How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

A psychiatric examination is required to determine ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.

This can be a lengthy procedure, since old school records may need to be submitted. You can avoid the wait by scheduling an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.

What is a private evaluation?

A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It typically requires two sessions and is more detailed than a NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process will involve an organized clinical interview with an expert, and they will examine your symptoms from early years to your adulthood. They will also determine if there are other neurological or mental health issues that could cause your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in various areas, such as at work or in relationships.

It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight forward one and many people who are told that they are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is crucial to remember that the three most prominent symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. Adult hyperactivity can differ from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It could manifest as restlessness or a constant rush around. Inattention can also manifest as a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, staying organized or sitting still.

If you think that medication could help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best method to do this is to speak to your GP and ask them to refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment.

You might find your GP does not want to refer you, or doesn't offer you an appointment immediately. You may want to think about changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more details on how to make a decision.

You might also be able to book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric service via the NHS system or on your own. A majority of these doctors will require the referral letter of your GP however some do not however, so make sure to make sure to check with the provider you choose prior to making an appointment.

How can I get a private assessment?

ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain processes such as motivation as well as working memory and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can lead to issues in many areas. A private ADHD assessment can help you understand the impact that these symptoms can affect your life, and determine how you can manage these symptoms.

There are a variety of providers who will carry out an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to refer you it might be worth finding another GP who is willing.

A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will usually conduct the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases the ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor either in person or via video conference. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.

If you are an adult you will be asked about your current difficulties as well as your past struggles since childhood. The healthcare professional will consider whether you have any of the characteristics that are associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to give instances of when you've displayed these traits. The healthcare professional can then use this information to diagnose and suggest treatments.

A private assessment may be helpful if you have been having a difficult time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to remember that an assessment done privately private adhd assessment does not mean you can automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will still need to discuss this with them, and if you decide to try medications, it is recommended that you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.

If you have a doctor in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment You can find a list of the providers here. Some of these providers offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.

How do I get a private diagnosis?

There are a number of methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a procedure called "Right to Choice" where you can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist providers on their list - this can reduce the waiting time considerably. There are private practitioners who can diagnose quickly.

It is best to seek out an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. It may take some time to find one, as they are hard to come by. Some clinics insist on a GP referral before they schedule an appointment. However this isn't always required.

Psychiatrists are able to provide an evaluation of your symptoms, however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can assist you to manage symptoms. However, they are not able to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to receive assistance such as the Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.

A Psychiatrist who is an expert can identify and explain your symptoms, determine whether they are consistent with ADHD and look into any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist is able to provide you with the most effective treatment if you're honest and open.

You'll need to pay for your assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to get medication under a shared-care agreement with your GP. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest speaking to your GP about an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you are doing and give their consent when needed.

It is also worthwhile to consider joining an online support group to meet others with ADHD, and hear their stories and solutions. They can be extremely helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.

Are private assessments valid?

A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that some private clinics are handing out inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though he did not have ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were not thorough and didn't take into account the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket for an assessment or prescription.

There is no doubt that your doctor will recommend you to one of the leading private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory), but they will inform you that there could be a waiting time. The waiting time is different from one company to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research about the provider. If you select a reputable and experienced company, you'll probably have less wait time than if you see your GP.

During the assessment an evaluator will, albeit subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out any other reasons, like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues and will usually ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood) and school reports if necessary. This can be a stressful time, especially for those with complicated family relationships or who are unable to locate their school records from their childhood.

After being diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can apply for disability benefits through your local authority. It is important to be aware that most GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care arrangement when you were diagnosed by a private doctor and haven't been fully titrated to the dosage. This is because GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.