ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Find a Private Clinic
If they suspect a patient may have ADHD they can refer them to private ADHD testing services. However the procedure can be lengthy and difficult. It is essential to find a psychiatrist with expertise in treating ADHD.
NHS guidelines in England, Wales and Northern Ireland offer a right to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD. Some patients don't receive the treatment they require.
We accept referrals from GPs
ADHD is a challenging condition to manage, and getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial in managing the symptoms. However, many adults with ADHD find it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or treatment from the NHS. Many are forced pay for their medication privately and get private assessments due to the deficiency of services. Some are even taking out loans to cover their medical assessments and treatments. This is a huge waste of money and can create a lot of anxiety for the patient.
The best method to diagnose ADHD is to talk with an experienced psychiatrist with years of experience in the field. This process will take into consideration your family history, current symptoms and your personal struggles with the disorder. The tests will consist of standard tests for children and adult versions, such as ADOS or Conners adult ADHD ratings scales. It will also include a semi-structured meeting with the psychologist, as well as questionnaires and diaries. In some instances psychiatrists may request old school reports.
Before scheduling an appointment, it is important to confirm that the doctor has experience with ADHD. Some psychiatrists are only experienced in treating children, and may not be able of assessing adults with the condition. You should also ask the psychiatrist about the medication they prescribe and if they have a special interest in this field.
When you book a private ADHD assessment you can expect to meet with a consultant psychiatrist and take a variety of psychological tests. These tests are similar to the ones used in the NHS but are tailored to suit adults with ADHD. They will examine the specific symptoms (traits) of ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. It is helpful to prepare for your assessment by educating yourself on the various traits, so that you can think about examples of how they impact you in everyday life.
Depending on where you live in England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health care provider. You can choose one with a minimal waiting time for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable make an appointment with your local NHS trust, try downloading the ADHD UK Support Letter and taking it to an GP.
We are based in Belfast
Our experienced clinicians take the time to fully understand your symptoms and their impact on your daily routine. We will then discuss the treatment options available. This could include medication and cognitive therapy for behavioral problems. We will also advise on the best follow-up plan, regardless of whether you decide to go for private treatment or return to NHS treatment. You will be treated by a psychologist who is certified and has advanced training in ADHD and other mental health issues. They are committed to providing the best services.
Patients are being offered powerful medications and told that they suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after an online assessment that is not reliable an BBC investigation has found. Three private clinics diagnosed the undercover reporter through a video call, but an in-depth NHS assessment showed that he didn't have ADHD. Private clinics such as Harley Psychiatrists or ADHD Direct claim to carry out thorough assessments in accordance with the guidelines of the national government. Panorama saw an email from one the clinics requesting a patient to remove negative online reviews.
The Northern Trust has reported an increase in referrals from adults who believe they have ADHD. But the wait for a diagnosis can be years. A trust assembly response said it could be "several years" for patients to receive their first evaluation. Many patients are seeking private clinics in the interim for diagnosis.

An ADHD diagnosis can have a profound impact on a person's daily life. It can cause issues in the workplace, at school, or at home and lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. It can also make it difficult to maintain relationships. It can also be challenging for people with ADHD, to find a job or to find housing.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not know that they have it, and a few are being referred to psychiatrists due to the fact that their children have been diagnosed with it. It is important for parents to recognise the signs and seek advice from a medical professional. Some adults with ADHD are eligible for Disabled Students Allowance, but they need a medical diagnosis from an GP before they are eligible to apply for this.
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 negatively impact their careers, relationships, and even their jobs. It can also lead to health issues such as depression and anxiety. Adults suffering from ADHD must be diagnosed in order to receive the treatment they need. There are a variety of treatments available to adults with ADHD. These include medication and psychotherapy.
However, the quality of ADHD services is not adequate and this was highlighted by the recent BBC Panorama investigation. The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that a journalist was misdiagnosed and that NHS assessments aren't always thorough. This resulted in the journalist not receiving support for his ADHD symptoms that could have had a negative impact on his academics and career prospects.
adhd private assessment is unable to cope with the demand for ADHD services, but the quality of assessment and the service is not the same across different regions. In certain areas, adults are waiting years to be assessed for ADHD. The NHS has recently introduced the new "Right to choose path in England that gives people the choice of choosing their mental healthcare team and to be seen by a psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD. This is a quicker way to get an ADHD diagnosis and could save time and frustration.
In Northern Ireland, a number of health boards and NHS trusts have stated that they are struggling 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 a specialist. This is a significant delay in comparison to the average waiting time of two years or less in Wales, three and three and a half years in England and more than a year in Scotland.
If you're referred by an individual clinic for an ADHD assessment, they will be able tell you if you meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD or if another disorder better explains your difficulties. They may also recommend treatments. If they do not provide you with an assessment of ADHD, they will explain the reason. 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 multi-faceted neurodevelopmental disorder, but it can be diagnosed in a clear way. A thorough assessment should include discussion of the symptoms of the patient, a thorough examination of their mental health history and consideration of information provided by those who are familiar with them. Without a thorough assessment, it is not possible to safely prescribe medication. It is essential to select an accredited private clinic that offers an excellent service.
Many adults who believe they are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD are being forced to pay for private tests due to a lack of NHS services, a charity has said. The Northern Trust told BBC News NI that the demand for assessments has risen to the point that it is not able to accept new referrals for adult ADHD tests. The trust has said it will begin a local service by April to engage with those who were previously been referred.
The service will involve an exhaustive analysis of the patient's history and current difficulties, as well as an interview with them and their family members. The service will also ask about the patient's behavior and activities. The psychiatrist will conduct the DIVA semi-structured interview and look at school reports to determine whether the symptoms fit the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis.
The service will give a written diagnosis that will be sent to your GP. The report can be used to support an application for Disability Living Allowance or to demonstrate ADHD to a student in order to apply to Disabled Students Allowance. The report will also provide recommendations for treatment options. The patient is then able to discuss the report with their GP to come up with the best treatment plan. The GP will then arrange for an expert to prescribe the medication.