How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD A psychiatric evaluation is required. This will be done by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
It can be a long procedure, since old school records may need to be provided. You can cut down on the waiting time by booking an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly through an online ADHD center.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation in which you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. It typically lasts two sessions and is more in-depth than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process will involve a structured clinical interview with a specialist, and they will look at your symptoms from your childhood to adulthood. They will also consider other issues with your mental health or neurological issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will examine different 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 a straight up and down one. A lot of people who are told that they are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is essential to keep in mind that the three primary symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. Adult hyperactivity is often different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It may be characterized by restlessness or a constant rush around. In the same way, inattention may manifest as difficulty sitting still and being organised or having trouble in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial for your condition, you will need to get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best method to do this is to talk to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment.
You might find your GP does not want to refer you or can't give you an appointment in a timely manner. You may want to consider changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more information on how to make a decision.
You might also be able to book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric service via the NHS system or independently. Most of these providers will require a referral letter from your GP however some do not and you should check with your chosen provider before booking.
How can I obtain a private assessment?
ADHD is a complex mental condition that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. It can cause problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be difficult to manage. A personal ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can have on your life and identify how to manage these symptoms.
There are a variety of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment for 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 refuses to refer you to a provider you might want to find a different GP willing to assist you.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor, either in-person or via video conference. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult and are a patient, you will be asked questions about your current difficulties and your background from childhood. The healthcare professional will then examine whether you exhibit any of the characteristics that are characteristic of ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for instances where you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional can then make use of this information to diagnose and recommend treatment options.
A private evaluation can be beneficial if you've been having a difficult time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to remember that an assessment done privately does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. private adhd assessment will have to discuss the issue with them and, if you choose to use medication, you should seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
If you have a GP 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 offer 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 offers a procedure called "Right to Choice" where you can request your GP to refer you to one of the specialists on their list - this can reduce the waiting time significantly. Private providers can also offer an immediate diagnosis.
In general, it's best to locate a specialist psychiatrist with expertise in adult ADHD. It may take some time to find one, as they are hard to come by. Some will insist that you have an GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination however, this isn't always necessary.
Psychologists are able to evaluate the symptoms of your condition but they cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can assist you to manage symptoms. However, they are unable to offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for assistance such as the Disabled Student's allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
An expert Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they're consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. It is essential to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can offer you the most effective treatment.
You'll have to pay for the examination however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP (you'll have to be responsible for the NHS prescription charge). We suggest that you talk to your GP regarding an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you're doing and to give their approval when needed.
It's also worth looking into joining a support group in order to meet others who suffer from ADHD and share their experiences and solutions. They can be incredibly helpful, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over assertion that private clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses. An undercover reporter visited 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 stated that these assessments were made in a hurry, and didn't take into account the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket to receive a diagnosis or medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will recommend you to one of the major private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you there will be a possible waiting period. This varies from provider to provider and typically is about six weeks. It is recommended to investigate the provider thoroughly and ask your family and friends members for word of mouth suggestions. Selecting a reputable and experienced firm will likely mean that you will have a shorter wait than if you go through your GP.
In the course of the evaluation, a psychiatrist will, albeit subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out other causes, like depression or anxiety. If needed, they will ask for additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a difficult process particularly for those with more complex family circumstances or those who haven't been able to find their school reports from their childhood.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional You can apply for disability benefits through your local authority. But, be aware that a majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document called an agreement for shared care in the event that you were diagnosed privately and have not also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.