How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric assessment is required to diagnose ADHD. This is performed 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 records to be submitted. You can avoid the wait by scheduling a private ADHD assessment directly through an online ADHD center.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment of ADHD is a meeting in which you meet with an expert and discuss your symptoms, and how they affect your life. It usually lasts two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The procedure involves a structured clinical interview with a specialist, and they will examine your symptoms from your early years to your adulthood. They will also determine if there are any 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 important to remember that ADHD diagnosis isn't always simple. Many people diagnosed with the condition have an undiagnosed diagnosis. It is important to remember that the three main symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Adult hyperactivity is often different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It could manifest as restlessness or a constant flurry of activity. Inattention may also manifest as difficulties in focusing on tasks, staying organized or sitting down.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial for your condition, you will require a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to do this is to speak with your GP and request that they refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment.
You might find your GP isn't keen to refer you, or doesn't offer you an appointment immediately. You may want to consider changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more information on how you can exercise your choice.
You might also be able to make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric service using the NHS system or independently. Some providers might not require a letter of referral from your GP but the majority of them will. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to making a booking.
How can I obtain an assessment from a private person?
ADHD is a nexus of mental illness that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. It causes problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be challenging to live with. A private ADHD assessment will assist you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and can be useful in identifying ways to manage them.
There are a number of 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 recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one it might be worth finding another GP who will.
The majority of assessments are conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level, as per NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a clinical interview, either in person or via video call. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked questions regarding your current problems and your background from your childhood. A healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the characteristics that are associated with ADHD like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. You will be asked to provide instances of when you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then employ these to determine a diagnosis and recommend treatments.
A private assessment may be helpful if you've been struggling for a long time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. However, it is important to keep in mind that the private diagnosis does not mean you can automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will have to discuss the issue with them, and if you decide to use medication, you should seek a shared-care agreement with your private adhd assessment 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 providers provide 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 offers a "Right to Choose" process where you can request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce the time it takes to wait. Private providers can also provide a quick diagnosis.
In general, it's best to find a specialist psychiatrist with had experience with adult ADHD. However, it may take a while to find one, as they are not readily available. Some will insist on a GP referral letter before they can see you for an assessment however, this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists are able to assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help you manage your symptoms. However, they are unable to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services like Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
A specialist Psychiatrist will be able diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and will take into consideration any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist will be capable of providing you with the best treatment if your honest and open.
You'll 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 GP (you'll have to have to pay the NHS prescription cost). We recommend that you speak to your GP about a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and give their consent when needed.
Joining a support group can be another way to connect with others who have ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be extremely helpful, comforting and encouraging. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that some private clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses. A reporter undercover went to three private ADHD assessment centers and was identified by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report suggested that these assessments were not thorough and did not consider all the symptoms or impact of ADHD on the lives of individuals. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and are required to pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or a medication.
There is a fact that doctors will often suggest you to have an ADHD evaluation with one of the most prominent private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there is likely to be a waiting time. This varies from provider to provider and typically is about six weeks. It is recommended to research the provider carefully and ask your family and friends members for recommendations. referrals. Selecting a reputable and experienced firm will likely mean that you will experience less wait time than if you use your GP.
During the assessment, your psychiatrist will assess the subjectively whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impact on your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out other causes, like depression or anxiety. If needed, they will ask for supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a stressful experience especially for those who have complicated family relationships or who cannot find their school records from their childhood.
After you have been evaluated and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified health professional, you'll be able to apply for disability support through your local authority. However, you must be aware that a majority of GPs are not willing to sign a document referred to as a shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and have not also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that GPs do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.