How to Get a Private ADHD Assessment in Yorkshire
A private ADHD evaluation is a great tool to determine if you are suffering from the disorder. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness are the main symptoms of ADHD.
You can make use of your diagnosis to apply for support for studying and work via 'Access to Work’ or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You may be eligible for a safe and effective medication.

Signs and symptoms
ADHD is an affliction of the brain that affects people of different levels of severity. The main signs are anxiety and restlessness. In certain cases, these symptoms can cause problems at work or at home and can affect your daily life. Some people who have ADHD also have other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. If you have symptoms of ADHD you should consult your physician about getting an assessment.
Many people with ADHD are unaware of their condition. They might think they are just a little slow or uninterested. This can cause frustration, poor organization, and difficulties at work or in school. Symptoms usually begin in childhood, but can last through adulthood. It is essential to receive the right diagnosis to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment and help.
In the UK adults are able to be formally assessed for ADHD by a Psychiatrist or Specialist ADHD Nurse, as per Nice guidelines. Private assessment services can evaluate you for ADHD. They might not require an GP referral. Consult with your doctor prior to booking.
If you have a GP in the York region, you can request them to refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. They will ask for your medical history and discuss with you your symptoms. They will determine if you have ADHD or another condition, and provide you with the next steps.
You might be apprehensive about the first time you meet with your psychiatrist however, there's no reason to be concerned. Psychiatrists have huge experience of dealing with ADHD and other disorders that can trigger it. They can assist you to feel more at ease and explain the situation.
Diagnosis
You will be asked questions by a psychiatrist about your current problems, including the causes. Then, they will assess whether you meet the ADHD criteria by assessing your hyperactivity as well as inattention symptoms. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences. If they determine that you aren't a candidate for ADHD they will tell you the reason. It could be because they don't see the evidence of your difficulties or believe that another condition better explains the symptoms. You can always request an assessment from a private doctor in the event that you disagree with their assessment.
It is an excellent idea to record examples of the traits (symptoms) that you think you might have prior to your appointment so that you can remember them. Your clinician will assess these against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. It is important to be honest with your doctor because they will only give you a diagnosis based on the information you provide them.
Your doctor will go over with you the treatment options available if you're diagnosed with ADHD. You may choose to take medication or consider psychotherapy instead. The psychiatrist can advise you on the best option for your situation.
The psychiatrist will be able to give you the report that can be used as evidence in benefits claims. If you are a student at a university, you can use the report to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance. This will provide you with money to purchase equipment, software and coaches and support staff to assist you in your studies. You can also use the report to claim Personal Independence payments.
Treatment
ADHD can affect people in different ways, from causing difficulties at work or college to having poor relationships with family and friends. Many people who suffer from uncontrolled ADHD get angry and frustrated at times, and can struggle to complete tasks in time and stay organized. The use of medication can help manage the symptoms of ADHD however they do not cure it. The first step is an assessment by a certified psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. According to NICE guidelines, they are the only healthcare professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD.
If you book an appointment, you'll discuss your symptoms and your mental health history with the psychiatrist. The consultation can be conducted in person or by video call. Psychologists are skilled in making you feel comfortable and relaxed and are extremely adept at dealing with patients with ADHD.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD your doctor may prescribe medication to you, if it's appropriate. adhd private assessment will then need to follow up with your GP to sign a shared care agreement letter, which will ensure that you only pay NHS prescription costs for your medication. This is legally required for ADHD diagnosis and treatment on the NHS.
Doctors are often reluctant to refer adults for ADHD assessments. If you're experiencing issues in your private or professional life because of untreated ADHD it is worth asking for a referral. You may also be able to apply for disability benefits, like Access to Work or disabled students allowance (DSA) that can cover the cost of equipment and software, as well as support workers or coaches to assist you in your daily activities.
Medication
If you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, medication is often suggested. This is because medication helps to lessen the symptoms of the condition, making it easier to cope with your day-to-day life. Psychotherapy is also a good option in combination with medications.
If your GP suspects that you be suffering from ADHD they should take this seriously and send you to an expert for an assessment. It will be with a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse, as they are the only healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD in the UK. During the examination, you will be asked questions about your symptoms and family history. The healthcare professional will assess you and compare your symptoms with the criteria for ADHD in adults.
Some people pay for an individual ADHD evaluation because the NHS has a three-month waiting time. It is important to keep in mind that the BBC investigation revealed that a few private providers provide inaccurate diagnoses. This can be problematic for those in need of treatment, so it's essential to research your provider before making a booking.
In the private ADHD assessment You will be asked about any problems or challenges you are confronted with, for example, issues at school or at work. You will be asked to provide a description of your general health. The healthcare professional will examine your symptoms and look for other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
Once the private ADHD assessment has been completed you will receive a thorough report and a diagnosis. The report will include a holistic treatment plan, medications options (if required) and details to share with your GP. In the majority of cases, a shared-care agreement can be negotiated with your GP to pay only the NHS prescription fee for medication.
Aftercare
Attention deficit hyperactivity is a behavioral disorder that affects people who suffer from symptoms like insomnia, difficulty staying focused and acting on impulse. These primary symptoms typically occur in multiple settings including school and at home. It's usually recognised in adolescents and children, but adults can also be affected by ADHD.
Patients diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment from the NHS. The NHS has a variety of options to manage ADHD that include psychotherapy and medication. In order to be prescribed medication, patients have to be referred to their doctor. Private clinics provide more convenient appointments and more thorough assessment than the NHS. It's important to remember that the quality of treatment may not be better.
BBC Panorama recently found that private ADHD clinics billed vulnerable patients huge sums for inadequate assessments, and poor aftercare. The problem is made worse by the underfunded NHS, and a growing number of patients who are desperate.
Our team of mental health professionals at Yorkshire Psychotherapy Associates has the experience and expertise to diagnose and treat ADHD in adolescents and adults. Our ADHD assessment includes an QB Check Test - a specially designed screening test that has been proven to work better than traditional measures.
Our Chartered Clinical Psychologist will use an assessment that is multi-faceted to determine your needs. They will then write a report based on their findings. You will be invited to a feedback meeting where you can discuss with us the findings and any recommendations we've made. We will also pass the report on to your GP, and any other treatment providers that you've requested to be involved in caring for you. The ADHD assessment report may also be used to help support your application for Disability Support Allowance. This scheme grants you money to purchase specialist equipment, software, and/or coaches and support staff to help you with your studies.