ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Find a Private Clinic
Doctors can refer patients to private ADHD assessment services if they suspect they may be suffering from the condition. This process can be a bit frustrating and time-consuming. It is crucial to select a psychiatrist with experience in treating ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland guarantee adults with ADHD the right to diagnosis and treatment. But some patients do not receive the assistance they require.
We accept referrals from GPs

ADHD can be a difficult condition to manage, and getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial to addressing the symptoms. Many adults with ADHD struggle to get an assessment or treatment from the NHS. A lack of services and long waiting times are forcing many to seek out private assessments and pay for medications privately. Some patients are taking out loans to cover the costs of their assessments as well as treatment. This is a huge waste of money and can cause a lot of anxiety for the patient.
The most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is to conduct a thorough assessment and consultation with a specialized psychiatrist. This assessment will take into account your family history as well as your current symptoms, and how you personally struggle with the disorder. The tests will include standardised tests for children and adult versions, like ADOS or Conners adult ADHD ratings scales. It will also include a semi-structured interview with the psychologist and questionnaires and diaries. In some cases psychiatrists may request old school reports.
GPs may refer patients to specialist ADHD assessment However, it is essential to verify their qualifications prior to scheduling an appointment. Some psychiatrists have only dealt with children and are not able assess adults with ADHD. It's also a good idea to determine what kind of medications they prescribe, and whether they have particular areas of interest.
If you request a private ADHD evaluation, you can expect to meet with a psychiatrist consultant and also to complete a variety of psychological tests. These tests are similar in nature to the tests used by the NHS but are able to be customized for adults with ADHD. They will examine the specific signs (traits) of ADHD such as hyperactivity inattention, inattention and inattention. You can prepare for the test by researching the different traits to understand how they impact you.
Depending on where you reside in England or elsewhere, you have a legal right to select your mental health care provider. You can select an office with a shorter waiting time for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to schedule 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 expert clinicians will take the time to understand your symptoms and the impact that they have on your day-to-day life. We will then discuss the treatment options. These may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication. We will also advise on an aftercare plan, whether you decide to go for private treatment or return to NHS care. You will be consulted by a highly certified clinical psychologist who has completed advanced training in ADHD and related mental health issues. They are committed to providing exceptional services.
Patients are being offered powerful drugs and told they suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) due to unreliable online assessments, a BBC investigation has revealed. The undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD by three private clinics via video calls, but an additional NHS examination revealed he didn't have the condition. Private clinics such as Harley Psychiatrists or ADHD Direct claim to provide comprehensive assessments that are in line with the guidelines of the national government. Panorama saw an email from one the clinics asking patients to take down negative online reviews.
The Northern Trust has reported an increase in the number of adults who believe they have ADHD. However, waiting for a diagnosis can take years. A trust assembly answer said it could be "several years" for patients to receive their first evaluation. In the meantime, many patients seek out private clinics for diagnoses.
An ADHD diagnosis can have a profound impact on a person's life. It can cause problems at work, school or at home and cause depression and anxiety. It can also make it difficult to maintain relationships. It can also be difficult for those with ADHD, to find a job or to find housing.
Many adults with ADHD aren't aware that they have it, and some are being referred to psychiatrists because their children have been diagnosed with it. Parents should be aware of symptoms and seek advice from a doctor. Certain adults suffering from ADHD could be eligible for the Disabled Student Allowance. However they must first get an official medical diagnosis from an GP.
We offer a variety treatments
Adult ADHD is a condition that is becoming more prevalent and many adults live with it without being diagnosed. This can have a negative impact on their relationships, careers and even their job. It can also trigger health issues, like anxiety and depression. Adults with ADHD must be diagnosed in order to receive the treatment they need. The good news is that there are a variety of treatment options for adults with ADHD which include medication and psychological therapy.
BBC Panorama's recent investigation has shown that ADHD services aren't being provided well. The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that a journalist had been incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD and that NHS assessments are not always thorough. The journalist did not have the benefit of receiving treatment for his ADHD symptoms. This could have impacted his career and studies.
The NHS is struggling to cope with demand for ADHD services however the quality of assessment and service is not the same across different regions. In some regions, adults have to are waiting for years to be assessed for ADHD. The NHS has recently introduced the 'Right to Choose option in England, which gives people the option to choose their mental healthcare provider and to see psychiatrists who specialize in ADHD. This is a quicker method to receive the ADHD diagnosis and could help people avoid frustration and time.
In Northern Ireland, a number of health boards and NHS trusts have stated that they are struggling to provide ADHD services to adults. ADHD UK sent a Freedom of Information request to the NI Health and Social Care Trusts. The request revealed that adults had been waiting for more than four years to see a specialist. This is a huge delay in comparison to the average waiting time of two years or less in Wales three and a half years in England, and more than one year in Scotland.
If you're referred to an individual clinic to conduct an ADHD assessment They will be able to tell whether you are eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD or if another disorder better explains your difficulties. They may also suggest solutions. If they do not offer you an assessment of ADHD, they will explain the reasons. They should also provide you with an official copy of the report, which can be delivered to your GP.
We are committed to providing exceptional service
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, but it can be diagnosed in a precise manner. A thorough assessment should include discussion of the symptoms of the patient, a comprehensive review of the patient's mental health history and consideration of information supplied by people who know them. Without adhd assessment private cost , it is not possible to prescribe medication safely. It is crucial to select an accredited private clinic that offers an excellent service.
A charity said that many adults who suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD are required to pay for private assessments due to a shortage of NHS resources. BBC News NI reported that the Northern Trust is unable accept new referrals to adult ADHD assessments because of the increasing demand. The trust has promised to begin a local service by April to work with those who were previously been referred.
The procedure will consist of a thorough evaluation of the patient's previous and current issues, as well as an interview with them and their families. The service will also ask about the patient's behavior and activities. The psychiatrist will conduct an DIVA semi-structured interview and consider school reports to determine whether the symptoms fit the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis.
The service will provide a written diagnosis that will be sent to your GP. The report can be used to back a claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or to prove that a student has ADHD in order to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance. The report will also include treatment options. The patient will then be able discuss these recommendations with their GP and choose the treatment plan. The GP will then arrange for an expert to prescribe the medication.