How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment will need to take place. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy procedure, since documents from school may have to be supplied. But, you can avoid 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 typically lasts two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychotherapy assessment. The procedure involves an organized interview with an 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 inquire about your symptoms in various areas, such as at work or in relationships.
It is crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis isn't always easy. Many people who are diagnosed with the condition suffer from a mixed diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It may manifest as restlessness or a constant flurry of activity. Similarly, inattentiveness can be a sign of difficulty staying focused and seated or having difficulty in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial to your symptoms, you will require a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatric assessment.
You may find that your GP isn't keen to refer you to a specialist or give you an appointment in a timely manner. You may want to consider changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more details on how to make a decision.
You may also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own, either through the NHS or privately. Most of these providers will require a referral letter from your GP however some do not and you should make sure to check with the provider you choose prior to making an appointment.
How do I obtain an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. It causes problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be challenging to manage. A private ADHD assessment will help you understand the impact these symptoms affect your life, and identify how to manage them.
There are a number of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of 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 is unable to refer you, it may be worth finding another GP who will.
Typically, an assessment will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level according to NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinic interview in person or via video chat. It usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked about your current difficulties and your background from childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you have any of the symptoms that are associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for examples of times when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional can then utilize this information to determine the cause and recommend treatments.
If you are struggling with a chronic illness and aren't willing to wait for an appointment from the NHS seeking an assessment privately is beneficial. However, it is important to remember that the 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 test medication, it is recommended that you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
You can find a list here of providers if your GP in England is willing to send you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers provide assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are several ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation. The NHS provides a "Right to Choose" process that allows you to ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. private adhd assessment can significantly reduce waiting times. Private providers can also provide rapid diagnosis.
It is advisable to find a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they can be difficult to come by. Some clinics require an GP recommendation before they schedule an appointment. However this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists can offer an assessment of your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can assist you to manage symptoms. However, they are not able to offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
An expert Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they're consistent with ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist is capable of providing you with the most effective treatment if you're open and honest.
You will have to pay for the assessment however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking about paying for a private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP prior to booking an appointment, so that they know what you're doing and provide their consent if needed.
It is also worthwhile to consider joining a support group to meet others with ADHD and share their experiences and solutions. They can be very helpful, comforting and encouraging. You can find online spaces 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 handing out 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 the patient did not have ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were not thorough and did not consider the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD can have on people's daily lives. It also raised concerns that some patients who are not eligible for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pockets to get a diagnosis and medication.
It is true that GPs may suggest you to have an ADHD assessment with one of the most prominent private companies (such as Priory) however they will typically advise you that there will likely be a waiting period. The time frame for waiting differs from one provider to another, but is typically six weeks. It is advisable to research the provider carefully and ask your family and friends members for word of mouth suggestions. If you choose a well-established and reputable company you'll likely experience an easier time waiting than if you see your GP.
During the evaluation, your psychiatrist will assess the subjectively whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption in your daily functioning. They will try to rule out other reasons, like thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues and will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school records if necessary. This could be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complex family circumstances or those who have not been in a position to locate their childhood school reports.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider, you can request disability benefits from your local authority. However, you must be aware that most GPs will refuse to sign a document known as the shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and haven't also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors lack the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.