Why You Should Be Working With This ADHD Assessment UK Private ADHD Assessment in the UK

An ADHD assessment is usually a pretty thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms cause significant impairment, and also rule out other medical conditions, such as thyroid or depression. They may also request old school reports and other supporting evidence.

It is important that the person performing your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This is the case for GP's as well as consultant psychiatrists alike.

Waiting at various times

In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting for years for an appointment with psychiatrists. The condition is recognized as a serious mental disorder that can have an impact on people's daily lives. In certain areas waiting times can be as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation.

The problem is exacerbated by the increasing awareness of the condition and the increasing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to meet demand, and many patients opt to seek treatment from private clinics. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to choose private health providers.

Psychiatry UK is one such service that offers an online ADHD assessment and medications for the NHS. The service has seen a dramatic increase in the number of adults seeking an assessment, and is currently exceeding its capacity. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in dealing with adults, and are better able to comprehend the nuances of ADHD. They are also more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities like anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD.

Many are still concerned about the accuracy of private assessments and the possibility for them to overdiagnose a disease. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics were able to diagnose patients without following the correct procedure. Some have accused the programme of stoking stigma and stereotyping against people who suffer from ADHD.

The BBC should be commended, however, for exposing this issue and highlighting the adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some people have to seek help privately. The NHS should find a way to address this issue. In the meantime, if you suspect you might have ADHD You can try a free screening with an organization, or pay for an assessment from a private psychiatrist. These are typically cheaper than the NHS, but will not provide the prescription for medication.

Second opinion

It is important to seek a diagnosis if you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will assist you in managing your symptoms and also prescribe medication. You could be advised to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. Many private clinics offer diagnosis and the ability to adjust. These clinics are usually very adept with the various types of adults with ADHD which includes men and women. They can also test for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety.


Private ADHD assessments can be costly however they are typically much quicker than NHS waiting times. Typically, you pay for an initial assessment and then be able to schedule follow-up appointments as needed. These appointments will be covered by your insurance plan if you have it. These appointments are conducted by trained nurses who have a particular interest in ADHD and are certified to evaluate it. The initial appointment will usually include clinical interviews and rating scales. You will also be asked to complete questionnaires and you might be referred for additional tests, such as an MRI or EEG.

You should expect to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 in a private clinic for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes the assessment time as well as titration costs. Some private ADHD assessments allow titration apart from diagnosis, and this may be cheaper. Titration process takes longer and requires appointments.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited for three years for an NHS evaluation, before going to a clinic in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a number of cases in which patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD that was later withdrawn. This is a serious issue because it can be extremely stressful for patients to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed and prescribed medications with adverse consequences.

In Scotland the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and covers the initial assessment and titration. The majority of health insurance policies cover these assessments. However, it's worth checking to see whether you are covered.

Referral to a specialist clinic

If your GP suggests an expert clinic, the physician will ask questions and conduct an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they meet the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. They will also check for co-morbidities or other mental health conditions. These include anxiety and depression. The doctor will then discuss possible treatment options with you including medication if needed.

During the test, you will be asked questions about your family background and current problems at home and work. They will also ask about any medications that you're taking. The interview will be structured and you can bring your family member or friend to help you with the information. The assessment will usually require a few sessions to establish an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics offer a comprehensive assessment, and others will only test for specific symptoms.


Panorama's investigation into the inadequate service offered to patients with ADHD in the NHS has brought the issue to the fore. The reporter on the programme was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics, but his GP insisted that he didn't have the condition. The BBC claimed that the report was a case of "over-diagnosis" by private companies. However iampsychiatry.uk are only able to refer patients for further examination or prescribe medications in accordance with strict guidelines.

Many doctors will not sign an agreement to share care with the NHS, which is the only way that they can refer their patient's treatment to the service following the patient has received a private diagnosis. They feel that they are not experts on ADHD or psychiatry. Many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication to their patients, which could make it difficult for patients to receive the treatment they need.

If your GP hasn't recommended you for an ADHD assessment, ask them to do so. You should be able to find out the estimated wait time by calling your local mental health service, or by using the Right To Choose website. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service, which will be offered by the NHS.

Confirmation of diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It helps people better understand themselves and also their family and friends. It also helps them find the right treatment strategy. It is not always simple to determine an accurate diagnosis. In the UK, people have to wait for a long time to receive an NHS assessment. This can be frustrating for many people who want to be diagnosed with ADHD.

If you are unable to wait, it is possible to request an appointment with an experienced specialist psychiatrist. This can save you time and a trip to your GP. It is not an easy process and can take a long time, but it will give you an accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. It is crucial to make sure that the person running the test is a psychologist or psychiatrist because they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK.

A private assessment will likely include a consultation with a psychiatrist. This will include questions about your mental health and childhood history. The doctor will also use rating scales and ask about your current struggles in work, school, and relationships. The doctor will also address other symptoms that could indicate ADHD.

The psychiatrist will then provide a thorough ADHD report to your GP, with your permission. If necessary, they'll prescribe medication. They will also assist you in obtaining other forms of help, like study skills and mentoring. If you are an undergraduate student, they can also help you apply for Disabled Students Allowance.

It is not ideal to cut corners however the NHS is overwhelmed and underfunded. This means that there are some who try to cut the line through online assessments and private clinics that offer short appointments with little or no expertise in clinical practice. These shortcuts should be avoided, however there's no reason why people suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment if they are able to afford it.