Getting a Private ADHD Diagnosis Through Priory

If you think you may have adult ADHD, you can arrange an assessment with a private consultant through Priory. You can decide whether to pay for the assessment privately or utilize your NHS Right to Choose' pathway to access this via 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 a private appraisal?

A private assessment is a kind of evaluation performed by someone other than your school. The evaluation is based on a set of tests designed to reveal how the person approaches problems, whether they persevere when faced with challenges, and whether their attention fades. The testing is more comprehensive than school psychologists' evaluations that are typically limited in what they can test. You can also select the subject matter of a private evaluation. It is not necessary to divulge results to the school.

Do a thorough investigation on the private clinician you select to conduct your assessment. You should ask them about their credentials and experience and how they intend to conduct the assessment. They should also be able to answer any questions that you may have.

If you plan to make use of the NHS to receive any treatment after your private assessment, then your doctor must send a letter to your GP in order to create a "Shared Care Agreement". This allows you to be discharged from your GP to continue with any ongoing treatment, including CBT therapy or prescription medication. This is an important step that you should consider taking. Make sure your GP will agree to this before you schedule an assessment in private!

What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?

It can be very frustrating when trying to diagnose ADHD as an adult. The NHS can take months or even years to provide an assessment and treatment.

Many private clinics provide assessments more quickly and conveniently. Private specialists are more likely to have a greater understanding of ADHD and can customize their assessments to meet your symptoms and needs.

A professional diagnosis has many benefits. One of the most important is that it will help you know how your symptoms affect daily life and what they might mean for you or your child. It can also help you locate sources and support that will assist you in managing your symptoms.

A diagnosis lets you consult with a medical professional who is familiarized with the disorder and common comorbidities (such anxiety or depression). It is also important for family members to be aware of the condition and its effects on their loved one.

It's not a good idea to go to an ophthalmologist who is quick to write prescriptions or doesn't take enough time with the patient. It is crucial to find a physician with a lot of experience and training in diagnosing ADHD, including its comorbidities.


If you are seeking medication to treat your symptoms, you should ask the clinician if they are familiar with your GP’s shared care policy. Some doctors will collaborate with clinics that offer a shared diagnosis, but others will not.

Before you choose a specialist make sure you research costs and find out what's covered by your health insurance. You must also feel comfortable and confident in your choice. So, pick a doctor who puts you at ease. If you're not sure about the diagnosis, you may request an additional opinion. A correct diagnosis will provide you with the information that you need to live a healthy lifestyle.

Do I have to accept a diagnosis that I do not agree with?

There are many reasons why you may not be in agreement with an ADHD private assessment. For instance, you may believe that they may not have fully understood your difficulties or listened to what you've been saying. They may have decided to rule ADHD out because of other reasons like a mental illness or physical illness. If you are not satisfied with the results of your assessment, then you may request an additional opinion. This will require a second appointment at your expense.

If you are considering the possibility of a private diagnosis, it is essential to inquire with your GP to see if they'll sign a shared care agreement for medications (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge). Many GPs aren't willing to sign this currently and you should check with them first.

Private clinics have been accused of speeding through the ADHD assessment and diagnosing patients without conducting a thorough investigation. The allegations are based on tips from whistleblowers and patients, and an investigation by BBC Panorama.

Unfortunately, many GPs struggle to meet the demand for ADHD assessments. This has been exacerbated by the change in the pathways to referral. In the end, a lot of adults are opting to seek out a private assessment and diagnosis.

In some instances, assessments are carried out by non-specialists that do not have the proper training to be able to identify ADHD. This can cause people to be misdiagnosed or given an incorrect diagnosis. This can be extremely troubling for those trying to find the help they need.

It is also possible that medical professionals might be influenced by stigma that surrounds ADHD and the negative attitudes that are sometimes expressed by certain media outlets. This can lead to them making unhelpful assumptions about people with symptoms of the disorder, which could result in serious consequences for their personal and professional lives.

The answer to this question is a complex one however, it should include better education for healthcare professionals as well as increased support from NHS services. It is also crucial that more people are encouraged to use private clinics for their health assessments, as this will help to reduce the burden on public services and cut down waiting times.

What happens if I get an illness?

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a major step in gaining the assistance you need. It can ease feelings of confusion and self-doubt by providing a clear explanation for your symptoms. The evidence shows that it is a valid condition which can be treated. The diagnosis can help you determine if your symptoms are related to the condition or to something other. This may be useful when submitting applications for benefits such as Disabled Students' Allowance, or for accommodation in the university.

You may be directed to a psychiatrist for an assessment, which is different from the psychological assessments you likely had when you were an undergraduate or postgrad student. Psychiatrists are more qualified than psychologists and are able to prescribe medication. In the initial consultation with your psychiatrist, you will be asked about the background of your issues, and the impact they have on your life. adhd diagnosis adults should be ready to discuss your adulthood, childhood, and work and how they affected you emotionally and socially.

If you are lucky enough to receive an appointment from your GP it's likely to take a while to book an appointment because there is a huge demand for these services. Some private assessment services require the GP letter of referral, but not all. Make sure to check with your chosen service prior to booking an appointment.

You will receive questionnaires and forms before your appointment. You should do these as quickly as you can to help to ensure that your appointment keeps to schedule and that your psychiatrist is able examine your results prior to meeting with you.

The process of obtaining a private diagnosis can be more difficult for some people, particularly if they are multiply neurodivergent (for instance, both autistic and ADHD) or have prior mental health diagnoses such as BPD or bipolar. This is partly because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD is like and a few symptoms can be similar to other conditions.