10 Meetups Around Private ADHD Diagnosis You Should Attend
How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric assessment is required to determine ADHD. This will be done by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a procedure that may require some red tape, such as the need for old school reports to be submitted. However, you can skip the line and receive a private assessment by booking directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private evaluation?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation where you meet with an expert and discuss your symptoms, and how they impact your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more in-depth than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process involves an in-depth clinical interview with an expert, and they will look at your symptoms from your early years to your adulthood. They will also consider other neurological or mental health issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will inquire about your symptoms in different areas, such as at work or in relationships.
It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight forward one and many people who are told they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are three of the main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity usually looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It can be manifested as a sense of restlessness or constantly rushing around. Inattention can also manifest as an inability to concentrate on tasks, staying organized or sitting down.
If you decide that medication might be beneficial to your symptoms, you will need to get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to receive reasonable adjustments as well as Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you or cannot offer you an appointment in a hurry you might want to change your GP. You may want to think about changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how to make a decision.
You might also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider using the NHS system or on your own. Some providers do not require a referral letter from your GP but the majority of them do. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to booking.
How can I get a private assessment?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects the function of brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. It can cause problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be difficult to manage. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and could be useful in identifying the best ways to treat them.
There are many providers who will carry out an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to make this request, you may want to find a different GP willing to do it.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. Most of the time, the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a medical interview in person or over video call. The typical time for this assessment is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked about your current issues and also your history since childhood. The healthcare professional will then examine whether you exhibit any of the symptoms that are associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide examples of when you have demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional can then make use of this information to diagnose and recommend treatments.
A private assessment may be helpful if you have been having a difficult time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to keep in mind that an assessment done privately does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will have to discuss the issue with them and, if you choose to take medication, you must seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
You can see a list of providers if your doctor in England will send you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS provides a "Right to Choose" process where you can request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce the time it takes to wait. There are private providers who can diagnose quickly.
It is best to find an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. It may take some time to find one, as they are difficult to come by. Some clinics require a GP recommendation before they schedule an appointment. However, this is not always necessary.
private adhd assessment uk cost are able to provide an assessment 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 will not give you a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD which is required to be able to access assistance services like Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at work.
A Psychiatrist with expertise will be able identify and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and take into account 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 treatment possible.
You'll need to pay for the assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to get medication through a shared-care arrangement with your physician. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we'd advise you to talk with your GP prior to booking an appointment, so that they know what you're doing and can give their consent, should they be required.
Participating in a support group is another option to meet other adults with ADHD and gain knowledge from their experiences. They can be extremely helpful, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.

Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that some private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses. An undercover reporter visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though he did not have ADHD. try this site suggests that these assessments were rushed and did not take into consideration all the symptoms or effects of ADHD on people's lives. It also raised concerns about the fact that patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pocket to receive a diagnosis and medication.
It is true that doctors will often refer you for an ADHD assessment with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) however they will typically advise you that there is likely to be a waiting period. This varies from provider to provider and is usually about six weeks. It is advisable to study the provider thoroughly and ask friends and family members for word of mouth recommendations. If you choose a well-established and reputable company, you'll probably have less wait time than if you go to your GP.
During the evaluation your psychiatrist will evaluate in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impairment in your daily activities. They will try to rule out any other causes such as 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 records if necessary. This is a stressful process, especially for those with complex family situations or who are unable to locate their school records from their childhood.
Once you have been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you'll be eligible to apply for disability support through your local authority. However, you must be aware that most GPs will not sign a document known as a shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because doctors do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.