The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under Questioning
A BBC Panorama investigation has recently exposed the poor quality of private clinic ADHD assessment under scrutiny. The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that an undercover journalist was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics despite having a more thorough NHS examination that concluded that he did not suffer from the condition.

Many patients are forced, however they are required to seek a private diagnosis and treatment due to the lengthy NHS waiting list. What are private assessments, though?
What is a Private Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a comprehensive process that begins with a medical interview, whether in person, over the phone or via video link. The psychiatrist or psychologist who is conducting the assessment will collect an extensive medical history, and may also use additional tests such as neuropsychological tests to gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses as well as any comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from.
During the assessment, your clinician will discuss the impact that your symptoms have on your life and will work towards finding the most effective form of treatment for you. It could be CBT or medication, but it's essential to determine which is the most effective for you.
We have an experienced team of psychologists and psychiatrists who are experts in the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD. Our clinics are accredited by NHS England's"Right to Choose" legislation, which gives you the right to access specialist mental healthcare outside of your doctor. This is an advantage, as the NHS is often slow.
Many people suffering from untreated ADHD have serious issues with their professional and personal lives, and this can have a huge impact on self-esteem and overall wellbeing. Untreated ADHD can lead to anxiety or depression. This is the reason we believe that an adult-only ADHD assessment is so important and can assist you in obtaining the answers you need earlier, and help you find the most effective solution for you.
Once you have had diagnosed, you can return to your GP under what's known as a shared care agreement. The psychiatrist or psychologist that diagnosed you will send paperwork to your GP to sign stating you are returning to his care. You are able to return to your GP and continue your treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that only a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD, and only they can prescribe medication for it. Other mental health professionals like psychologists are able to assess ADHD but they are unable to prescribe medication.
Benefits of private assessments
Many who want an individual ADHD assessment do so because they are fed up with waiting years on an NHS diagnosis. This can be especially frustrating for adults who have seen the damage untreated ADHD causes to their professional life as well as relationships and financial security.
Private assessments are often much shorter in duration than NHS ones and can be conducted at a time that is convenient for the patient. Some clinics accept insurance or offer flexible payment plans. Private assessments can vary in price from one provider to another, so it is important to shop around to find the one that best meets your needs.
A private ADHD assessment will usually be conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist, as they are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They are trained to observe, interview and administer psychometric tests which evaluate ADHD symptoms. The assessment process consists of questionnaires to determine whether you have enough symptoms of ADHD, observations in school and at home (if appropriate) as well as a psychological evaluation with a thorough discussion of your family's mental health history.
Psychologists can also identify comorbid conditions that can co-exist with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Being able to identify these conditions and treated can bring significant benefits to a person's well-being and can decrease the requirement for GPs to prescribe additional medication.
Once a diagnosis is made, the clinician will then recommend treatment options and suggest ways to manage symptoms, including education as well as support at home or at the workplace, exercise, diet and lifestyle changes. A shared care agreement between a GP and patient could also be required, if medication is prescribed.
Untreated ADHD can lead to serious and lasting problems, such as criminal activity, substance abuse, and even a decrease in life expectancy. The consequences of untreated ADHD could be similar to the effects of untreated Type 2 diabetes in middle age. Therefore, it is crucial that patients are given the support and assistance they require.
What to Expect When you take a private assessment
Scheduling an appointment for a medical evaluation for your child or yourself can be stressful. Once you've scheduled an appointment you can breathe easy.
It is essential to select a specialist who is trained in conducting an ADHD assessment. They are medical professionals, generally psychiatrists or psychologists. They will look over your history, symptoms and perform a medical examination. You will be asked to complete one or several standardized behavior ratings based on research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD and those who don't.
These ratings will be discussed at your appointment. Depending on the outcome of your assessment you could receive an diagnosis of ADHD or a different problem such as anxiety, depression or learning disabilities, alcohol and drug abuse or other mental health issues. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you and your doctor will discuss the options for treatment. It is generally recommended to combine a medication regimen with specialist coaching. This approach has shown to be the most effective in managing symptoms of clients suffering from ADHD.
Get recommendations from patients or healthcare professionals that you trust when selecting a psychiatrist or a psychologist to conduct your assessment. Once you've chosen a specialist, check their academic credentials and professional certifications as well as whether or not they have prior experience treating adults suffering from ADHD.
After you have completed your pre-screening questions Your appointment will then be confirmed and scheduled. These can be found on your portal dashboard once you have booked an appointment and need to be submitted by the deadline set by your doctor. They are essential to the appointment as your doctor will not be able to meet you until the forms have been inspected and approved.
It is important to be honest in your assessment with the psychiatrist or psychologist carrying out it. This will allow them reach a correct diagnosis and identify the most effective treatment plan for you. It is important to discuss your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You may want to tell your doctor you, for instance, struggle to keep the track of your finances or performing tasks at work or at home.
What to Expect After an Assessment in Private
A private assessment begins with a consultation focused on symptoms and medical histories. In this phase it is crucial that the person being assessed be honest and open, without holding back information because of feelings of shame or fear of criticism. The accuracy of the information will determine the quality of the evaluation and treatment recommendations.
adhd private assessment is also typical for the psychiatrist to ask the patient to complete an assessment. This questionnaire is designed to assist doctors in identifying and assess the different signs of adult ADHD like the inattention and impulsivity. The psychiatrist will also ask about the impact the symptoms have had on the patient's life, and will usually discuss the person's personal relationships as well.
In a number of private examinations, a family member or a close friend may be included as collateral information. This is because the psychiatrist will want to know if the patient's symptoms impact them at home or in high-stress workplace situations. It isn't easy to assess the impact of these symptoms when a patient is not with psychiatrist. This is why a person who is intimately familiar with them can be a valuable source of feedback.
Some professionals will use additional tools, such as an assessment of cognitive function or a neuropsychological exam, in an evaluation. These tests can provide an extensive picture of the individual's strengths and weaknesses and allow the doctor to determine any comorbid conditions which could be causing their symptoms.
The final stage of an examination is usually the creation of a report. The report will include a diagnosis and, if necessary, a treatment plan. It is also typical for the report to include recommendations on how to manage the symptoms of ADHD and also how to improve functioning at home, school and at work.
A private assessment is an excellent option for you or your child if he believes they might be suffering from ADHD. The NHS can help diagnose ADHD but the waiting times are long. Private assessments can be more efficient and you can select your individual specialist. More methods can make the process less stressful.