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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD an assessment of psychiatric disorders is required. how much is a private adhd assessment is performed by a psychiatrist, or an expert ADHD nurse. It can be a long procedure, since documents from school may have to be supplied. However, you can bypass the wait and get a private assessment by booking directly with an online ADHD clinic. 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 much more detailed than a NHS psychiatric evaluation. The process involves a structured interview with a expert who will review your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also consider other mental health issues or neurological issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in various areas, such as at work or in relationships. 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 have the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is essential to keep in mind that the three main symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity usually is not as boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children, and may be present as an inability to settle or a constant rushing. Inattention can also manifest as difficulties in focusing on tasks, being organised or sitting still. If you think that medication could alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to accomplish this is to talk to your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment. If your GP refuses to refer you or cannot offer you an immediate appointment you might want to change GPs. If this is the case, it could be worth switching GPs and you can learn more about how to make use of your right to choose on the Psychiatry-UK website. You might also be able book an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own via the NHS or privately. Some providers might not require a letter of referral from your GP, but most do. Check with your chosen provider prior to making a booking. How do I obtain a private evaluation? ADHD is an intricate mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. It can cause problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be difficult to live with. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact the symptoms affect your life, and identify how to manage these symptoms. There are a variety of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one it might be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will. A psychiatrist or specialist nurse is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time, the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician, 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 regarding your current problems and also your history since your childhood. A healthcare professional will determine if you have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD like inattention, hyperactivity, and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to provide examples of times when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will use these to make an assessment and recommend treatment options. If you're suffering from a chronic condition and don't want to wait for an appointment from the NHS, obtaining a private assessment may be recommended. It is important to remember that a private assessment does not automatically mean your GP will prescribe medication. You will still need to discuss this with them, and if you decide to try medications it is recommended you seek 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 companies offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times. How do I get a private diagnosis? There are several ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a “Right to choose” process 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. Private providers can also offer an immediate diagnosis. In general, it is best to find a specialist psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one as they are not readily available. Some will insist on a GP referral letter before they can see you for an examination, but this is not always necessary. Psychiatrists are able to provide an evaluation of your symptoms, however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists can help you manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD which is required to be able to access assistance services like Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work. A Psychiatrist who is an expert will be able to identify and explain your symptoms, determine whether they're consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist is able to provide you with the best treatment if you are open and honest. You will need to pay for the assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your physician. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest speaking with your GP about an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. Recommended Resource site will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and give their consent when needed. Participating in a support group is another option to get together with others who have ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online communities on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups that meet in person. Are private assessments valid? Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics offer a false diagnosis. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers, and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report suggested that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into account all the symptoms or the effects of ADHD on the lives of individuals. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket for a diagnosis or medication. It is true that GPs may refer you for an ADHD assessment through one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there is likely to be a waiting time. The waiting time varies from one provider to the next and is usually six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and then do a thorough research on the provider. Choosing an experienced and well-established firm will likely mean that you'll have less wait time than if you use your GP. During the examination the psychiatrist will determine in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption in your daily functioning. They will ask you to rule out any other causes, like depression or anxiety. If they are required they will request proof from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This is a stressful process particularly for those with complicated family circumstances or who can't locate their school records from their childhood. After being diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can request disability benefits from your local authority. However, you should be aware that the majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document referred to as the shared care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and haven't had a complete titration into your final dose of medication. This is because doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.