10 Facts About Private ADHD Diagnosis That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD an assessment of psychiatric disorders will need to take place. This will be done by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.

It's a process that could be a bit complicated for example, the need for old school reports to be provided. However, you can skip the line and receive private assessments by registering directly through an online ADHD clinic.

What is a private assessment?

A private assessment for ADHD is a consultation with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It typically takes two sessions, and is more thorough than an NHS psychiatric evaluation. The process will involve an organized clinical interview with an expert and they will examine your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also consider if there are any other disorders of the brain or mental issues that may cause your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in different areas, such as at work or in relationships.


It is important to remember that ADHD diagnosis is not always simple. Many people diagnosed with the condition suffer from an undiagnosed diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It could manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant rush around. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as difficulty staying still and being organized, or difficulty focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily.

If you decide that medication would be beneficial for your symptoms, you will require an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. 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 request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment.

If your GP refuses to refer you, or cannot offer you an immediate appointment you might want to change your GP. 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 a decision.

You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider, either through the NHS system or privately. Some providers do not require a referral letter from your GP, but most do. Check with your chosen provider prior to booking.

How can I get an assessment in private?

ADHD is a nexus of mental disorder that affects the function of brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. It can cause problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be difficult to manage. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of these symptoms on your life and could be useful in identifying the best ways to treat them.

There are several providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (RTC) if you ask your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one, it may be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing to.

Typically an assessment will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or any other healthcare professional who is appropriate according to NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinical interview in person or via video calls. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.

If you are an adult you will be asked questions about your current issues and also your history since your childhood. The healthcare specialist will determine if you have any of the symptoms that are associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. You will be asked to give examples of instances where you have displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will then utilize this information to determine the cause and recommend treatment options.

If you are struggling with a chronic illness and do not want to wait for an appointment with the NHS seeking an assessment from a private practitioner is advisable. However, it is important to remember that an assessment done privately does not mean that you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will still need to discuss the issue with them. If you do decide to try medications, it is recommended that you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.

You can see a list of providers if your GP in England will refer you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.

How do I get a private diagnosis?

There are a number of ways to obtain an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process known as "Right to Choose" where you can request your GP to refer you to one of the specialist providers that are on their list. This can reduce the waiting time substantially. There are private practitioners that can provide a diagnosis quickly.

It is advisable to find a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. It could take a while to find one, as they are hard to find. Some will insist on an GP referral letter before they will see you for an examination however, this isn't always required.

Psychiatrists can assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help you manage symptoms. However they cannot provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for support services like Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.

A Psychiatrist with expertise can diagnose and explain your symptoms. Continuing will also determine whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and will take into consideration any other mental health issues that you might have. It is crucial to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can offer you the best possible treatment.

You'll need to pay for the examination, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to obtain medication through a shared care agreement with your GP (you'll have to be responsible for the NHS prescription cost). If you're thinking about paying for a private diagnosis, we would advise you to talk with your GP prior to booking an appointment so they know what you're doing and provide their consent should they be required.

It's also worth looking into joining a support group in order to meet others who suffer from ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.

Are private assessments valid?

Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private clinics offer a false diagnosis. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, despite the fact that he did not have ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were made in a hurry, and did not consider the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. It also raised concerns about the fact that patients who are not qualified for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pockets to be diagnosed and receive medication.

It is true that GPs may suggest you to have an ADHD evaluation with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) however they will usually advise you there will likely be a waiting time. This differs from provider to provider and typically is approximately six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research about the provider. Choosing an experienced and well-established company will probably mean you will experience an easier time waiting than if you choose to go through your GP.

During the assessment the psychiatrist will, albeit subjectively examine whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out any other reasons, like anxiety, depression, or thyroid problems and will typically request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school records if required. This is a stressful process particularly for those with complicated family circumstances or who are unable to locate their childhood school records.

Once you have been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional you will be able to apply for disability assistance through your local authority. But, be aware that a majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document referred to as an agreement for shared care if you have been diagnosed privately and haven't had a complete titration into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.