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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD an assessment of psychiatric disorders will need to take place. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse. It can be a long process, as documents from school may have to be provided. But, you can avoid the line and receive an assessment in private by making an appointment directly with an online ADHD clinic. What is an assessment that is private? A private assessment of ADHD is a session where you sit down with an expert and discuss your symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy assessment. The procedure involves an in-depth clinical interview with an expert, and they will examine your symptoms from your childhood to adulthood. They will also consider if there are any other disorders of the brain or mental issues that could cause your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, including work or relationships and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you. It is worth bearing in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy up and down one. A lot of people who are told that they have the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity typically looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is seen in children, and may be manifested as a sense of an inability to settle or a constant rushing. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as a problem 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 need to get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). 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 cannot offer you an appointment within a short time you might want to change GPs. If this is the case, it might be worth switching GPs – you can find more information about how to exercise your right to choose on the Psychiatry UK website. You might also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist, either through the NHS or independently. Some providers do not require a letter of recommendation from your GP, but most do. Check with your chosen provider prior to booking. How do I obtain an individual evaluation? ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain functions like motivation as well as working memory and attention. It can cause problems in many areas of life for adults and can be difficult to live with. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact these symptoms have on your life, and determine how you can manage the symptoms. There are a number of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (RTC) by asking 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 do it. A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. Most of the time the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a clinical interview, either in person or over video calls. The typical time is 45-90 minutes. You will be asked about your current health issues and any previous issues you have had in your early years if you are an adult. The healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the characteristics associated with ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide instances of when you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will then utilize this information to determine the cause and recommend treatment options. If you're struggling with an ongoing condition and aren't willing to wait for an appointment from the NHS getting an assessment privately is recommended. 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 this with them and if you decide to test medications 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 the providers here. 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 get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called “Right to Choice” where you can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist doctors that are on their list. This can reduce the waiting time considerably. Private providers can also offer rapid diagnosis. It is best to seek out an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they are difficult to come by. Some clinics insist on the GP recommendation before they schedule an appointment. However it is not always necessary. Psychologists are able to evaluate the symptoms of your condition but they cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help you manage your symptoms. However they cannot 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 specialist Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether they are a result of ADHD and consider any other mental health issues that you might have. It is important to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist, so they can provide you with the best possible treatment. You'll have to pay for your assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it may 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 about paying for an private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP before you book an appointment, so that they know what you're doing and can provide their consent in the event of need. It's also worth considering joining a support group in order to connect with other adults who have ADHD, and hear their stories and suggestions. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online groups via Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person. Are private assessments valid? Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics give unreliable diagnosis. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were made in a hurry, and did not consider the full 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 have no choice but to pay out of their own pocket to be diagnosed and receive medication. There is no doubt that your GP will recommend one of the leading private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will inform you that there will be a possible waiting time. The time frame for waiting is different from one company to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and conduct extensive research on the company. Picking a reputable, experienced firm will likely mean that you will have less wait time than if you go through your GP. During the assessment, a psychiatrist will, in a way determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will also want to rule out any other causes, such as depression or anxiety. If they are required they will request additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). private adhd assessment can be a stressful time, especially for those with complex family situations or who are unable to locate their childhood school records. After you have been evaluated and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified health professional, you are able to apply for disability assistance with your local authority. Be aware that the majority of GPs won't sign a document called a shared-care agreement if you were diagnosed privately and you aren't fully titrated to your dosage. This is because doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.