ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Find a Private Clinic
GPs can refer patients to private ADHD assessment services if they think they may be suffering from the condition. This can be very frustrating and time-consuming. It is essential to select a psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD.
NHS guidelines in England, Wales and Northern Ireland provide a right to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD. But some patients do not receive the help they need.
We accept referrals from GPs

ADHD can be a difficult condition to manage. A diagnosis can assist you in managing the symptoms. Many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting an assessment or treatment from the NHS. Insufficient services and lengthy waiting times are causing many to take private assessments and to pay for their medication privately. Some are even taking out loans to cover their medical assessments and treatments. This is an unnecessary expenditure that can create stress for the patient.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is to conduct a thorough assessment and consultation with an expert psychiatrist. This assessment will take into consideration your family history as well as your current symptoms and the way you deal with the disorder. It will also include tests designed to gauge your ADHD symptoms, which includes standardised testing for children, modified for adults like the ADOS or Conners adult ADHD rating scales. The semi-structured interview will be followed by diaries and questionnaires. In https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/ might request to see reports from the past.
Before booking an appointment, it's important to confirm that the doctor has experience with ADHD. Some psychiatrists only have experience treating children, and may not be able to assess adults with the condition. It's also a good idea to determine what kind of medication the psychiatrist prescribes and if they have any particular interest in this field.
When you book a private ADHD evaluation you can expect a meeting with a psychiatrist and 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 to adults suffering from ADHD. They will be looking for the specific traits (symptoms) of ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. It is helpful to prepare for your assessment by educating yourself on the different traits, so you can think of instances of how they impact you in your everyday life.
You are entitled to select a mental health care provider in England depending on where you reside. This includes deciding on one with shorter wait times 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 your GP.
We are based in Belfast
Our expert medical professionals will take the time to learn about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. We will then go over the treatment options available. This could include medication and cognitive therapy for behavioral problems. We will also give you guidance on your plan of action, regardless of whether you choose to go private or return to NHS treatment. You will be treated by a clinical psychologist who is certified and has advanced training in ADHD, as well as other mental health issues. They are committed to providing the best care.
A BBC investigation revealed 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 chat, but a detailed NHS assessment showed that he didn't have ADHD. Private clinics such as Harley Psychiatrists or ADHD Direct claim to provide comprehensive assessments that are in line with national guidelines. One clinic wrote a letter to a patient who was interviewed by Panorama, asking her to remove any negative reviews online.
The Northern Trust said it has witnessed an increase in referrals for adults who believe they suffer from ADHD. The time to receive an assessment could last for years. According to a response from a trust assembly that it could take "several" years to get an initial assessment of a patient. In the meantime, many patients visit private clinics for diagnosis.
An ADHD diagnosis can have a significant impact on a person's life. It can cause issues at school, work or at home, and may result in feelings of anxiety and depression. 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 suffering from ADHD are not aware that they suffer from the condition. Some are referred to psychiatrists following their children were diagnosed. It is crucial for parents to recognise the signs and seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Certain adults suffering from ADHD are eligible for Disabled Student Allowance, however they must have a medical diagnosis from a GP before they can apply for this.
We offer a range of treatments
Adult ADHD is a condition that is becoming more prevalent and many adults live with it, without ever being diagnosed. This can have a negative impact on their relationships, careers and jobs. It can also lead to health issues such as depression and anxiety. Getting a diagnosis is essential for adults with ADHD to get the treatment they need. There are a myriad of treatment options available for adults with ADHD. These include medication and psychotherapy.
However, the provision of ADHD services is not adequate and this has been uncovered by the recent BBC Panorama investigation. The BBC Panorama investigation discovered that a journalist was misdiagnosed and that NHS assessments are not always thorough. This led to the journalist not getting help for his ADHD symptoms which could have had an impact on his career and studies.
The NHS is unable to cope with demand for ADHD services, but the quality of assessment and service is inconsistent across different regions. In some areas, adults are waiting years to be assessed for ADHD. In England, the NHS recently launched a 'Right to Choose" process that allows patients to select their mental health professional and also to see a psychiatrist with ADHD expertise. This is a quicker method to get an ADHD diagnosis and could help save time and frustration.
In Northern Ireland, several health boards and NHS Trusts have stated that they have a difficult time providing ADHD services to adults. ADHD UK sent a Freedom of Information request to the NI Health and Social Care Trusts. The request revealed that people have been waiting for more than four years before seeing an expert. This is considerably more than the typical wait of two years in Wales three and a half years in England and more than one year in Scotland.
If you're referred to a private clinic to conduct an ADHD assessment They will be able tell whether you meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD or if another condition could be the reason for your problems. They may also suggest alternative treatments. If they do not diagnose ADHD they will explain the reasons. They should also give you the report, which can be delivered to your GP.
We are committed to providing excellent service
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, however it can be diagnosed in a straightforward way. A comprehensive evaluation should include discussion of the symptoms of the patient, a comprehensive review of the patient's mental health history and consideration of the information provided by people who are familiar with them. Without a thorough evaluation, it is not possible to make a safe decision about prescribing medication. It is important to choose an accredited private clinic that offers an excellent service.
A charity stated that many adults who suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD have to pay for private assessments because of a lack of NHS resources. The Northern Trust told BBC News NI that the demand has grown so much that it's not able to take new referrals for adult ADHD tests. The trust has said it will launch a local service in April to meet with those who were previously referred.
The treatment will involve an exhaustive review of the patient's past and current issues, as well as an interview with them and their family members. The service will also ask questions regarding the patient's behavior and activities. The psychiatrist will utilize the DIVA semistructured interview, and school reports to determine if the signs are consistent with an ADHD diagnosis.
The service will then send an unwritten report, which will be provided to the GP. The report can also be used to support a claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or to prove that the student has ADHD in order to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance. The report will also contain suggestions for treatment options. The patient will then be able discuss these recommendations with their GP and decide on the best treatment plan. The GP can then make arrangements for the medication to be prescribed by a specialist.