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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis A psychiatric assessment is required to determine ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse. This could be a lengthy process, as old school records may need to be provided. You can cut down on the waiting time 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 for ADHD is a consultation with a specialist to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It typically requires two sessions, and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The procedure involves an organized clinical interview with a specialist and they will look at your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also consider other issues with your mental health or neurological issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, such as relationships or work. They will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life. It is important to remember that ADHD diagnosis is not always simple. Many people who are diagnosed with the disorder have multiple diagnoses. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are three of the main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity typically is not as boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children. It could be characterized by restlessness or constantly rushing around. Inattention can also manifest in difficulties in focusing on tasks, being organised or sitting for long periods of time. If you think medication will help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will enable you to apply for reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to do this is to speak with your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment. You may find that your GP isn't keen to refer you, or doesn't give you an appointment in a timely manner. You may want to think about changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how to make your decision. You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner via the NHS system or independently. Some providers may not require a referral letter from your GP however, the majority will. 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 processes like motivation working memory, motivation, and attention. It causes problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be challenging to manage. A private ADHD assessment can assist you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and can be helpful in determining how they could be managed. There are a number of providers who will carry out an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can assert your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to make this request, you may want to find another GP willing to assist you. A psychiatrist or specialist nurse 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. Most of the time an ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a clinic interview, either in-person or via video conference. The typical time is 45-90 minutes. You will be asked about your current problems and any previous issues you have had from childhood if you're an adult. The healthcare professional will examine whether you exhibit any of the traits associated with ADHD – inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked for instances where you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will employ these to determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment options. A private evaluation can be helpful if you have been struggling for a long time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to note that the results of a private assessment do not automatically mean your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary to discuss this with them, and if you decide to try medication it is recommended you seek a shared care agreement with your GP. You can see a list of providers if your doctor in England is willing to send you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies 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 provides a “Right to Choose” procedure where you can ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on the time it takes to wait. There are also private providers that can provide a diagnosis quickly. In general, it's recommended to seek out an expert psychiatrist with expertise in adult ADHD. It may take some time to find one, as they are difficult to find. Some will insist that you have a GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination however, this isn't always necessary. Psychiatrists can offer an assessment of your symptoms however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals – like Psychologists – can help you manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD which is required to access assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work. A Psychiatrist who is experienced will be able diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether they are a result of ADHD and will take into consideration any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist is able to provide you with the most effective treatment if you're honest and forthcoming. You'll need to pay for the assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care agreement with your physician. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest that you talk to your GP regarding a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you're doing and give their consent should it be required. Joining a support group can be another option to meet others who have ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be very helpful, reassuring, and inspiring. You can find online groups via 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 giving out unreliable diagnoses. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were made in a hurry and did not take into account all the symptoms or consequences of ADHD on people's 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 a medication. official source is true that GPs may refer you for an ADHD assessment with one of the main private companies (such as Priory) but they will usually advise you there is likely to be a waiting period. The waiting time is different from one company to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and do thorough research on the provider. If you choose a well-established and reputable business you'll likely experience an easier time waiting than if you see your GP. During the examination, a psychiatrist will, albeit subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will seek to rule out any other causes, such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or problems and will typically request 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 circumstances or for those who aren't able to find their school reports from their childhood. After you have been evaluated and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified health professional, you are able to apply for disability assistance at your local authority. It is important to be aware that the majority of GPs will not sign a document known as a shared-care arrangement in the event that you were diagnosed by a private doctor and haven't been titrated fully to the final dose of medicine. This is because doctors do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.