How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD A psychiatric evaluation will need to take place. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can be a bit complicated for example, the need for old school reports to be provided. However, you can bypass the waiting and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment of ADHD is a meeting where you sit down with an expert to discuss your symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more in-depth than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process consists of a structured interview with an expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also examine other mental health issues or neurological issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, such as relationships or work. They will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD diagnosis isn't always straightforward. Many people diagnosed with the disorder have a mixed diagnosis. It is important to remember that the three most prominent symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Adult hyperactivity can differ from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It may be characterized by restlessness or a constant race. In addition, inattention can manifest as difficulty staying still and being organized or having trouble in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you think medication will 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 speak with your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
You may find that your GP doesn't want to refer you, or doesn't give you an appointment in a timely manner. If this is the case, it could be worth switching GPs You can find out more about how to make use of your right to choose the Psychiatry-UK website.
You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner using the NHS system or independently. Some providers might not require a letter of referral from your GP, but most do. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to making a booking.
How do I obtain an individual evaluation?
ADHD is a complex mental condition that affects the function of brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can cause difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact these symptoms affect your life, and help you manage the symptoms.
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 do this you might want to find another GP willing to help.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is because these are the only people who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time, an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor, either in-person or via 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 as well as your past struggles since childhood. A healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the characteristics that are associated with ADHD like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. You will be asked to give instances of when you've shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then use these to make an assessment and suggest treatments.
A private assessment can be helpful if you have been struggling for a long time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. However, it is important to keep in mind that a private diagnosis does not mean that you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You'll still need to discuss the issue with them. If you decide to try medications it is recommended you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
If you have a doctor in England who is happy to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of the providers here. Some of these providers provide online assessments and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process known as "Right to Choose" where you can ask your GP for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This will reduce the time to wait significantly. There are private practitioners who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
It is best to seek out an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. However, it could take a while to find one as they are not readily available. Some will require an GP referral letter before they can see you for an examination, but this is not always necessary.
Psychiatrists can assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals - including Psychologists - can assist you to manage your private adhd assessment symptoms, but they are unable to provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to get access to support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.
A Psychiatrist with expertise is able to identify and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether they are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist will be capable of providing you with the best treatment if you are open and honest.
You'll have to pay for your evaluation. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to receive medication through a shared-care arrangement with your GP. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're considering paying for an private diagnosis, we would suggest you talk to your GP prior to scheduling an appointment so they know what you're doing and give their approval in the event of need.
It's also worth looking into joining an online support group to connect with others who suffer from ADHD, and hear their experiences and solutions. They can be extremely helpful, reassuring and encouraging. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit, or check out local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics give unreliable diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, despite the fact that he did not have ADHD. The report suggested that these assessments were not thorough and did not consider all the symptoms or consequences of ADHD on the lives of people. It also raised concerns that patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pocket to receive a diagnosis and medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will refer you to one of the leading private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you there could be a waiting time. The waiting period varies from one provider to another provider, but is typically around six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations and conduct extensive research on the company. Selecting a reputable and experienced firm will likely mean that you'll have a shorter wait than if you go through your GP.
During the examination an evaluator will, in a way examine whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out other reasons, like thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues and will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school records if necessary. This can be a stressful procedure, especially for those with more complex family circumstances or for those who aren't able to find their school reports 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 a majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document known as an agreement for shared care in the event that you were diagnosed privately and have not had a complete titration into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.