How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric examination is required to determine ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
This can be a lengthy process, as the old school records might need to be provided. But, you can avoid the waiting and get private assessments by registering directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment of ADHD is a session where you sit down with an expert to discuss your symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. It typically takes two sessions, and is more detailed than a NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process involves an organized clinical interview with a specialist and they will examine your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also consider if there are other disorders of the brain or mental issues that could trigger your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in different areas, like at work or in relationships.
It is worth bearing in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy up and down one. A lot of people who are told they are suffering from the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is essential to keep in mind that the three most prominent symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It may be characterized by restlessness or a constant rush around. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as a problem sitting still and being organised or having difficulty in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you think medication will alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to do this is to talk to your GP and request that they refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you or cannot offer you an immediate appointment you might want to change your GP. You might want to think about changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more details on how to exercise your choice.
You may be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist through the NHS or privately. Some providers may not require a letter of recommendation from your GP however, the majority do. Check with your chosen provider prior to making an appointment.
How can I obtain a private assessment?
ADHD is an intricate mental disorder that affects brain functions like motivation working memory, motivation, and attention. It causes problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be challenging to manage. A private ADHD assessment can assist you in understanding the impact of these symptoms on your life and can be helpful in determining the best ways to treat them.
There are several 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 do so it might be worth finding another GP who is willing.
Typically an assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In adhd assessment private will consist of questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor in person or via video call. This will usually last for 45 to 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current issues as well as your previous struggles since childhood if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will consider whether you have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked for examples of times when you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then use these to make a diagnosis and recommend treatments.
If you're suffering from a chronic illness and aren't willing to wait for a referral from the NHS seeking an assessment from a private practitioner is beneficial. However, it is important to keep in mind that a private diagnosis does not mean that you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. It is still necessary 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 will find a list of providers in case your GP in England will refer you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies 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 evaluation. The NHS has a process called 'Right to Choose' where you can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist providers on their list - this will reduce the time to wait considerably. There are private providers that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
It is advisable to seek out a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they can be difficult to find. Some clinics require an GP referral before they will make an appointment. However it is not always necessary.
Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals - including Psychologists - can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they are unable to give you a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be able to access support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to work.
A Psychiatrist with expertise will be able diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. It is important to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist so they can give you the most effective treatment.
You'll have to pay for the assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest speaking to your GP about a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you're doing and to give their approval if necessary.
Joining a support group can be another way to connect with other adults who suffer from ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
The 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 with the condition by all of them, despite the fact that he didn't have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were made in a hurry and did not consider all the symptoms or the effects of ADHD on people's lives. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket to receive an assessment or prescription.
There is no doubt that your doctor will recommend one of the leading private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory), but they will tell you that there could be a waiting time. The waiting time differs from one provider to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct extensive research on the company. If you select a reputable and reputable company, you'll probably have an easier time waiting than if you see your GP.
During the examination, a psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out any other causes, such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues. They will usually ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school reports, if required. This can be a difficult process, particularly for those who have more complex family circumstances or for those who have not been successful in finding their school reports from their childhood.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider You can apply for disability benefits from your local authority. However, you must be aware that a majority of GPs are not willing to sign a document known as a shared care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and have not had a complete titration into your final dose of medication. This is because GPs aren't qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.