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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis A psychiatric evaluation is required to determine ADHD. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse. It's a process that can require some red tape for example, the need for old school records to be submitted. You can cut down on the waiting time by booking 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 and how they affect your life. It usually takes two sessions and is more detailed than a NHS psychiatric evaluation. The procedure involves an organized clinical interview with a specialist and they will look at your symptoms from your childhood to adulthood. They will also consider other neurological or mental health issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, like work or relationships and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you. It is worth bearing in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight straightforward one. Many people who are told they are suffering from the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is important to remember that the three primary symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. Adult hyperactivity is often different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It can be characterized by restlessness or a constant race. Inattention can also manifest in a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, being organised or sitting down. If you believe that medication can aid in your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. Iam Psychiatry will allow you to apply for reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment. If your GP refuses to refer you, or cannot offer you an appointment in a hurry you might want to change GPs. You may 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 book an appointment with a private psychiatrist, either through the NHS or privately. Some providers do not require a letter of recommendation from your GP however, the majority do. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to booking. How do I get an assessment from a private person? ADHD is a complicated mental condition that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can create issues in many areas. A personal ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can affect your life, and identify how to manage the symptoms. There are many providers who will carry out an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to refer you it might be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing. Typically, an assessment will be carried out by a psychiatrist, or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is because they are the only people who are able to diagnose ADHD. Most of the time the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a medical interview, either in person or over video calls. This usually takes 45-90 minutes. You will be asked about your current issues and your past difficulties from childhood if you're an adult. A healthcare professional will determine if you have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to give instances of when you've demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional can then utilize this information to determine the cause and recommend treatment options. A private assessment may be beneficial if you've been struggling for a long time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to remember that an assessment conducted privately does not automatically mean your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary to discuss the issue with them. If you do decide to try medication, it is recommended that 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 to conduct an ADHD assessment You can find a list of providers here. Some of these providers offer online assessments and have much shorter waiting times. How do I get a private diagnosis? There are a variety of ways to get an ADHD evaluation. The NHS has a process called “Right to Choice” where you can ask your doctor for a referral to any of the specialist doctors on their list. This could cut down the wait time significantly. There are also private providers who can offer a diagnosis quickly. It is advisable to find a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. However, it may take a while to find one as they are not easily accessible. Some will insist on a GP referral letter before they will see you for an examination, but this is not always required. Psychiatrists are able to provide an assessment of your symptoms however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help manage your symptoms. However, they are not able to offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for assistance such as the Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace. A specialist Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and will take into consideration any other mental health issues you may have. It is crucial to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can provide you with the best possible treatment. You'll have to pay for the assessment, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to receive medication through a shared care agreement with your GP (you'll still pay the NHS prescription cost). If you're considering paying for an private diagnosis, we would suggest you talk to your GP before you book an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing and give their approval should they be required. It is also worthwhile to consider joining a support group in order to meet others who suffer from ADHD, and hear their experiences and solutions. They can be very supportive, comforting, and inspiring. You can find online communities 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 claims that some private clinics are giving out inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report claimed that these assessments were made in a hurry, and did not take into consideration the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD affects people's everyday lives. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket to receive a diagnosis or medication. There is a fact that doctors will often refer you for an ADHD evaluation with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they will usually advise you there will likely be a waiting period. The waiting period is different from one company to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research on the provider. If you choose a well-established and reputable business you'll likely have a shorter waiting time than if you visit your GP. During the assessment your psychiatrist will evaluate, subjectively, whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption in your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out any other causes, like anxiety or depression. If needed, they will ask for additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This is a stressful process particularly for those with complicated family circumstances or who are unable to locate their school records from childhood. After you have been evaluated and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional you will be able to apply for disability assistance with your local authority. However, you must be aware that the majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document called the shared care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and have not also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is because GPs do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.