20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Private ADHD Diagnosis How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

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

It's a procedure that may involve some red tape like the requirement for old school records to be provided. However, you can skip the line and receive a private assessment by booking directly through an online ADHD clinic.

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 impact your life. It typically lasts two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process consists of an organized interview with an expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also look at other mental health issues or neurological issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, like relationships or work. They will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.

It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy straightforward one. Many people who are told that they are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is essential to keep in mind that the three primary symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity typically is not as boisterous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It can be manifested as a sense of the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. Inattention can also manifest as an inability to concentrate on tasks, staying organized or sitting still.

If you decide that medication could be beneficial for your symptoms, you'll need to get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to access reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. Click That Link can be done by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment.

If your GP is unwilling to refer you, or cannot offer you an appointment in a hurry you might want to change GPs. You might want to think about changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can make your decision.

You may be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist, either through the NHS or independently. A majority of these doctors will require an appointment letter from your GP however some do not, so be sure to inquire with the chosen provider before booking.

How can I get an assessment in private?


ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain processes such as motivation as well as working memory and attention. It can cause issues in many areas of life for adults and can be challenging to live with. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and can be useful in identifying ways to manage them.

There are a variety of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (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.

A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). This is because they are the only people who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor either in person or via video call. The typical time for this assessment is 45 to 90 minutes.

If you are an adult, you will be asked questions about your current issues and your background from your childhood. The healthcare professional will examine whether you exhibit any of the symptoms that are characteristic of ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. You will be asked to provide instances of when you've displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatment options.

If you are struggling with a chronic illness and do not want to wait for an appointment from the NHS seeking a private assessment may be advisable. However, it is important to keep in mind that an assessment done privately does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. It is still necessary to discuss this with them and if you do decide to try medication it is recommended you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.

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

How do I get a private diagnosis?

There are a number of ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called 'Right to Choose' where you can ask your GP for a referral to one of the specialists that are on their list. This could cut down the wait time considerably. There are private providers who can offer a diagnosis quickly.

In general, it's recommended to seek out a specialist psychiatrist with had experience with adult ADHD. However, it could take some time to locate one, as they are not readily available. Some will require a GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination, but this is not always required.

Psychiatrists can assess the symptoms of your condition but they cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can help you manage symptoms. However, they are not able to offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services such as Disabled Students' allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.

A Psychiatrist with expertise will be able identify and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist is capable of providing you with the best treatment if you are open and honest.

You'll need to pay for the assessment however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to receive medication through a shared care agreement with your GP (you'll be required to pay the NHS prescription cost). We recommend that you speak with your GP about a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you're doing and to give their approval when needed.

It's also worth considering joining a support group to meet others who suffer from ADHD and to hear about their experiences and solutions. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit, or check out local groups that meet in person.

Are private assessments valid?

The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private clinics offer a false diagnosis. A reporter undercover went to three private ADHD assessment providers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into consideration all the symptoms or impact of ADHD on the lives of individuals. It also raised concerns about the fact that patients who are not eligible for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pockets to receive a diagnosis and medication.

There is no doubt that your GP will recommend you to one of the major private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will inform you that there will be a possible waiting period. This differs from provider to provider and is usually approximately six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and conduct thorough research on the provider. If you select a reputable and experienced company you'll likely experience an easier time waiting than if you visit your GP.

During the examination the psychiatrist will, in a way, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will seek to rule out any other reasons, like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues and will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school reports if required. This can be a difficult process, particularly for those who have more complicated family situations or for those who haven't been successful in finding their childhood school reports.

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider, you can apply for disability benefits through your local authority. But, be aware that the majority of GPs are not willing to sign a document referred to as the shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and have not been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because doctors lack the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.