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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. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse. This can be a lengthy process, as the old school records might need to be supplied. However, you can bypass the waiting and get a private assessment by booking directly with an online ADHD clinic. What is a private assessment? A private assessment for ADHD is a consult with a specialist to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. private adhd assessment uk requires two sessions and is much more comprehensive than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process will involve a structured clinical interview with a specialist who will evaluate your symptoms from your childhood to adulthood. They will also consider other issues with your mental health or neurological issues which could be causing 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 crucial to keep in mind that ADHD diagnosis is not always straightforward. Many people diagnosed with the disorder have a mixed diagnosis. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. Adult hyperactivity is often different from boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It can manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant rush around. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as a problem staying still and being organized or having trouble staying focused and forgetting things easily. If you think that medication could aid in your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will help you access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment. You may find that your GP isn't keen to refer you to a specialist or offer you an appointment immediately. You might want to think about changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more details on how to exercise your choice. You might also be able make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric service via the NHS system or independently. Some providers may not require a letter of recommendation from your GP but the majority of them will. Check with your chosen provider prior to booking. How can I get an evaluation from a private person? ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain functions like motivation as well as working memory and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can cause difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact the symptoms have on your life and determine how you can manage them. There are several companies that will perform an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You have the option of exercising your right to choice (RTC) by asking your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to make this request, you may want to find a different GP willing to assist you. A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. Most of the time, the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a medical interview in person or over video call. The typical time for this assessment 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 professional will then determine if you exhibit any of the traits that are associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide examples of times when you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will then employ these to determine an assessment and recommend treatment options. If you're struggling with a chronic condition and don't want to wait for an appointment from the NHS getting an assessment privately is recommended. It is important to keep in mind that the private diagnosis does not mean that you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will still need to discuss this with them, and if you do decide to try medication it is recommended you sign a shared care agreement with your GP. If you have a GP in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of the providers here. Some of these companies offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times. How do I get a private diagnosis? There are several ways to get an ADHD evaluation. The NHS offers a 'Right to choose” process where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce the time it takes to wait. Private providers can also provide a quick diagnosis. It is best to seek out an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. However, it could take a while to find one as they are not easy to come by. Some clinics require a GP referral before they will schedule an appointment. However it is not always necessary. Psychiatrists can assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can assist you to manage symptoms. However they cannot provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for assistance such as the Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the workplace. A Psychiatrist who is experienced can identify and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues you may have. Your Psychiatrist will be in a position to give you the best treatment if your open and honest. You'll have to pay for the exam however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD, it may be possible to receive medication through a shared care agreement with your doctor (you'll still pay the NHS prescription cost). If you're considering paying for a private diagnosis, we would recommend you speak with your GP before you book an appointment, so that they know what you're doing and give their approval should they be required. It's also worth looking into joining an online support group to meet others with ADHD and to hear about their experiences and solutions. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit, or check out local groups in person. Are private assessments valid? A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the assertion that private clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were rushed, and did not consider the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD can have on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and must pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or medication. There is no doubt that your physician will refer you to one of the major private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you that there is a waiting time. This varies from provider to provider and typically is about six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and do thorough research about the provider. If you choose a well-established and experienced company, you'll probably have an easier time waiting than if you visit your GP. During the examination your psychiatrist will evaluate in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impairment in your daily functioning. They will want to rule out any other reasons, like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. They will usually ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school records if required. This can be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complicated family situations or for those who have not been able to find their school records from childhood. After being diagnosed with ADHD by an experienced healthcare professional You can apply for disability benefits from your local authority. It is important to be aware, however, that most GPs will not sign a document known as a shared-care agreement when you were diagnosed by a private doctor and haven't been titrated fully to your dosage. This is due to the fact that GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.