How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment is required. This will be done by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can involve some red tape, such as the need for old school records to be supplied. But, you can avoid the waiting and get 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 sit down with an expert and discuss your symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process consists of an organized interview with an expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look into whether there are other mental health conditions or neurological issues that could trigger your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, including relationships or work. They will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is worth bearing in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a straight straightforward one. Many people who are told that they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It may manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant race. In addition, inattention can manifest as difficulty sitting still and being organised or having difficulty staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial for your condition, you will need to get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to apply for reasonable adjustments as well as Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatric assessment.
If your GP refuses to refer you, or cannot offer you an immediate appointment you might want to change your GP. You may want to consider changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more information on how to exercise your choice.
You may also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist directly, either through the NHS or independently. The majority of these providers require the referral letter of your GP however some do not, so make sure to check with the provider you choose prior to booking.
How do I obtain an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can lead to issues in many areas. A private ADHD assessment will assist you in understanding the impact of these symptoms on your daily life and help you determine the best ways to treat them.
There are a variety of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to choice (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unwilling to do this then you may need to find another GP willing to do it.
The majority of assessments are carried out by a psychiatrist, or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level in accordance with NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only people 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 call. It usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current issues as well as your previous struggles from childhood if you're an adult. The healthcare professional will then determine if you exhibit any of the symptoms associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for instances where you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will employ these to determine an assessment and suggest treatment options.
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 know that an assessment conducted privately does not automatically mean your GP will prescribe medication. You will still need to discuss this with them, and if you decide to test medications it is recommended you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
If you have a doctor in England who is happy to refer you to an NHS provider to conduct an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of the providers here. Some of these providers provide online assessments and have much shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a "Right to Choose" process where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce the time it takes to wait. 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. It could take a while to find one, as they are hard to come by. Some will require an GP referral letter before they will see you for an assessment, but this is not always necessary.
Psychiatrists can assess the symptoms of your condition but they cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals - including Psychologists - can help you manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD which is required to get access to assistance services such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.
A Psychiatrist who is experienced will be able identify and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues you may have. Your Psychiatrist is in a position to give you the most effective treatment if you're open and honest.
You will need to pay for the assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication under a shared-care agreement with your physician. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). private adhd assessment near me suggest speaking with your GP regarding a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you're doing and to give their approval when needed.
It is also worthwhile to consider joining an online support group to connect with other adults who have ADHD, and hear their stories and solutions. They can be very supportive, comforting and motivating. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit and also look for local groups that meet in person.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private health clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were rushed and did not take into account all the symptoms or effects of ADHD on the lives of individuals. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and have to pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or medication.
It is true that doctors will often recommend an ADHD assessment with one of the main private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there is likely to be a waiting time. The time frame for waiting varies from one provider to another and is usually six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research on the provider. If you choose a well-established and reputable company you'll likely have an easier time waiting than if you see your GP.
During private adhd assessment will evaluate the subjectively whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impairment in your daily activities. They will want to rule out other causes such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues and will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms about your childhood) and school reports, if necessary. This can be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complex family circumstances or those who aren't able to find their school reports from their childhood.
After you have been diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider, you can request disability benefits from your local authority. Be aware, however, that the majority of GPs aren't likely to sign a contract called a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed by a private doctor and haven't been fully titrated to your dosage. This is because GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.