Private ADHD Diagnosis in the UK: What to Expect, How Much It Costs, and Why Demand Is Surging
May 15, 2025
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder isn’t just a childhood condition. Around 3–4% of UK adults are estimated to have ADHD, yet fewer than 20 % have an official diagnosis. NHS pathways exist, but waits can exceed 18–24 months in many Integrated Care Boards. No wonder self-funded assessments have quadrupled since 2020. If you’re considering the private route, here’s a no-nonsense guide to the process, the price tag and the pitfalls.
1 | The Clinical Gold Standard
Private providers must still follow NICE guideline NG87:
Screening questionnaire (often ASRS-v1.1)
Comprehensive diagnostic interview (DIVA-5, ACE+, or similar)
Collateral history (school reports, partner/parent input)
Physical checks (blood pressure/heart rate)
Differential-diagnosis review (sleep, thyroid, anxiety, autism)
A legitimate assessment lasts 90–150 minutes and is delivered by a GMC-registered psychiatrist or an ADHD-trained clinical psychologist under medical supervision. Beware of “rapid tests” promising same-day certification—insurers and NHS shared-care agreements may reject them.
2 | Cost Breakdown (2025)
Item | Typical Fee (London) | Outside London | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Full diagnostic assessment | £795–£1,495 | £650–£1,200 | Higher if extended neuropsych testing required |
4-week titration & follow-up | £180–£250 | £140–£200 | Covers dose optimisation |
Annual medication review | £120–£180 | £100–£150 | Often every six months in first year |
Shared-care hand-over fee (optional) | £50–£90 | £40–£80 | Pays for GP liaison letter |
Payment plans (0 % over 3–6 months) are becoming common, and some medical-loan providers now treat ADHD diagnosis as “educational/health investment” — broadening affordability.
3 | Shared-Care Agreements
A key advantage of a thorough private work-up is that many NHS GPs will continue repeat prescribing once titration is stable, saving you the on-going cost of private scripts (typically £45–£110 per month). Make sure your chosen clinic:
Uses NICE-approved titration templates
Provides regular blood-pressure/weight monitoring reports
Supplies a shared-care protocol letter to your GP
4 | Remote vs Face-to-Face
Remote video assessments are now accepted by the GMC and most CCGs, provided identity checks and safeguarding protocols are robust. Pros: zero travel, national clinician pool, evening slots. Cons: weaker non-verbal observation, tech glitches, some GPs sceptical of video-only reports. Hybrid models (video initial, in-clinic physical exam) often tick every box.
5 | How CureLink Streamlines the Journey
CureLink partners only with CQC-rated “Good” or “Outstanding” clinics that:
Meet NICE NG87 in full
Offer transparent pricing bundles
Provide GP-friendly shared-care letters
Have appointment capacity within 7–14 days
Fill a one-minute enquiry, and CureLink matches you to the nearest or soonest slot—saving you hours of research and months of NHS queueing. When seconds of focus count, getting professional help in days, not years, can be life-changing.
Key Take-aways
NHS adult-ADHD waits can top 24 months; private routes average 10–14 days for first consult.
Expect to pay £1,000–£1,800 for a full diagnostic package plus titration.
Choose clinics that follow NICE, provide shared-care letters, and disclose all costs up front.
Platforms like CureLink vet clinics, expose real-time availability and remove the admin burden so you can start treatment sooner.