How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric assessment is required to determine ADHD. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy process, as the old school records might need to be supplied. However, you can skip the line and receive an assessment in private by making an appointment directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation where you meet with an expert and discuss your symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. It usually takes two sessions and is more detailed than a NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process will involve a structured clinical interview with a specialist and they will examine your symptoms from early years to your adulthood. They will also look into whether there are other neurological or mental health issues that could cause your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in various areas, like at work or in relationships.
It is important to remember that ADHD diagnosis is not always easy. Many people diagnosed with the condition have multiple diagnoses. It is important to remember that the three main symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Adult hyperactivity can differ from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. adhd private assessment could be characterized by restlessness or a constant race. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as difficulty staying focused and seated or having difficulty staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication would be beneficial to your condition, you will need to get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will permit you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. The best method to do this is to speak to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, or cannot offer you an appointment within a short time You may wish to change your GP. You might want to think about changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more details on how to make a decision.
You may also be able make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner via the NHS system or on your own. The majority of these providers require a referral letter from your GP but some don't and you should make sure to check with the provider you choose prior to booking.
How do I obtain an individual evaluation?
ADHD is a complex mental condition that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can create difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your daily life and be helpful in determining ways to manage them.
There are many providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to refer you, it may be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing to.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will usually conduct the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is because these are the only people who are able to diagnose ADHD. In most cases, an ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a clinic interview either in person or via video conference. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current health issues and any previous issues you have had in your early years if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will determine if you have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. You will be asked for instances where you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will then employ these to determine a diagnosis and recommend treatments.
A private assessment may be helpful if you have been struggling for a long period of time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to keep in mind that an assessment done privately does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will still need to discuss this with them and if you decide to test medication it is recommended you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
You will find a list of providers if your GP in England is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are several methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called "Right to Choose" where you can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist doctors on their list - this can reduce the waiting time considerably. There are also private providers who can diagnose quickly.
In general, it is recommended to seek out a specialist psychiatrist with had experience with adult ADHD. It may take some time to find one, as they can be difficult to come by. Some will insist that you have a GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination however, this isn't always required.
Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can help manage symptoms. However, they are not able to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services such as Disabled Students' allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A Psychiatrist who is an expert will be able to identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they're consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist will be in a position to give you the best treatment if you are open and honest.
You'll need to pay for your evaluation. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest that you talk with your GP regarding the possibility of a private diagnosis prior to making an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you are doing and will give their consent if necessary.
Joining a support group is another option to meet other adults with ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be very helpful, comforting and encouraging. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit, or check out local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private clinics give unreliable diagnosis. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers, and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were rushed, and did not take into consideration the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD affects people's everyday lives. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and must pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or a medication.
There is a fact that GPs may refer you for an ADHD assessment through one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they will usually advise you there is likely to be a waiting time. The waiting period differs from one provider to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct 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.
During the examination your psychiatrist will evaluate in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant disruption in your daily activities. They will ask you to rule out any other causes, such as depression or anxiety. If needed they will request additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This is a stressful process particularly for those with complex family situations or who are unable to locate their school records from their childhood.
After you have been diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can apply for disability benefits through your local authority. Be aware that most GPs aren't likely to sign a contract known as a shared-care agreement if you were diagnosed by a private doctor and haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because doctors do not have the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.