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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment is required. This is performed by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse. This could be a lengthy procedure, since the old school records might need to be supplied. You can avoid the wait by scheduling an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center. What is an assessment that is private? A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation in which you meet with an expert and discuss your symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. It typically takes two sessions, and is more comprehensive than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process involves an organized interview with an expert who will review your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look at other issues with your mental health or neurological issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in various areas, such as at work or in relationships. It is worth bearing in mind that a 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. It is crucial to remember that the three main symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Adult hyperactivity is often different from boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It can manifest as restlessness or a constant race. In addition, inattention can manifest as difficulty sitting still and being organised or having trouble focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily. If you decide that medication could be beneficial to your symptoms, you will need to get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to apply for reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. This can be done by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment. If your GP is unwilling to refer you or is unable to make an appointment in a hurry you might want to change your GP. You may want to consider changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more details on how to make your decision. You might also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist directly via the NHS or independently. Some providers might not require a letter of referral from your GP however, the majority will. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to making a booking. How do I get a private assessment? ADHD is a complicated mental condition that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can lead to issues in many areas. A private ADHD assessment can assist you in understanding the impact of these symptoms on your life and can be helpful in determining ways to manage them. There are a number of providers who will carry out an ADHD assessment on behalf of 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 is unable to refer you it could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who is willing. A specialist nurse or psychiatrist is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a clinical interview, either 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 childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the traits that are characteristic of ADHD – inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to give examples of instances where you have shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then use this information to diagnose and suggest treatments. A private evaluation can be helpful if you've been struggling for a long period of time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to remember that a private diagnosis does not mean you can automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will still need to discuss the issue with them. If you decide to try medication it is recommended you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP. You can find a list here of providers if your doctor in England will refer you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers provide online assessments 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 called “Right to Choice” where you can request your GP to refer you to one of the specialists that are on their list. This can reduce the waiting time considerably. There are also private providers who can diagnose quickly. It is advisable to seek out a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. It may take a while to find one since they aren't easily accessible. Some will insist on a GP referral letter before they can see you for an examination, but this is not always necessary. 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 assist you to manage symptoms. However, they are not able to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for assistance such as the Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the workplace. A Psychiatrist with expertise will be able determine and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist is capable of providing you with the best treatment if you are honest and forthcoming. You'll need to pay for the assessment however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll still be responsible for the NHS prescription cost). We suggest speaking to your GP about an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and give their consent if necessary. It's also worth looking into joining an online support group to meet others who suffer from ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups. Are private adhd assessment ? A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the assertion that private clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report claimed that these assessments were rushed, and did not take into consideration the entire spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. It also raised concerns that 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 GP will recommend you to one of the major private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will inform you that there is a waiting time. The time frame for waiting differs from one provider to another and is usually six weeks. It is advisable to investigate the provider thoroughly and ask friends and family members for word of mouth referrals. Picking a reputable, experienced company will probably mean you will experience less wait time than if you go through your GP. During the examination your psychiatrist will evaluate, subjectively, whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impairment in your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out any other causes, like depression or anxiety. If they are required, they will ask for proof from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a stressful time particularly for those with complex family situations or who can't locate their childhood school records. After being diagnosed with ADHD by an experienced healthcare professional, you can apply for disability benefits from your local authority. You should be aware, however, that most GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care arrangement when you were diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to your dosage. This is because doctors lack the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.