How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

A psychiatric examination is required to diagnose ADHD. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.

It's a process that could require some red tape, such as the need for old school records to be submitted. However, you can bypass the line and receive a private assessment by booking directly with an online ADHD clinic.

What is a private evaluation?

A private assessment for ADHD is a consult with a specialist to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process will involve an organized clinical interview with an expert, and they will evaluate your symptoms from your early years to your adulthood. They will also look into whether there are other mental health conditions or neurological issues that could trigger your symptoms. They will concentrate on various areas of functioning, including relationships or work. They will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.

It is worth bearing in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy straightforward one. Many people who are told they suffer from the disorder have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is crucial to remember that the three main symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. Adult hyperactivity can differ from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It can manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant flurry of activity. Inattention may also manifest as an inability to concentrate on tasks, staying organized or sitting for long periods of time.

If you decide that medication could be beneficial to your symptoms, you will require a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to accomplish this is to speak with your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.

If your GP refuses to refer you or is unable to make an immediate appointment You may wish to change GPs. If this is the case, it might be worthwhile to switch GPs - you can find out more about how to make use of your right to choose on the Psychiatry UK website.

You might also be able to book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner via the NHS system or privately. Some providers might not require a referral letter from your GP but the majority of them do. Check with your chosen provider prior to booking.

How do I obtain an individual evaluation?

ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation working memory, motivation, and attention. It can cause issues in a wide range of areas for adults and can be difficult to live with. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and could be helpful in determining how they could be managed.

There are several companies that will conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to a provider then you may need to find another GP willing to do it.

A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is because these are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In most cases the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a clinical interview in person or over video calls. The typical time for this assessment is 45 to 90 minutes.



You will be asked about your current problems as well as your previous struggles since childhood if you are an adult. The healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the traits that are associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide instances of when you've demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional can then utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatment options.

A private assessment can be helpful if you have been struggling for a long time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to note that an assessment conducted privately does not automatically mean your GP will prescribe medication. You will still need to discuss this with them, and if you do decide to try medications it is recommended you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.

You can find a list here of providers if your GP in England is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies offer online assessments and have much shorter waiting times.

How do I get a private diagnosis?

There are several methods to receive an ADHD evaluation. The NHS offers a 'Right to choose" process that allows you to request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can significantly reduce waiting times. There are private practitioners who can diagnose quickly.

It is advisable to seek out a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. However, it could take some time to locate one, as they are not easy to come by. Some will insist that you have an GP referral letter before they can see you for an examination, but this is not always required.

Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help manage symptoms. However, they are unable to offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to receive support services like Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.

A skilled Psychiatrist can identify and describe your symptoms, determine whether they're consistent with ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues you may have. Your Psychiatrist is in a position to give you the most effective treatment if you're honest and open.

You'll need to pay for the examination however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD, it may be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll still pay the NHS prescription charge). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we'd suggest you talk to your GP prior to scheduling an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing and provide their consent if needed.

Joining a support group is another option to meet others who have ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. https://zenwriting.net/birthdonna62/5-private-adhd-assessment-projects-that-work-for-any-budget can be very 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 claims that private clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were not thorough and did not take into account all the signs or effects of ADHD on people's lives. It also raised concerns that patients who are not qualified for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pockets to be diagnosed and receive medication.

There is no doubt that your doctor will recommend one of the major private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you there will be a possible waiting period. The time frame for waiting varies from one provider to the next and is usually six weeks. It is advisable to research the provider carefully and ask your family and friends members for referrals. If you choose a well-established and reputable company, you'll probably have an easier time waiting than if you visit your GP.

During the assessment an evaluator will, albeit subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out any other causes such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems and will typically ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school reports, if necessary. This can be a stressful time particularly for those with complex family situations or who can't locate their school records from childhood.

After you have been diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider You can request disability benefits from your local authority. It is important to be aware that the majority of GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and you haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medicine. This is due to the fact that doctors lack the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.