How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric evaluation is required to diagnose ADHD. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
It's a process that could involve some red tape, such as the need for old school reports to be submitted. You can get rid of the wait by booking an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with a specialist to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more in-depth than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process involves an organized clinical interview with an expert and they will look at your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also consider other mental health issues or neurological issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. They will inquire 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 a straight up and down one. A lot of people who are told they are suffering from the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three main symptoms. Adult hyperactivity can differ from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It may manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant race. In addition, inattention can be a sign of difficulty staying focused and seated or having trouble 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 help you access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be accomplished by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment.
You may find that your GP doesn't want to refer you, or doesn't offer you an appointment immediately. If this is the case, it might be worthwhile to switch GPs You can find out more about how to exercise your right to choose the Psychiatry-UK website.
You might also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist directly via the NHS or privately. Some providers might not require a letter of referral from your GP however, the majority will. Make sure to check with your preferred 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 as well as working memory and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can cause difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of these symptoms on your life and could be helpful in determining the best ways to treat them.
There are a variety of providers who will carry out 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 could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases an ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor either in person or via video chat. This will usually last for 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current health issues as well as your previous struggles in your early years if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will then examine whether you exhibit any of the characteristics that are characteristic of ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. You will be asked to provide instances of when you've displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will employ these to determine an assessment and suggest treatments.
A private assessment may be helpful if you have been struggling for a long period of time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to keep in mind that an assessment done privately does not mean that you will automatically be prescribed medication private adhd assessment by your GP. It is still necessary to discuss this with them, and if you decide to test medication it is recommended that you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
If you have a doctor in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment You can find a list of the providers here. Some of these providers offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS provides a "Right to choose" process that allows you to request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce the time it takes to wait. There are private practitioners who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
It is advisable to seek out a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they are hard to find. Some will require an GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an assessment however, this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists are able to provide an assessment of your symptoms, however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can assist you to manage symptoms. However, they are unable to give a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services like Disabled Student's allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A Psychiatrist who is experienced can determine and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether they are consistent ADHD and will take into consideration any other mental health issues you may have. It is crucial to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist so they can provide you with the most effective treatment.
You will need to pay for the assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to receive medication through a shared-care arrangement with your GP. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're considering paying for a private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP before you book an appointment so they know what you're doing and can give their approval in the event of need.
Joining a support group is another way to connect with other adults who suffer from ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online groups through Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private health clinics give unreliable diagnosis. A reporter who was 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 rushed and did not take into account all the signs or effects of ADHD on the lives of individuals. It also raised concerns that some patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pocket to receive a diagnosis and medication.
There is a fact that GPs will often refer you for an ADHD assessment through one of the main private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there will likely be a waiting time. This varies from provider to provider, but is typically about six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct extensive research on the company. Choosing an experienced and well-established business will most likely mean you will experience an easier time waiting than if you go through your GP.
During the examination, a psychiatrist will, albeit subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out any other reasons, like thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues. They will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms regarding your childhood) and school reports if required. This could be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complex family circumstances or for those who have not been in a position to locate their childhood school reports.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional you may apply for disability benefits from your local authority. However, you must be aware that most GPs will refuse to sign a document referred to as a shared care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors do not have the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.