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Getting a Private ADHD Diagnosis Through Priory If you suspect you have adult ADHD, you can arrange an assessment with a private consultant through Priory. You can decide if you want to pay for it privately or use the NHS “Right to Choose” pathway to access it through the NHS. A Psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse is required to diagnose ADHD. Other mental health professionals are not able to diagnose ADHD. What is an assessment that is private? A private assessment is a test conducted by a person who doesn't work for your school. The evaluation is based upon a series of tests designed to measure how an individual handles problems, if they persist under stress, and if their attention wanes. The testing is more comprehensive than school psychologists' evaluations, which are often restricted by the types of tests they can test. You also have total control over your private evaluation. You can decide how extensive or targeted it is and you aren't required to disclose the results to your child's school. Do thorough research on the private clinician you select to conduct an assessment. You should inquire about their qualifications and experiences and how they intend to approach the assessment. They should be able to answer all your questions. If you plan to make use of the NHS for any treatment following the private assessment the doctor should send your GP the necessary paperwork to sign what is referred to as a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This allows you to be discharged from your GP in order to continue your treatment, including prescription medications or CBT therapy. This is a crucial step that you should consider taking. Make sure that your GP will be able to accept this before you make an appointment for an individual assessment! What happens if I do not get an appointment? If you are an adult, it can be frustrating trying to obtain an assessment for ADHD. The NHS can take months or even years to offer an assessment and treatment. Private clinics often offer assessments that are more swift and convenient. Private specialists are more likely to have more understanding of ADHD and can customize their assessment according to your symptoms and requirements. There are many advantages of obtaining a diagnosis from a professional. One of the most important is that it helps you know how your symptoms affect everyday life and what they may mean for you or your child. It also makes it easier to connect with the supports and resources that can help you in managing your symptoms. A diagnosis will allow you to consult with a professional who is familiar with the disorder and the common comorbid conditions (like anxiety or depression). It's also helpful for family members to understand the condition and how it impacts their loved ones. If you see an medical professional who is too quick to pull out their prescription pad, or doesn't take the time to evaluate a patient thoroughly the patient's needs, it's probably not worth returning to them. It is crucial to choose a doctor with a lot of experience and training in diagnosing ADHD as well as its co-morbidities. If you are seeking medication to treat your symptoms, it is important to inquire with your doctor whether they are aware of the shared care policies of your GP. While some doctors are willing to work with clinics who offer a shared care diagnosis, some will not. Before deciding on a physician make sure you research prices and check what's covered by your health insurance. It's also important to feel at ease and confident about the choice you make, so search for someone who makes you feel at relaxed. If you're unsure about your diagnosis, you can ask for an additional opinion. The correct diagnosis will provide you with the information you need to lead a healthy life. Do I have to accept a medical diagnosis I disagree with? There are many reasons why you might not be in agreement with an ADHD private assessment. For instance, you may think that they haven't fully comprehended your issues or listened to your concerns. They may have ruled ADHD out due to other factors like a mental illness or physical illness. If you are unhappy with the results of your assessment, you can request a second opinion. I Am Psychiatry will require an additional appointment at your own expense. If you're thinking of an individual diagnosis, it's important to check with your GP to confirm that they'll sign a shared-care agreement for medications (so you only pay the NHS prescription charge). Many GPs refuse to do this currently and you should consult them first. Private clinics are accused of hurrying patients through the ADHD assessment process and giving them a diagnosis without conducting a an extensive investigation. The claims are based on information received from whistleblowers and patients, and an investigation conducted by BBC Panorama. Unfortunately, many GPs struggle to meet the high demand for ADHD assessments. This has been exacerbated by the change in referral pathways. Many adults prefer to consult with a private doctor for their diagnosis and assessment. In some instances, assessments are performed by non-specialists who are not properly trained to evaluate ADHD. This can result in a misdiagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis, and this can be very distressing for people who are trying to find the help they need. It is also possible that medical staff might be influenced by stigma surrounding ADHD and the negative attitudes that are sometimes portrayed by certain media outlets. This can lead them to make unhelpful assumptions about those who present with symptoms. This could have grave consequences on their professional and private lives. The solution to this is an ambiguous one however, it should include improved training for healthcare professionals and increased assistance from NHS services. It is also essential to encourage more people to utilize private services for their assessments. This will ease the pressure on public health services and decrease the time it takes to wait. What happens if I am given a diagnosis? A diagnosis of ADHD can be a major step towards gaining the help you require. It can help alleviate feelings of confusion and self doubt by explaining your symptoms in detail. The evidence also shows that ADHD is a real disorder which can be treated. Having a diagnosis can also provide clarity on whether your symptoms are related to the condition or something other. This can be useful when applying for benefits like Disabled Student's Benefit or university accommodation. You may be referred to see a psychiatrist and this is different from the psychological evaluation you might have received as a student. Psychiatrists are more experienced than psychologists and are able to prescribe medication. When you meet with your psychiatrist, you'll be asked to explain your symptoms and the impact they've had on your life. You should be ready to talk about your adulthood, childhood as well as your work, and how they affected you emotionally and socially. If you're fortunate enough to get an appointment from your GP it's likely to take a while to book an appointment because there is a high demand for these services. Certain private assessment providers require the submission of a GP referral letter, however not all do, so check with the provider you choose before you book an appointment. After you have been admitted to the clinic, you will be given questionnaires and forms to complete prior your appointment. These forms and questionnaires must be completed as fast as you can to ensure that your appointment is on time and that your doctor will be able to review your results prior to meeting with you. Some people may have a harder time to receive a private diagnosis in particular if they are multiple neurodivergents (for example autistics as well as ADHD), or have been diagnosed with mental disorders, such as BPD or Bipolar. This is partly due to the fact that certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like, and some symptoms may be similar to other disorders.