How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

A psychiatric assessment is required to determine ADHD. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.

This can be a lengthy process, as documents from school may have to be submitted. You can avoid the wait by booking an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.

What is an assessment that is private?

A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It usually takes two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process involves a structured interview with an expert who will look at your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also consider if there are any other mental health conditions or neurological issues that could cause your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, like relationships or work. They will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.

It is worth bearing in mind that the 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 diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity often looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children, and may be manifested as a sense of an inability to settle or a constant rushing. In addition, inattention can manifest as difficulty staying focused and seated, or difficulty staying focused and forgetting things easily.

If you believe that medication can help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. The best method to do this is to talk to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.

If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, or if they are unable to provide you with an appointment in a hurry You may wish to change GPs. If this is the case, it could be worth switching GPs and you can learn more about how to make use of your right to choose the Psychiatry-UK website.

You might be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist directly through the NHS or independently. The majority of these providers require an appointment letter from your GP but some don't, so be sure to inquire with the chosen provider prior to making an appointment.

How can I obtain an assessment in private?

ADHD is a nexus of mental condition that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. It causes problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be challenging to manage. A private ADHD assessment can help you to understand the impact of the symptoms on your life and could be useful in identifying the best ways to treat them.

There are many providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to choice (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to do so it could be worthwhile to find another GP who will.

The majority of assessments are carried out by a psychiatrist, or specialist nurse (or any other healthcare professional who is appropriate in accordance with NICE guidelines). This is because these are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, an ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor, either in-person or via video call. 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 your childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you have any of the symptoms that are associated with ADHD like inattention, hyperactivity, and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to provide instances of when you've displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will use this information to diagnose and suggest treatment options.

A private evaluation can be helpful if you've been struggling for a long time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. However, it is important to remember that the private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will need to discuss it with them, and if you decide to take medication, you should consider a shared-care arrangement with your GP.

You will find a list of providers if your doctor in England will recommend you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies offer online assessments and have shorter waiting times.

How do I get a private diagnosis?

There are many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a "Right to Choose" process where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on waiting times. Private providers can also provide an immediate diagnosis.

It is recommended to seek out a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. It could take a while to find one, as they are hard to come by. Some will insist on an GP referral letter before they will see you for an assessment however this is not always required.

Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help manage your symptoms. However they cannot offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for assistance private adhd assessment such as the Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.

An expert Psychiatrist will be able to identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are related to ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues you may have. Your Psychiatrist is in a position to give you the best treatment if your open and honest.

You will have to pay for the exam however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for a private diagnosis, we'd advise you to talk with your GP before you book an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing, and give their consent, in the event of need.

It's also worth looking into joining a support group to meet others with ADHD, and hear their experiences and solutions. They can be extremely helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups in person.

Are private assessments valid?

Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private health clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, even though he did not have ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were not thorough and did not take into consideration the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and must pay out of pocket for an assessment or prescription.

It is true that GPs may suggest you to have an ADHD assessment through one of the main private companies (such as Priory) but they will typically advise you that there is likely to be a waiting time. The waiting time is different from one company to another and is usually six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and then do a thorough research on the provider. If you select a reputable and experienced company, you'll probably have an easier time waiting than if you go to your GP.

During the assessment the psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out any other causes, such as anxiety or depression. If needed, they will ask for proof from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a stressful experience, especially for those with complicated family circumstances or who cannot find their school records from their childhood.

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional you may request disability benefits from your local authority. But, be aware that the majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document referred to as the shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors lack the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.