ADHD Assessment Online: Why Private Diagnosis Has Exploded (And What It Really Costs)

You've been on the NHS waiting list for two years. Your career is suffering, relationships are strained, and you've just discovered private ADHD assessment can happen within weeks. But at £800-2000, is it worth it? And is that TikTok influencer's diagnosis story actually legitimate?

Here's what nobody's explaining properly about the private ADHD assessment boom—and why it might be the best money you ever spend, or a costly mistake.

The NHS Crisis in Numbers

Current reality:

• Waiting lists: 2-7 years for assessment

• Some areas: not accepting referrals at all

• Post-diagnosis: 6+ months for medication

• Follow-up: Annual if lucky

Meanwhile, untreated ADHD costs:

• Job loss risk 60% higher

• Relationship breakdown 2x more likely

• Car accidents 40% more common

• Life expectancy reduced by 10-13 years

Waiting isn't neutral—it's harmful.

How Private Assessment Actually Works

Legitimate services follow NICE guidelines:

Initial screening: Online questionnaire (ASRS, DIVA, etc.). Review of concerns. Triage for appropriateness.

Full assessment: 2-3 hour comprehensive evaluation. Childhood history essential. School reports reviewed. Family input often included.

Multi-disciplinary approach: Psychiatrist leads assessment. Psychologist input common. Occupational therapy sometimes included.

Diagnosis decision: Clear explanation of findings. Written report provided. Shared care discussed.

This isn't a rubber stamp—proper assessment is thorough.

The Real Costs Breakdown

Assessment only: £800-1,500 typically. Right to Choose: £0 (NHS funded, private provider). Follow-up included? Check carefully.

Medication initiation: Titration period: £200-400 monthly. Private prescriptions: £80-200 monthly. Monitoring costs: £100-200 per appointment.

Ongoing care: Annual review: £200-400. Shared care (if GP agrees): NHS prescription costs only. Full private: £2,000-4,000 annually.

Total first year: £2,000-5,000 private vs £0-100 NHS (if you can wait).

Right to Choose: The Loophole

Legal right to choose provider for NHS-funded care. How it works:

GP referral to private provider with NHS contract. Assessment funded by NHS. Waiting times: weeks not years. Same quality as full private.

Providers offering Right to Choose:

• Psychiatry UK (most popular)

• ADHD 360

• Clinical Partners

• Psymplicity

Why don't all GPs mention this? Many don't know or resist extra paperwork.

The Medication Journey

If diagnosed, medication usually offered:

Stimulants (first line): Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta). Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse/Vyvanse). Start low, titrate up. 70-80% respond well.

Non-stimulants: Atomoxetine (Strattera). Guanfacine (Intuniv). For those who can't take/tolerate stimulants.

Titration process: Start lowest dose. Increase every 2-4 weeks. Monitor effects and side effects. Find optimal dose. 3-6 months typically.

Shared Care Agreements

The holy grail: private diagnosis, NHS prescribing.

How it works:

• Private diagnosis and stabilisation

• Request shared care from GP

• GP takes over prescribing

• Annual private review only

Reality: 30-50% of GPs refuse shared care. Postcode lottery. No legal obligation to accept.

Online vs In-Person Assessment

Online advantages: No travel required. Comfortable environment. Often recorded (quality assurance). Sometimes cheaper. Faster availability.

In-person advantages: Better rapport building. Easier to read non-verbal cues. Some find more thorough. Traditional approach.

Evidence shows no difference in diagnostic accuracy. Choose based on preference.

The TikTok Effect

Social media has exploded ADHD awareness. Positive: reduced stigma, increased recognition, and peer support.

Negative: self-diagnosis confusion, everyone thinks they have ADHD, and trivialisation of serious condition.

Remember: relating to symptoms doesn't equal diagnosis. Proper assessment considers severity, impact, duration, and differential diagnosis.

What Disqualifies You

Legitimate services screen out:

• Active substance abuse

• Untreated major mental illness

• No childhood symptoms (ADHD starts in childhood)

• Symptoms better explained by other conditions

Red flag services diagnose everyone—avoid.

Adult ADHD Reality

How it presents differently:

• Hyperactivity becomes internal restlessness

• Impulsivity shows as impatience, interrupting

• Inattention looks like procrastination, disorganisation

• Emotional dysregulation prominent

Women especially underdiagnosed—presentation often differs from stereotypical hyperactive boy.

The Workplace Impact

Studies show treatment provides:

• 30% productivity improvement

• 50% reduction in sick days

• Better colleague relationships

• Fewer job changes

• Higher lifetime earnings

Many find medication pays for itself through improved work performance.

Alternative Support

Medication isn't everything:

ADHD coaching: Practical strategies. Accountability. Skill building. £50-100 per session.

CBT for ADHD: Addresses thought patterns. Helps with executive function. Often available via NHS.

Lifestyle modifications: Exercise (as effective as medication for some). Sleep hygiene crucial. Nutrition impacts symptoms.

Tech tools: Apps for organisation. Noise-cancelling headphones. Standing desks. Time-management systems.

Making the Decision

Choose private if:

• NHS wait is 2+ years

• Symptoms significantly impact life

• Can afford initial costs

• Job/relationship at risk

• Right to Choose available

Wait for NHS if:

• Symptoms manageable

• Finances very tight

• Wait under 12 months

• Good support system

• Not urgent

Quality Markers

Green flags for private providers:

• Clear pricing structure

• NICE guideline adherence

• GMC-registered psychiatrists

• Comprehensive assessment

• Ongoing support offered

• Shared care experience

Red flags:

• Diagnosis guaranteed

• Very short assessments (<90 minutes)

• No childhood history required

• Medication only focus

• No follow-up included

• Extremely cheap (<£500)

The Bottom Line

Private ADHD assessment offers escape from impossible NHS waits. For many, the cost is insignificant compared to untreated ADHD's impact. But choose carefully—quality varies enormously.

The explosion in private provision reflects system failure, not trend-following. Adults with ADHD deserve timely diagnosis and treatment.

Struggling with possible ADHD symptoms? WhatsApp our specialist team for screening consultation within 48 hours. We provide comprehensive assessment, medication management, and ongoing support. Right to Choose available. Because your brain deserves to work properly.

FAQs

Can I fake ADHD to get stimulants? Experienced assessors spot malingering easily. Comprehensive assessment catches inconsistencies. Plus, stimulants don't provide highs for ADHD brains—they normalise function. If you don't have ADHD, the side effects aren't worth it.

Will private diagnosis be accepted? By employers, universities, DVLA—yes, if from registered psychiatrist. Some NHS services are snobbish about private diagnosis. Get comprehensive report to support legitimacy.

Do I need to tell my employer? No legal obligation unless safety-critical role. However, disclosure enables reasonable adjustments and legal protection. Many find openness helpful.

Can ADHD develop in adulthood? No. ADHD is neurodevelopmental—present from childhood. However, many aren't diagnosed until adulthood when coping strategies fail or demands increase. Symptoms must have been present (even if unrecognised) in childhood.

Is ADHD overdiagnosed? In children, possibly. In adults, definitely underdiagnosed. Especially women, older adults, and high-achievers who masked symptoms. Proper assessment distinguishes ADHD from normal variation.