How to Get a Private Assessment For ADHD
A private assessment for ADHD can help adults and children understand their challenges making it easier to manage them. A diagnosis can help them reach their full potential.

It is vital that the person who conducts an ADHD assessment is a medical professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or nurse. It is essential that they have specialist training in the field of ADHD and other comorbid conditions.
Making an accurate diagnosis
If you're seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, you should consult a healthcare professional that specializes in the disorder. You can't rely on a psychiatrist, GP or other healthcare expert to accurately diagnose ADHD. You should be assessed by a psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert in ADHD diagnosis. They are the only professionals in the UK competent to diagnose ADHD. If you have insurance and want to know which specialists treat ADHD. You can also seek recommendations from family and friends.
Your healthcare provider wants to be aware of your health issues and medical history, including past and current problems with work and learning. They will also conduct a psychological and neurological examination. This will include a physical exam, blood tests, and an EEG (electroencephalogram) or brain scan. This will help them to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions could include thyroid problems or epilepsy.
You will be asked to fill out several questionnaires and rating scales that evaluate your symptoms. This includes a checklist of symptoms, standardized behavior rating scales and a history of behavior. The evaluator can also speak with others who are important to the person for example, parents or teachers. They will inquire about how the person behaves in various situations and how symptoms affect their daily life. The evaluator will take into consideration the presence of any co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression and may request information from other healthcare providers.
The evaluator will assess how many of the six ADHD symptoms (inattentive hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive) are present in an individual. They will also determine how long the symptoms have been present. The evaluator uses their clinical judgement to determine if symptoms are persistent, severe and incapacitating.
The evaluator then makes an assessment and recommends a treatment program. They will then refer the patient to their GP or make arrangements for a shared-care agreement with a psychiatrist to ensure they continue receiving medications.
Diagnosing ADHD in children
If you suspect that your child might have ADHD, you should arrange an appointment with a private hospital. The process will be faster than waiting for the NHS and your child will have a better chance of being diagnosed correctly. You can ask your GP to refer you to the company directly.
Before your appointment, familiarize yourself with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD and record examples of how your child's behavior fits the symptoms. This will help you to remember the information you need to provide during your assessment. The doctor will let you know the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD They will then discuss the treatment options that may include medication. This could take as long as two hours. Your specialist will provide clear guidance and advice.
During the exam, your doctor will ask you and your child about your past history, your family's mental health and any other difficulties that you or your child may be experiencing. They will also evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your life and well-being. This will help them make a more accurate diagnosis and recommend a treatment that is right for you.
Teachers or caregivers may say that their children are "overly active" or "bouncing on the walls". These children could be referred to an ADHD assessment. This is just a beginning point. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and be causing impairment in multiple situations, such as school, home and socially.
ADHD can affect children as young as early childhood, but it is more prevalent to diagnose them at school age. It is easier to identify ADHD in older children once the symptoms start to influence their learning and behavior.
Untreated ADHD can have a lasting impact on a child's work as well as personal life. In some instances, undiagnosed and untreated ADHD in teenagers could lead to self-medication with alcohol or other illicit substances.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults
In contrast to children, adults usually seek out a diagnosis privately because they believe that their ADHD symptoms have a negative impact on their relationships and work. For instance, they could not meet deadlines at work, or struggle to maintain a healthy relationship because of impulsive spending or forgetfulness. Many adults are aware that their ADHD symptoms have caused problems for them for many years.
The process of assessment begins with an interview conducted by a mental health professional. They will inquire about the person's symptoms and how these have affected them over the last few years. This information will allow the professional to determine if the symptoms are in line with the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. Some professionals ask for permission to speak to someone close to the patient, for example spouse, partner or anyone else who is familiar with their symptoms. Some professionals may ask the person to fill out a list of ADHD symptoms.
In private adhd assessment uk to talking with the individual as well as talking with the psychologist or psychiatrist, some psychiatrists will ask for medical reports and laboratory tests to gain a complete picture of the individual's general health and to pinpoint any conditions that might contribute to their ADHD symptoms. This could include sleep apnea, thyroid problems or substance abuse as well as hormone imbalances that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
It is important that a person be as honest as they can in the course of their assessment. Adults often say they don't have ADHD and inform their GP that they don't need medication because they "never have it before." However, this isn't always the case.
A private psychiatric evaluation will typically take an hour or longer. The doctor might also have to speak with other people (such as spouses or partners) and complete diagnostic forms, such as the history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Some doctors will require that the individual fill out these forms before their appointment and then review them with the doctor during the interview, while others will start the interview and send the forms in advance for the other person to complete.
Diagnosing ADHD among teenagers
If your teen has trouble focus, it could be time for an ADHD assessment. These professionals can diagnose the disorder and treat it using different methods that include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or medication. It is important to note that a diagnosis does not mean that treatment will be provided. Many teens with ADHD can concentrate well in some situations but struggle in others. They may also be impulsive and without considering the consequences. For example, they may be able to play video games for hours but not be able to focus on their schoolwork.
Teenagers who suffer from ADHD typically have trouble making and keeping friends, and might not be able to sit still for long durations of time. They might not pay attention in class or interrupt classmates or teachers and rush through their work. They might also neglect their textbooks or homework at home. They frequently miss deadlines or don't finish their projects because they put off work.
In diagnosing adolescents with ADHD Healthcare professionals employ the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition1. The criteria for diagnosis includes:
In most cases, teens will only be diagnosed with ADHD if they have a significant number of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive characteristics that occur over time and impact their daily life. private adhd assessment uk must be present in more than one environment and last for longer than six months.
ADHD in teenagers has no known cause but it could be common in families. Genetics and gender can influence the development of the disorder. It is more prevalent among boys than girls. It is also more likely to affect the children of fathers with ADHD.
The NHS is a great resource, however due to the size and bureaucracy of the organisation it can take a long time for someone to get an ADHD assessment. It is important to consider an assessment conducted privately. These assessments are cost-effective and quick and are conducted to the highest standards. The process is confidential. In certain instances you can work out a shared care agreement with your GP to ensure that you only pay the NHS prescription charge.