How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment will need to take place. This will be done by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It can be a long procedure, since documents from school may have to be provided. You can cut down on the waiting time by booking a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually lasts two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process will involve an organized clinical interview with an expert and they will evaluate your symptoms from early years to your adulthood. They will also consider other issues with your mental health or neurological issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will concentrate on various areas of functioning, such as relationships or work, and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is worth bearing in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight up and down one. A lot of people who are told they suffer from the disorder have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is crucial to remember that the three most prominent symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity often looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity seen in children, and may be present as restlessness or constantly rushing around. In the same way, inattention may manifest as difficulty staying focused and seated, or difficulty staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you think that medication could help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment.
If your GP refuses to refer you or is unable to make an appointment within a short time you might want to change GPs. If this is the case, it might be worth switching GPs You can learn more about how to make use of your right to choose on the Psychiatry-UK website.
adhd private assessment might also be able to make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner using the NHS system or on your own. Some providers do not require a referral letter from your GP however, the majority do. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to making a booking.
How do I obtain a private evaluation?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. It can cause issues in a variety of areas for adults and can be difficult to live with. A private ADHD assessment can help you understand the impact these symptoms have on your life, and identify how to manage them.
There are many providers who will carry out an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can assert your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to make this request then you may need to find another GP willing to assist you.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). This is because they are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a medical interview, either in person or via video calls. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current problems and any previous issues you have had in your early years if you are an adult. The healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the traits that are associated with ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide instances of when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will make use of this information to diagnose and suggest treatment options.
If you are struggling with a chronic illness and don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS seeking a private assessment may be beneficial. It is important to know that an assessment conducted privately does not necessarily mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You will still need to discuss this with them and if you decide to try medications it is recommended you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
You can find a list here of providers in case your GP in England is willing to send you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers provide assessments on the internet and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation. The NHS offers a 'Right to Choose" process where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce the time it takes to wait. Private providers can also offer an immediate diagnosis.
In general, it's best to find a specialist psychiatrist with expertise in adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one, since they can be difficult to come by. Some will insist on a GP referral letter before they will see you for an examination however, this isn't always necessary.
Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help you manage symptoms. However they cannot offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to receive support services such as Disabled Students' allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A skilled Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are related to ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues you may have. It is important to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can offer you the most effective treatment.
You will have to pay for the exam however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD, it may be possible to get medication through a shared care agreement with your doctor (you'll be required to be responsible for the NHS prescription charge). We recommend that you speak to your GP about an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you're doing and will give their consent if necessary.
Joining a support group is another option to get together with other adults who suffer from ADHD and gain knowledge from their experiences. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit and also look for local groups that meet in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over assertion that private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter undercover went to three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were made in a hurry and did not take into consideration all the symptoms or the consequences of ADHD on the lives of people. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and must pay out-of-pocket to get an assessment or prescription.
There is no doubt that your GP will refer you to one of the major private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will tell you there could be a waiting period. This varies from provider to provider and typically is around six weeks. It is advisable to investigate 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 a shorter waiting time than if you go to your GP.
In the course of the evaluation, a psychiatrist will, in a way examine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out any other causes such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues and will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms about your childhood) and school records if necessary. This can be a stressful process particularly for those with more complex family circumstances or for those who aren't able to find their school reports from their childhood.
Once you've been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional you will be able to apply for disability support through your local authority. However, you must be aware that a majority of GPs are not willing to sign a document known as the shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and haven't also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that GPs aren't qualified to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.