How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric evaluation is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
It's a process that could involve some red tape for example, the need for old school reports to be provided. However, you can bypass the line and receive an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private evaluation?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consultation with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually requires two sessions and is much more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The procedure involves an in-depth clinical interview with a specialist who will evaluate your symptoms from early years to your adulthood. They will also consider other mental health issues or neurological issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, including work or relationships and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.
It is worth bearing in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight straightforward one. Many people who are told they have the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is important to remember that the three main symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity often looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It can be present as restlessness or constantly rushing around. In the same way, inattention may manifest as difficulty staying focused and seated, or difficulty in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you believe that medication can help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to accomplish this is to speak to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
If your GP refuses to refer you, or is unable to make an immediate appointment, you may want to change your GP. If this is the case, it could be worth switching GPs and you can learn more about how to exercise your right to choose the Psychiatry UK website.
You might also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric service via the NHS system or privately. Some providers might not require a letter of referral from your GP but the majority of them do. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to making an appointment.
How can I get a private assessment?
ADHD is a nexus of mental illness that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can create problems in many areas. A private ADHD assessment can assist you in understanding the impact of these symptoms on your life and can help you determine ways to manage them.
There are a variety of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can assert your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one it might be worthwhile looking for a different GP who is willing to.
Typically, an assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician, either in person or via video calls. It usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current problems as well as your previous struggles since childhood if you are an adult. A healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the traits associated with ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked for instances of when you've shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatments.
If you're struggling with an ongoing condition and don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS getting an assessment privately is beneficial. It is important to keep in mind that a private diagnosis does not mean you can automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You'll still need to discuss the issue with them. If you do decide to try medication it is recommended you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
If you have a GP in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider to conduct an ADHD assessment You can find a list of the providers here. Some of these companies offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a variety of ways to get an ADHD evaluation. The NHS provides a "Right to Choose" process where you can ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on the time it takes to wait. Private providers can also provide an immediate diagnosis.
In general, it is best to locate a specialist psychiatrist who has had experience with adult ADHD. However, it could take a while to find one since they aren't easily accessible. Some clinics insist on an GP recommendation before they make an appointment. However it is not always necessary.
private adhd assesment are able to provide an evaluation of your symptoms, however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists - can help you manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD which is required to be able to access support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to work.
A Psychiatrist who is experienced is able to determine and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist is capable of providing you with the best treatment if you are honest and open.
You will have to pay for the exam, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD, it may be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP (you'll still pay the NHS prescription charge). If you're considering paying for a private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing and provide their consent should they be required.
It's also worth considering joining a support group in order to meet others who suffer from ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be incredibly supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online groups through Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were made in a hurry and did not consider all the symptoms or the impact of ADHD on the lives of people. It also raised concerns that some patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pockets to receive a diagnosis and medication.
It is true that GPs will often recommend an ADHD assessment with one of the main private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there will likely be a waiting period. This differs from provider to provider and typically is about six weeks. It is advisable to investigate the provider thoroughly and ask family and friends members for word of mouth recommendations. If you choose a well-established and reputable company, you'll probably have less wait time than if you see your GP.
During the assessment your psychiatrist will evaluate in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impact on your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out other causes, such as anxiety or depression. If necessary they will request additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This could be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complicated family circumstances or for those who have not been successful in finding their school reports from their childhood.
Once you have been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional you will be eligible to apply for disability assistance through your local authority. It is important to be aware, however, that most GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care arrangement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and you haven't been fully titrated to the final dose of medicine. This is due to the fact that GPs aren't qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.
