How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD A psychiatric evaluation is required. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
It can be a long procedure, since old school records may need to be supplied. However, you can skip the waiting and get private assessments by registering directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consult with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process consists of a structured interview with a expert who will review your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also determine if there are any other disorders of the brain or mental issues that could trigger your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, like relationships or work. They will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.
It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy straightforward one. Many people who are told they are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is important to remember that the three most prominent symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. In adults, hyperactivity usually appears different from the raunchy hyperactivity that is common in children, and may be present as the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. In the same way, inattention may manifest as difficulty sitting still and being organised or having difficulty staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication would be beneficial for your symptoms, you will require a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to apply for reasonable adjustments as well as Disabled Student Allowance. The best method to do this is to speak to your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, or is unable to make an appointment within a short time You may wish to change GPs. You might want to think about changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can make a decision.
You might also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider via the NHS system or privately. Some providers do not require a letter of referral from your GP however, the majority do. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to making a booking.
How can I get an assessment in private?
ADHD is a complicated mental disorder that affects the function of brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. It can cause issues in many areas of life for adults and can be challenging to manage. A private ADHD assessment will assist you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and could be helpful in determining ways to manage them.
There are a variety of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You are able to exercise your right to choice (RTC) by asking your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to do so it might be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). This is because they are the only ones who are able to diagnose ADHD. In most cases an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires as well as a clinic interview in person or via video chat. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked about your current issues and your background from your childhood. A healthcare specialist will determine if you exhibit any of the traits that are associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. You will be asked for instances where you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional can then utilize this information to determine the cause and recommend treatment options.
A private assessment may be helpful if you've been struggling for a long period of time and do not want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to remember that the private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. It is still necessary to discuss this with them, and if you decide to test medications it is recommended that you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
If you have a GP in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of providers here. Some of these providers offer assessments on the internet and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a variety of ways to obtain an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process known as 'Right to Choose' where you can request your GP for a referral to one of the specialists on their list - this can reduce the waiting time substantially. There are private practitioners that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it's best to find a specialist psychiatrist with had experience with adult ADHD. However, it may take a while to find one since they aren't easy to come by. Some clinics will insist on a GP referral before they will make an appointment. However, this is not always required.
Psychiatrists are able to provide an assessment of your symptoms but they are not able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists can help you manage your symptoms, but they are unable to provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be able to access assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to work.
A Psychiatrist who is experienced can identify and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether they are private adhd assessment consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. It is crucial to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist so they can give you the best possible treatment.
You'll have to pay for the assessment however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP (you'll still have to pay the NHS prescription cost). We suggest speaking with your GP about a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and will give their consent should it be required.
Joining a support group can be another option to meet other adults with ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online communities on Facebook and Reddit and also look for local in person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that some private clinics are handing out inaccurate diagnoses. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though he didn't have ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were made in a hurry, and didn't take into account the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD can have on people's daily lives. It also raised concerns about the fact that patients who are not eligible for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pockets to get a diagnosis and medication.
There is a fact that doctors will often refer you for an ADHD assessment through one of the main private companies (such as Priory) however they will usually advise you there will likely be a waiting time. The waiting period varies from one provider to another provider, but is typically around six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and do thorough research about the provider. If you choose a well-established and experienced company you'll likely have an easier time waiting than if you go to your GP.
In the course of the evaluation the psychiatrist will, in a way determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out any other causes such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or problems and will typically request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood) and school reports if required. This could be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complicated family circumstances or those who aren't able to find their school records from childhood.
After you have been evaluated and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified health professional, you are eligible to apply for disability assistance with your local authority. It is important to be aware that the majority of GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and haven't been titrated fully to the final dose of medicine. This is due to the fact that doctors do not have the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.