How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment is required. This is performed by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy process, as documents from school may have to be supplied. You can cut down on the waiting time by scheduling 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 consult with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually requires two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process will involve a structured clinical interview with an expert, and they will evaluate your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also look at other mental health issues or neurological issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will inquire about your symptoms in different areas, like at work or in relationships.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD diagnosis isn't always easy. Many people who are diagnosed with the condition have multiple diagnoses. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It could manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant flurry of activity. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as a problem staying focused and seated, or difficulty staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial to your symptoms, you will need to get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be accomplished by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment.
You might find your GP isn't keen to refer you to a specialist or give you an appointment in a timely manner. You may want to think about changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more details on how to make your decision.
You might be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own, either through the NHS or privately. Most of these providers will require the referral letter of your GP however some do not, so check with your chosen provider prior to making an appointment.
How can I get a private evaluation?
ADHD is a complicated mental illness that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. It can cause problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be challenging to manage. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of the symptoms on your life and could be helpful in determining how they could be managed.
There are many 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 refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to do this, you may want to find a different GP willing to help.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is because these are the only ones who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor either in person or via video conference. Recommended Looking at will typically last 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current problems as well as your previous struggles from childhood if you're an adult. The healthcare professional will consider whether you have any of the traits that are associated with ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for instances of when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional can then use this information to diagnose and suggest treatments.
A private assessment can be helpful if you have been struggling for a long time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to know that a private assessment does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You'll need to discuss it with them and, if you choose to take medication, you must consider a shared-care arrangement with your GP.
You can see a list of providers in case your GP in England is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers offer online assessments and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a "Right to choose" procedure where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce waiting times. Private providers can also provide a quick diagnosis.
It is advisable to find a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. However, it could take a while to find one since they aren't easily accessible. Some will insist that you have an GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an assessment however, this isn't always necessary.
Psychiatrists can offer an evaluation of your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can help manage symptoms. However, they are not able to provide a formalised 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 an expert will be able to recognize and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist will be in a position to give you the best treatment if you are honest and forthcoming.
You'll have to pay for the examination, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to receive medication through a shared care agreement with your GP (you'll be required to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest speaking with your GP about a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you are doing and give their consent 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, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the assertion that private clinics are handing out inaccurate diagnoses. 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 suggested that the assessments were not thorough and did not take into consideration all the symptoms or consequences of ADHD on people's lives. It also raised concerns about the fact that patients who are not qualified for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pockets to get a diagnosis and medication.
It is true that GPs may recommend an ADHD evaluation with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they will typically advise you that there will likely be a waiting time. The waiting time differs from one provider to the next and is usually six weeks. It is advisable to study the provider thoroughly and ask family and friends members for word of mouth suggestions. If you choose a well-established and reputable company you'll likely have a shorter waiting time than if you visit your GP.
In the course of the evaluation, a psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out any other causes, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. They will usually request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood) and school reports, if necessary. This can be a difficult process particularly for those with more complex family circumstances or those who aren't in a position to locate their childhood school reports.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can request disability benefits from your local authority. It is important to be aware, however, that most GPs aren't likely to sign a contract called a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and you haven't been fully titrated to the final dose of medicine. This is due to the fact that doctors lack the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.