctor any concerns you have about children regardless of gender or sexuality to determine whether their symptoms are typical for their age and determine if there's a need to consider treatment.

Why do I need an evaluation of my medical condition?

There is an increasing concern that people are being diagnosed too often with ADHD/ADD. This is due to the lack of funds for NHS mental health services and logjammed waiting lists for assessments. This has led to a lot of patients seeking private assessment and diagnosis services. Some of these private practitioners are now in the news because they are selling false diagnoses. This has led to the BBC airing a documentary called Private ADHD Clinics Exposed.

The documentary exposed the poor practice within a handful of private ADHD assessment companies, but the problem is more complex than this. It is important that anyone who is concerned about their treatment seeks advice from a healthcare professional that is specialized in their field of expertise. This could be a psychiatrist, GP, or another healthcare professional. This will ensure that the healthcare professional is adhering to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the assessment and treatment of ADHD.


It is essential that in addition to adhering strictly to NICE guidelines and addressing ADHD symptoms, the healthcare professional has years of experience and expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This is why it is crucial to select a healthcare provider who provides a thorough ADHD assessment. This will include a conversation with the client to discuss their issues and how they have affected them as well as review of their mental history and assessment of other people who know them well.

After the evaluation, the clinician can confirm or reject the diagnosis of ADHD. They will also discuss the best method to proceed, which includes medication options. They will also discuss any other mental issues the client may be suffering from, as well as their family history of mental illness.

It is also important to remember that if your doctor is of the opinion that you suffer from ADHD and they are able to issue you a prescription for stimulant medication. This is legally required under current UK laws. Certain private assessment providers might require a GP referral, whereas others do not. You should always inquire with the company you are considering to learn about their policies prior to making a booking.

How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?

It can be intimidating and difficult to be given an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to remember that a diagnosis could help. It can help you understand why you struggle with certain skills like concentration, listening attentively, following instructions and organisation, things that come naturally to other people.

With the right support with the right support, you can conquer ADHD. In addition to medication, a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can help you overcome the challenges that come with ADHD. Adults with ADHD are typically identified by problems with impulsivity, concentration, and poor time management. These issues can cause low self-esteem, difficulty in forming relationships and even problems at school or work.

Adult ADHD can be difficult to identify because of the fact that it has symptoms that overlap with other mental health issues. Women and people of color may also have a harder in obtaining a diagnosis due to sexism and racism. This is because doctors may not be able to take the symptoms seriously or assume they don't have ADHD.

A private ADHD assessment is very like a standard assessment of psychiatric disorders however, it will involve more specific discussions and a thorough discussion of your symptoms in different situations and over time. You will be asked to assess your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily functioning. The evaluation includes a physical examination and blood tests to identify any other medical causes for your symptoms.

Priory will call your GP to set up an appointment with psychiatrist. We'll ask you to complete an array of screening questions and provide any other supporting documents you may have. These questions are designed to determine whether you have enough evidence of ADHD to allow us to conduct the evaluation.

When answering these questions, it's important to be honest and explain your feelings in detail. This will help us decide the best treatment options for you. After you've completed the ADHD assessment we will review your findings with you and recommend a suitable treatment strategy.

What happens after the assessment is completed?

If your GP feels that you may have ADHD They will refer you to a mental health professional typically a psychologist for an assessment. The GP cannot diagnose ADHD but they can explain your symptoms, and inquire about your family's mental history, and comorbidities. It is often helpful to bring your partner or a close friend along with you. The assessment is a conversation between the specialist and you, and it can take between 45 and 90 minutes. The examination will include a checklist of symptoms and questions regarding your symptoms in various situations and at different times throughout the day.

If the doctor conducting the assessment believes that you might have ADHD If he or she believes that you may have ADHD, they will discuss with you the possible medications available. They will also discuss any health issues you might have. private adult adhd assessment will also look at the way your symptoms affect your professional, social and in general. They will discuss with you whether they believe you'd benefit from treatment or if you'd prefer to consult your GP to discuss your management.

You may not feel comfortable discussing certain details with your doctor. This includes information about previous experiences that may be triggering for you to discuss. You can leave a question blank or avoid answering it if you feel uncomfortable. It's worth noting that there are a few private insurance companies that do not cover the cost of ADHD assessments and medication even if they're diagnosed as having ADHD. If you are insured by one of these insurance companies, you will need to verify that it covers an ADHD assessment and treatment prior to taking the next step.

Depending on the price of your personal diagnosis, a psychiatrist might offer you a plan of treatment or suggest you see your GP for re-discussion. If you choose to have a treatment plan, your doctor will likely want to titrate your medication so that you are taking the correct dosage before prescribing it.