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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment will need to take place. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse. It can be a long procedure, since documents from school may have to be submitted. But, you can avoid the waiting and get private assessments by registering directly through an online ADHD clinic. What is an assessment that is private? A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation where you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. It typically lasts two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The procedure involves a structured interview with a expert who will look at your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also determine if there are other disorders of the brain or mental issues that could trigger your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, such as work or relationships and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you. It is worth bearing in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a straight up and down one. A lot of people who are told that they are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity often is not as boisterous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It could be present as restlessness or constantly rushing around. Inattention can also manifest as difficulties in focusing on tasks, being organised or sitting still. If you think medication will alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will allow you to receive reasonable adjustments as well as Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment. If your GP refuses to refer you or if they are unable to provide you with an appointment in a hurry you might want to change GPs. If this is the case, it could be worth switching GPs – you can find more information about how to exercise your right to choose the Psychiatry UK website. You might also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist directly through the NHS or independently. Some providers may not require a letter of recommendation from your GP however, the majority do. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to making an appointment. How do I obtain an individual evaluation? ADHD is a nexus of mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. It can cause issues in a wide range of areas for adults and can be challenging to live with. A private ADHD assessment will help you understand the impact the symptoms have on your life, and determine how you can manage them. There are a number of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You have the option of exercising your right to choose (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unwilling to do this you might want to find a different GP willing to help. A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will usually conduct the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires as well as a clinic interview in person or via video call. It usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes. If you are an adult, you will be asked questions about your current issues and your background from childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the traits that are associated with ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. You will be asked to provide instances of when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will use this information to diagnose and recommend treatment options. A private assessment may be helpful if you have been struggling for a long period of time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. However, it is important to remember that a private diagnosis does not mean you can automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will need to discuss it with them and, if you choose to take medication, you should consider a shared-care arrangement with your GP. If you have a doctor in England who is happy to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of providers here. Some of these providers provide assessments online and have shorter waiting times. How do I get a private diagnosis? There are many methods to receive an ADHD assessment. adhd private assessment offers a procedure called 'Right to Choose' where you can ask your GP for a referral to any of the specialist providers on their list. This will reduce the time to wait considerably. There are also private providers that can provide a diagnosis quickly. In general, it is recommended to seek out an expert psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. It could take a while to find one, as they are hard to find. Some will require a GP referral letter before they can see you for an examination however this is not always necessary. Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals – including Psychologists can help you manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to get access to support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work. An expert Psychiatrist will be able to recognize and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are related to ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist will be capable of providing you with the most effective treatment if you're open and honest. You'll have to pay for the exam 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 fee). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we'd suggest you talk to your GP prior to scheduling an appointment, so that they know what you're doing and give their consent, in the event of need. Participating in a support group is another option to meet other adults who suffer from ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be very helpful, comforting, and inspiring. 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 claims that private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them despite the fact that the patient did not have ADHD. The report claimed that these assessments were rushed, and did not consider the entire spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD can have on people's daily lives. It also raised concerns that some patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pockets to be diagnosed and receive medication. There is no doubt that your doctor will recommend one of the largest private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will tell you there is a waiting time. This varies from provider to provider and is usually around six weeks. It is recommended to research the provider carefully and ask your family and friends members for suggestions. If you choose a well-established and reputable company, you'll probably have a shorter waiting time than if you see your GP. During the assessment the psychiatrist will determine the subjectively whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment in your daily activities. They will ask you to rule out any other reasons, such as depression or anxiety. If needed, they will ask for additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This is a stressful process, especially for those with complicated family relationships or who cannot find their childhood school records. Once you've been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional you will be able to apply for disability assistance with your local authority. It is important to be aware, however, that the majority of GPs aren't likely to sign a contract known as a shared-care agreement if you were diagnosed privately and aren't fully titrated to the final dose of medicine. This is due to the fact that doctors lack the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.