5 Laws That Anyone Working In Private Assessments For ADHD Should Be Aware Of The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under Questioning

A BBC Panorama investigation has recently exposed the poor quality of private clinic ADHD assessment under scrutiny. The investigation revealed that an undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three different private clinics however, he been given a more thorough face-toface NHS examination that concluded it was not the condition.

Many patients are forced, however they are required to seek a private diagnosis and treatment due to the lengthy NHS waiting list. But how do private assessments work?

What is a Private Assessment?

A private ADHD assessment is a thorough procedure that begins with a clinical interview, which can be conducted in person, over the phone or via video link. The psychiatrist or psychologist who will be conducting the assessment will take an extensive medical history and may also conduct additional tests like neuropsychological tests to gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses as well as any comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from.

During the examination the doctor will discuss the impact the symptoms you are experiencing have on your life and work on finding the most effective form of treatment for you. This could include medication or CBT therapy, but every person is different so it's important to find the best fit for you.

Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists and other professionals are experts in the assessment of adults with ADHD. Our clinics have been accredited by NHS England's 'Right to Choose' legislation which allows you to legally to access professional mental health services outside of your general practitioner. This is a huge benefit due to the fact that the NHS can have very long waiting times.

Untreated ADHD can cause major problems both in the personal and professional lives of many people. This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem as well as their overall wellbeing. Untreated ADHD can cause anxiety or depression. We believe that an individual ADHD assessment for adults can be extremely beneficial. It will help you find the answers you need and the most effective solution.

If you are diagnosed after receiving a diagnosis, you can visit your GP for what is known as a "shared care agreement". The psychiatrist or psychologist who diagnosed you will write to your GP with a form for you to sign that states that you will be returning to their care. You will then be able to return to your GP for follow-up appointments and ongoing treatment.

It's important to remember that only a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD and only they can prescribe medication for it. Other mental health professionals, such as psychologists are able to assess ADHD however they are not able to prescribe medications.

Benefits of a private assessment

Many who are seeking a private ADHD assessment do so because they are fed up of waiting years on an NHS referral to get diagnosed. This can be especially frustrating for those who are adults who have witnessed how untreated ADHD can affect their work and relationships, as well as their financial security.

Private assessments can often be shorter than NHS ones, and can be completed at a time that is convenient for the patient. Some clinics also offer flexible payment plans or accept insurance as a means of payment. Private assessments can vary in price from one provider to another, so be sure to look around to find the one that best meets your needs.

A psychologist or psychiatrist will conduct a private ADHD assessment, as they are the only healthcare professional competent to diagnose ADHD. These professionals are skilled in observing, interviewing and administering psychometric tests that look for signs of ADHD. The assessment process will include questionnaires to determine whether you show enough signs of ADHD, observations at school and home (if appropriate), an in-depth psychological assessment and discussion of your family medical history.

Psychologists are also able identify comorbid conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can have a significant effect on a person's health and decrease the necessity for GPs prescribing other medication.

Once a diagnosis has been established, the physician will suggest treatment options and suggest ways to manage the symptoms, which could include education, support at workplace or at home exercise, diet, and lifestyle modifications. If medication is prescribed, a shared care agreement may be required between the GPs and patients.

Untreated ADHD can cause serious and long-lasting issues, such as criminal activity, substance abuse, and even a decline in life duration. The impact of untreated ADHD can be similar to that of untreated Type 2 diabetes in middle age. Therefore, it is vital that patients are given the assistance and support they need.

What to Expect during the Private Assessment

If you suspect that you may have ADHD or think your child is suffering from it, scheduling an evaluation can feel overwhelming. Once you've scheduled an appointment you'll be able to relax.

It is crucial to select the right specialist who has been trained in conducting an ADHD assessment. They are medical professionals. Usually, they are psychiatrists or psychologists. They will examine your medical history, symptoms, and perform a medical examination. They will also ask you to complete one or more of the standard behavior rating scales which are based on research that compares the behavior of people with and without ADHD.

The results of these ratings will be discussed with you during the time of your consultation. Based on the results of your assessment you could receive an diagnosis of ADHD or a related issue such as depression, anxiety, learning disabilities or alcohol and drug addiction or other mental health issues. If you're diagnosed with ADHD then you and your doctor will discuss options for treatment. In general it is recommended that a medication regime be combined with specialist coaching. This approach has been proven to be the most effective approach to controlling symptoms for clients with ADHD.

When choosing a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct your evaluation request suggestions from other patients or healthcare professionals you trust. Examine the professional's accreditation, academic credentials and experience in treating adults with ADHD.

Your appointment will be scheduled and confirmed once you have completed the pre-screening questionnaires. Once you have booked an appointment the forms will be on your portal dashboard. They must be submitted to your doctor on a specified date. They are vital to the appointment as your doctor will not be able to meet you until the forms have been approved and reviewed.

When you are taking your test it is crucial that you are completely honest with the psychiatrist or psychologist who is conducting the. This will allow them to identify the problem and determine the best treatment options. It is essential to discuss your symptoms and how they impact on your life. You might want to inform the practitioner if you have difficulty keeping track of finances or performing tasks at home or work.

What to Expect Following private adhd assessment adults ?

A private assessment begins with a clinical interview focusing on medical history and symptoms. During this time it is crucial that the person being assessed be open and honest and not reserving information because of guilt or fear of criticism. The accuracy of the information will determine the quality of evaluation and treatment recommendations.

It is also common for the psychiatrist to ask the patient to complete an online questionnaire. index is intended to help the doctor identify and assess the severity of adult ADHD, including impulsivity and inattention. The psychiatrist will also inquire about the impact the symptoms have had on the individual's life, and will usually talk about the person's personal relationships as well.

In a lot of private examinations, a family member or a friend can be included as collateral information. This is because the psychiatrist would like to know whether the person's symptoms affect them at home or in high-stress workplace situations. It is difficult to determine the extent of these effects when a patient is not with a psychiatrist. This is why someone who knows them very well is a great source of feedback.

Certain professionals may employ additional tools, for example, a cognitive test or neuropsychological test, when conducting an evaluation. These tests can provide an extensive picture of the person's strengths and weaknesses and help the doctor find any comorbidities that could be contributing to their symptoms.


Report writing is usually the final phase of an evaluation. The report will include a diagnosis and, if necessary the treatment plan. The report will also contain recommendations for how to manage ADHD symptoms and improve functioning at school, work and home.

If you suspect you or your child could be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, a private assessment is a good option. The NHS can identify ADHD however the wait time is lengthy. Private assessments are more efficient and you can select your own specialist. This makes the process less stressful.