Ten ADHD Private Diagnosis Myths That Don't Always Hold ADHD Private Diagnosis

With NHS waiting times at the highest level, many patients are opting for private medical diagnosis. But what is the exact nature of this?

If you decide to receive a private diagnosis, it's worth checking whether your doctor will accept something called a 'Shared Care Agreement' prior to going ahead. This way, you will still receive follow-up treatment through the NHS in the future.

What is an ADHD assessment?

An ADHD assessment is a medical interview with a psychiatrist that specializes in the diagnosis of adult ADHD. It begins with a thorough discussion of the patient's medical history, previous treatments and signs. It also includes a review of any relevant family, social, and work background. Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the cost of an assessment. The recommendations of colleagues and friends is an excellent source. Avoid "speedy" online evaluation websites which are not accepted by most providers and often don't meet the requirements for a valid diagnosis.

The initial evaluation can last for an hour or more. In this time, the doctor will interview the patient and ask about their current issues (as well as when they first began). The doctor will also talk to those who know the patient well like spouse, sibling, or teacher for an adult, and a coach, daycare worker, or a daycare worker who works with children who are young. Checklists can be used to determine the cause of symptoms. This can give a more of a personal view than a questionnaire.

The doctor may also employ a variety of tests to confirm or rule out ADHD. These tests can include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system, executive functioning and achievement tests. The tests range anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and are designed to evaluate the results to those of people without ADHD.

A psychiatric expert will evaluate all information and If ADHD has been diagnosed, will discuss the various treatments available for patients. The treatment method will depend on the severity and duration. This could include medications, CBT, lifestyle changes or both. Some people will require a variety of combinations of dosages and medications before they can find one that works.


If the specialist finds that ADHD is present, he or she will assess whether it is predominantly inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive and will decide if the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. The diagnosis can only be made if at least six traits of either type were present during the last six months.

How long will an ADHD assessment take?

If you're interested in getting an ADHD diagnosis is an excellent idea to talk to your family doctor. They may recommend you to a specialist for evaluation or advise you to seek an independent expert opinion.

Before you go to the appointment, you'll probably be asked to fill out forms and questionnaires. Usually, they will require you to provide examples of symptoms that you experience in different areas of your life. For instance, they may ask you to rate how often you miss important appointments or lose items. They'll also inquire about your family history, your medical history, and your general health.

The consultant psychiatrist will then review the results of your questionnaires and conduct a clinical interview to discuss your symptoms, medical history and your behavior. They'll use the answers to determine if you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis (as described in the DSM V). This will include both looking at the traits of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, as well as assessing your overall functioning.

You'll be asked if have any mental health issues that could cause your symptoms to alter or co-exist with ADHD. Depression or anxiety for instance, may make your ADHD worse.

The therapist will share their thoughts and propose a treatment plan with you after the appointment. If they believe you have ADHD, then they will likely recommend medication or a course of treatment.


If your psychiatrist doesn't think you're suffering from ADHD and you don't, they will explain why and recommend you to your GP to conduct further research. In certain instances it is possible to discuss your treatment options with a counselor or psychologist however this is up to you and will depend on if you feel that the ADHD is having a significant impact on your daily life.

If you reside in England and are a resident of England, you have the legal right to choose where you receive your healthcare for mental illness, including your ADHD assessment. If you do not want to wait for an assessment by your local NHS or in the event that your doctor is not able to refer you, you may self-refer to a Priory Hospital or wellbeing centre. You will receive an assessment six months after requesting it.

What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?

ADHD symptoms can manifest in a variety of situations and settings. They can impact relationships at school, work and family responsibilities as well as friendships. A diagnosis should be based on symptoms that affect at least two of these environments, and result in significant impairment. This can lead to loss of employment, relationship issues and poor performance at college or at school financial issues, impulsive spending, and even legal trouble.

Adults typically seek an evaluation when they are frustrated by their inability stay focused and complete their work or struggle in their relationships due to their difficulties listening. They might have also noticed that they were more susceptible to accidents or impulsive actions, such as reckless driving, avoiding classes or cancelling social plans.

Adults are more difficult to diagnose than children. Adults have fewer symptoms and the disorder may be a part of other mental health problems and medical illnesses. For this reason, an adult suffering from ADHD might require to be assessed by a number of specialists to confirm their diagnosis.

The test will likely consist of an extensive interview and a examination of the patient's medical history as and a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to those exhibited by ADHD. The clinician will use standardized scales to assess and compare the symptoms of the patient. They may also ask the person to fill out questionnaires or take other forms of neuropsychological or psychological testing.

If a psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the patient has ADHD, they will make an official diagnosis and talk about possible treatment options. This could include medication, psychotherapy or other behavioral interventions.

A diagnosis can change your life, particularly in the case of ADHD undiagnosed for years. It can be a great relief to learn that lack of motivation or intelligence was not the reason of their difficulties in school, at work, relationships, and other areas. It can be empowering to learn that the condition can be managed through medication and other treatments.

What happens if adhd assessment private disagree with my diagnosis?

It is crucial to inform your healthcare professional that you're not satisfied with the diagnosis. They're not here to treat you as you're a client, but they should still be subject to National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when it comes to providing treatment.

Private ADHD Clinics: Explicitly exposed by BBC Panorama raised concerns that private companies were pushing vulnerable patients to the door of their clinics using inadequate assessment and prescribing medication without proper research. This alarming trend is growing in popularity as patients are looking for faster, more thorough assessments and treatments to treat their symptoms.

This is a real concern and is caused by the rapidly increasing number of people seeking treatment underfunded NHS mental health services struggling to keep up and changing times that compound the effects of existing conditions. If the government doesn't tackle these issues and provides adequately equipped, financed and trained professionals to provide its services, private healthcare providers will become a more popular choice for those who need quicker access to care.

While it's true that some private practitioners may be shoddy however, there are plenty of high-quality private clinics and individuals that offer thorough assessments and appropriate treatment plans for their patients. A private ADHD assessment and diagnosis in Scotland through Diverse Diagnostics can make a huge difference in someone's life, giving them the tools they need to live their lives to the fullest at home and at work.

The most effective way to manage ADHD symptoms is with an exhaustive evaluation by a qualified physician or consultant, and the right treatment. For many patients, medication can be an essential component of managing symptoms. However, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), or other non-pharmacological approaches are also beneficial.

If you are concerned about the effect ADHD can have on your child If you are concerned about the impact ADHD has on your child, an online private ADHD assessment with Diverse Diagnostics in Aberdeen could be the first steps towards understanding the issue and providing them with the tools they need to excel in school, their professional and personal lives and into adulthood.