How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis A psychiatric evaluation is required to determine ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse. It's a process that could involve some red tape like the requirement for old school records to be provided. You can cut down on the waiting time by booking an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly through an online ADHD center. What is a private assessment? A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation where you sit down with an expert and discuss your symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. It usually takes two sessions and is much more comprehensive than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process consists of a structured interview with an expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also consider other mental health issues or neurological issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will concentrate on various areas of functioning, including work or relationships and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life. It is important to remember that ADHD diagnosis isn't always simple. Many people diagnosed with the disorder have multiple diagnoses. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity usually is not as boisterous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It can be manifested as a sense of the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. Inattention can also manifest as a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, staying organized or sitting still. If you decide that medication could be beneficial to your symptoms, you will require a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to apply for reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment. If your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist, or is unable to make an immediate appointment you might want to change your GP. You may want to consider changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more details 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 do not require a letter of referral from your GP, but most do. Check with your chosen provider prior to making an appointment. How do I obtain a private evaluation? ADHD is a complex mental illness that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. It can cause problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be challenging to manage. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of the symptoms on your life and could help you determine how they could be managed. There are a number of providers who can conduct 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 refuses to do so it might be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing to. The majority of assessments are carried out by a psychiatrist, or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level in accordance with NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases, the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a medical interview, either in person or over video call. The typical time for this assessment is 45-90 minutes. If you are an adult and are a patient, you will be asked questions regarding your current problems as well as your past struggles since your childhood. The healthcare professional will consider whether you have any of the traits associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. You will be asked for examples of when you have displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will make use of this information to diagnose and recommend treatments. If you're suffering from an ongoing condition and aren't willing to wait for an appointment from the NHS, obtaining an assessment privately is recommended. It is important to remember that a private assessment does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You'll need to discuss it with them and, if you choose to use medication, you should negotiate a shared-care agreement with your GP. You will find a list of providers if your doctor in England will refer 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 several ways to obtain an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called "Right to Choose" where you can ask your GP for a referral to one of the specialist providers that are on their list. This can reduce the waiting time considerably. Private providers can also provide rapid diagnosis. It is recommended to find an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. However, it may take some time to locate one as they are not readily available. Some clinics require a GP referral before they will make an appointment. However this isn't always the case. Psychiatrists can offer an assessment of your symptoms but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can help you manage your symptoms. However, they are unable to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services like Disabled Student's allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace. A Psychiatrist who is experienced is able to identify and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether they are a result of ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues that you might have. It is important to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can offer you the best possible treatment. You will have to pay for the examination however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to obtain medication through a shared care agreement with your doctor (you'll still be responsible for the NHS prescription cost). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we would recommend you speak with your GP prior to booking an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing and give their consent, should they be required. It's also worth considering joining an online support group to meet other adults who have ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be very helpful, reassuring and motivating. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups. Are private assessments valid? A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over assertion that private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses. An undercover reporter visited three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though he didn't have ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into consideration the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. It also raised concerns that patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pocket to get a diagnosis and medication. It is true that doctors will often refer you for an ADHD assessment with one of the main private companies (such as Priory) however they will usually advise you there will likely be a waiting period. This differs from provider to provider and typically is around six weeks. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment is recommended to study the provider thoroughly and ask your family and friends members for word of mouth recommendations. If you choose a well-established and experienced company, you'll probably have a shorter waiting time than if you visit your GP. In the course of the evaluation, a psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out any other reasons, like anxiety, depression, or thyroid problems and will typically ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms regarding your childhood) and school reports if necessary. This could be a stressful procedure, especially for those with more complicated family circumstances or for those who haven't been in a position to locate their school records from childhood. Once you've been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you are eligible to apply for disability assistance at your local authority. It is important to be aware, however, that the majority of GPs won't sign a document called a shared-care agreement when you were diagnosed privately and you haven't been titrated fully to the final dose of medication. This is because doctors lack the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.