7 Easy Tips For Totally Making A Statement With Your Private ADHD Diagnosis How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment is required. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist, or a specialist ADHD nurse.

It's a process that can be a bit complicated like the requirement for old school records to be submitted. But, you can avoid the wait and get a private assessment by booking directly through an online ADHD clinic.

What is a private assessment?

A private assessment of ADHD is a session in which you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms, and how they affect your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more in-depth than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process involves an organized interview with an expert who will review your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also examine other neurological or mental health issues that could be contributing to 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 isn't a straight up and down one. A lot of people who are told that they have the condition have a mixed diagnosis. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It may be characterized by restlessness or a constant race. Inattention can also manifest in an inability to concentrate on tasks, being organised or sitting still.

If you think medication will help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will permit you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to your GP and ask them to refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment.

If your GP is unwilling to refer you, or cannot offer you an immediate appointment, you may want to change your GP. You may want to think about changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can exercise your choice.

You might also be able book an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own through the NHS or independently. Some providers may not require a letter of recommendation from your GP however, the majority will. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to making an appointment.

How do I obtain a private evaluation?


ADHD is a complicated mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can create problems in many areas. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of these symptoms on your life and can be helpful in determining the best ways to treat them.

There are several companies that will perform an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You have the option of exercising your right to choice (RTC) if you ask your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to do this then you may need to find another GP willing to help.

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

If you are an adult you will be asked questions about your current difficulties and your background from childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the characteristics associated with ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. You will be asked to provide examples of when you have displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will then utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatments.

A private evaluation can be helpful if you've been struggling for a long time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to know that an assessment conducted privately does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. 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.

If you have a GP in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment You can find a list of 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 ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a "Right to Choose" procedure where you can request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on waiting times. There are private providers who can diagnose quickly.


In general, it's recommended to seek out an expert psychiatrist with had experience with adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one, since they can be difficult to find. Some will insist that you have a GP referral letter before they will see you for an assessment however this is not always required.

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

An expert Psychiatrist will be able to recognize and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are related to ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues that you may have. It is important to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can offer you the most effective treatment.

You'll need to pay for the assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication under a shared-care agreement with your GP. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for a private diagnosis, we'd suggest you talk to your GP before you book an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing and can give their approval if needed.

It's also worth considering joining a support group in order to meet other adults who have ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be extremely helpful, reassuring and motivating. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or 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. A reporter undercover went to three private ADHD assessment centers, and was identified by all of them 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 people. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and have to pay out of pocket to receive an assessment or prescription.

There is a fact that GPs may refer you for an ADHD assessment through one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they will typically advise you that there will likely be a waiting period. This differs from provider to provider and is usually around six weeks. It is advisable to study the provider thoroughly and ask family and friends members for word of mouth referrals. If you choose a well-established and experienced company you'll likely experience less wait time than if you visit your GP.

During the examination, a psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out any other causes such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid problems and will typically require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school records if necessary. This can be a difficult procedure, especially for those with more complicated family situations or for those who haven't been in a position to locate their school reports from their childhood.

After have a peek at this website have been evaluated and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional you will be eligible to apply for disability support at your local authority. But, be aware that a majority of GPs will not sign a document referred to as a shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and have not also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is because GPs do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.