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20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Private ADHD Diagnosis
How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

A psychiatric assessment is required to determine ADHD. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.

This can be a lengthy procedure, since the old school records might need to be provided. However, you can bypass the waiting and get private assessments by registering directly through an online ADHD clinic.

What is a private assessment?

A private assessment of ADHD is a meeting where you sit down with an expert to discuss your symptoms as well as 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 consists of an organized interview with an expert who will look at your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look into whether there are any other disorders of the brain or mental issues that may cause your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, like relationships or work. They 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 forward one and many people who are told that they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three main symptoms. Adult hyperactivity is often different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It may manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant race. Inattention can also manifest in a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, organising or sitting down.

If you think medication will aid in your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will help you access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to accomplish this is to speak to your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.

If your GP refuses to refer you or cannot offer you an appointment in a hurry, you may want to change your GP. If this is the case, it could be worthwhile to switch GPs You can find more information about how to make use of your right to choose the Psychiatry UK website.

You might also be able book an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own, either through the NHS or independently. Some providers may not require a letter of recommendation from your GP but the majority of them will. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to booking.

How can I get an assessment from a private person?

ADHD is a complicated mental disorder that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. It can cause problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be challenging to manage. A personal ADHD assessment can help you understand the impact these symptoms have on your life and identify how to manage the symptoms.

There are several companies that will perform an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can assert your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unwilling to do this you might want to find another GP willing to do it.

The majority of assessments are performed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level, as per NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. Most of the time the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinic interview either in person or via video call. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.

If you are an adult, you will be asked questions about your current difficulties and also your history since childhood. The healthcare expert will determine if have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. You will be asked to provide instances of when you've demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional will then use these to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.

A private assessment can be beneficial if you've been having a difficult time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. However, it is important to remember that an assessment done privately does not mean you can automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. It is still necessary to discuss the issue with them. If you decide to test medication, it is recommended that you seek a shared care agreement with your GP.

You can find a list here of providers if your GP in England is willing to send you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers offer online assessments and have much shorter waiting times.

How do I get a private diagnosis?

There are many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called "Right to Choose" where you can request your GP for a referral to any of the specialist providers on their list. This will reduce the time to wait substantially. There are private providers who can offer a diagnosis quickly.

It is recommended to seek out a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. It might take a while to locate one, since they are hard to find. Some will insist that you have an GP referral letter before they can see you for an examination however this is not always required.

Psychiatrists are able to assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists - can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD which is required to be able to access support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.

A skilled Psychiatrist will be able to identify and explain your symptoms, determine whether they're consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues you might have. It is crucial to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist so they can provide you with the best possible treatment.

You will have to pay for the exam however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD, it may be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to be responsible for the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment, so that they know what you're doing and can provide their consent should they be required.

Joining a support group is another way to connect with other adults who suffer from ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be incredibly supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online spaces through 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 give unreliable diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them despite the fact that he did not have ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were rushed, and didn't take into account the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and must pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or medication.


There is no doubt that your physician will recommend you to one of the leading private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory), but they will tell you that there is a waiting period. adhd private assessment differs from provider to provider, but is typically about six weeks. It is recommended to research the provider carefully and ask your family and friends members for word of mouth suggestions. If you choose a well-established and experienced company, you'll probably have a shorter waiting time than if you go to your GP.

During the examination an evaluator will, somewhat subjectively examine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out other reasons, like anxiety, depression, or thyroid problems and will typically request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood) and school reports, if necessary. This can be a stressful time especially for those who have complex family situations or who can't locate their school records from childhood.

Once you have been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional you will be able to apply for disability support at your local authority. You should be aware that most GPs will not sign a document known as a shared-care agreement if you were diagnosed by a private doctor and aren't fully titrated to the dosage. This is because doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.

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