ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Find a Private Clinic
If they suspect someone may be suffering from ADHD they may refer them to private ADHD testing services. This process can be frustrating and long. It is important to choose a psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD.
The NHS guidelines of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland guarantee adults with ADHD a right to a diagnosis and treatment. Some patients don't receive the treatment they need.
We accept referrals from GPs
ADHD is a challenging condition to manage. A diagnosis can aid in managing the symptoms. Many adults with ADHD are unable to obtain a diagnosis or treatment through the NHS. Many people are forced to pay for their medications privately and have private assessments due to the lack of services. Some are even taking out loans to pay for their treatments and assessments. This is an enormous waste of money and can cause a lot of stress for the patient.
The best way of diagnosing ADHD is to talk with a psychiatrist who has extensive experience in the field. This process will consider your family history as well as your current symptoms and how you personally struggle with the disorder. It will also include tests that are designed to assess your ADHD symptoms, such as standard testing for children, modified for adults, such as the ADOS or Conners adult ADHD rating scales. It will also include a semi-structured meeting with the psychologist, as well as questionnaires and diaries. In certain cases the psychiatrist might request to see older reports.
GPs may refer patients to specialists for ADHD assessment, but it is important to verify their qualifications prior to making an appointment. Some psychiatrists have only experience treating children and might not be able to evaluate adults suffering from the condition. It is also a good idea to determine what kind of medication the psychiatrist prescribes and if they have particular interest in this field.
If you request an appointment for a private ADHD assessment you can expect to meet with a psychiatrist expert and to complete a variety of psychological tests. These tests are similar to ones that are used in the NHS, but can be customized to fit adults suffering from ADHD. They will be looking for the specific traits (symptoms) of ADHD like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is beneficial to prepare for your assessment by educating yourself on the various traits, so that you can think of examples of how they impact you in everyday life.
Depending on where you live in England or elsewhere, you have a legal right choose your mental health care provider. You can pick an office with a shorter waiting time for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to make an appointment at your local NHS trust, try downloading the ADHD UK Support Letter and presenting it to an GP.
We are located in Belfast

Our experienced doctors take the time to know your symptoms and their impact on your daily routine. We will then go over the treatment options available. These may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication. We will also give you guidance on your plan of action, whether you choose to go private or return to NHS treatment. You will be treated by a clinical psychologist who is fully trained and has advanced training in ADHD as well as other mental health conditions. They are committed to providing a high-quality level of treatment.
A BBC investigation found that patients are prescribed powerful drugs and told to have ADHD after unreliable online assessments. Three private clinics identified the undercover reporter using a video call, but an in-depth NHS evaluation showed that he didn't have ADHD. adult adhd private assessment as Harley Psychiatrists or ADHD Direct claim to conduct thorough assessments in accordance with the national guidelines. Panorama saw a letter from one of the clinics asking a patient to delete negative online reviews.
The Northern Trust said it has witnessed an increase in referrals from adults who suspect they have ADHD. However, the wait for a diagnosis could be years. According to a trust assembly response, it could take "several" years for the first diagnosis of a patient. In the meantime, many people turn to private clinics for diagnoses.
An ADHD diagnosis can have a huge impact on a person's daily life. It can cause problems in the workplace, at school, or at home, and cause feelings of depression and anxiety. It can also make maintaining a relationship difficult. It can also be challenging for people suffering from ADHD, to find a job or to find housing.
Many adults with ADHD don't know they have it, and a few are being referred to psychiatrists because their children have been diagnosed with it. It is crucial for parents to recognise the signs and seek guidance from a medical professional. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may be eligible for Disabled Student Allowance. However, they must first have an official medical diagnosis from an GP.
We offer a variety of treatments
Adult ADHD is now an increasingly common disorder and many adults are living with it, but not being diagnosed. This can adversely affect their relationships, careers and even their jobs. It can also lead to health problems such as anxiety and depression. private adhd assessment cost who suffer from ADHD need to be diagnosed in order to receive the treatment they require. The good news is that there are a variety of treatment options available to adults with ADHD, including treatment with medication and psychological therapy.
BBC Panorama's recent investigation has shown that ADHD services aren't being provided in a timely manner. The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that a journalist was incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD and that NHS assessments are often not thorough. The journalist was not receiving support for his ADHD symptoms. This could have impacted his studies and career prospects.
The NHS is struggling with the demand for ADHD services. However the quality of the assessment and the services differs from region. In some areas, adults are waiting years to be tested for ADHD. In England, the NHS recently launched a 'Right to Choose" process that allows patients to choose their mental health provider and also to see a psychiatrist with ADHD expertise. This is a faster route to the ADHD diagnosis, and it can help people avoid frustration and time.
In Northern Ireland, a number of health boards and NHS trusts have said that they struggle to provide ADHD services for adults. A Freedom of Information request by ADHD UK to the NI trusts for social and health care found that adults were waiting for more than 4 years to schedule an appointment with an expert. This is a huge delay compared to the average waiting time of less than two years in Wales, three and three and a half years in England and more than a year in Scotland.
If you're referred by a private clinic to conduct an ADHD assessment They will be able to tell you if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD or if another condition better explains your difficulties. They may also recommend alternative treatments. If they do not diagnose ADHD they will provide the reasons behind their decision. They should provide you with an original copy, which could be sent to your GP.
We are committed to providing excellent service
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, but it can be diagnosed in a precise way. A comprehensive assessment will include a discussion of the symptoms, a review of mental history, as well as information given by people who know the patient. Without a thorough examination it's impossible to make a safe decision about prescribing medication. This is why it's crucial to find a private clinic that provides an excellent service.
A charity stated that many adults who believe they have undiagnosed ADHD must pay for private assessments because of a lack of NHS resources. BBC News NI reported that the Northern Trust is unable accept new referrals for adult ADHD assessments due to the increase in demand. The trust has said it will start a local service in April to work with those who were previously referred.
The procedure will consist of an in-depth assessment of the patient's previous and current issues, as well as an interview with both them and their families. The service will also inquire about the patient's behavior and activities. The psychiatrist will use the DIVA semistructured interview, as well as school reports to determine if the signs are similar to an ADHD diagnosis.
The service will then issue an written report that will be provided to the GP. The report can be used to support an application for Disability Living Allowance or to prove ADHD to a student in order to apply for Disabled Students Allowance. The report will also include treatment options. The patient can then discuss the report with their GP to come up with a plan of treatment. The GP will then arrange for a specialist to prescribe the medication.