How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD an assessment of psychiatric disorders is required. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
It's a process that could require some red tape like the requirement for old school records to be supplied. However, you can skip the wait and get private assessments by registering directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consult with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. how much is a private adhd assessment uk requires two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The procedure involves a structured interview with an expert who will look at your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look at other issues with your mental health or neurological issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in various areas, like at work or in relationships.
It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy straightforward one. Many people who are told that they are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three main symptoms. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It can manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant race. In addition, inattention can manifest as a problem staying focused and seated or having trouble in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you think medication will aid in your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will enable you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment.
You might find your GP doesn't want to refer you to a specialist or provide you with an appointment right away. If this is the case, it may be worthwhile changing GPs and you can learn more about how to exercise your right to choose on the Psychiatry-UK website.
You may also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist via the NHS or privately. Some providers might not require a letter of recommendation from your GP, but most will. Check with your chosen provider prior to making a booking.
How can I obtain an assessment from a private person?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation as well as working memory and attention. It can cause issues in a variety of areas for adults and can be challenging to live with. A private ADHD assessment will help you understand the impact these symptoms have on your life and determine how you can manage these symptoms.
There are many providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to choice (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to make this request, you may want to find a different GP willing to assist you.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases, the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician, either in person or over video calls. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current health issues and any previous issues you have had in your early years if you are an adult. A healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the characteristics associated with ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked for instances of when you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then employ these to determine an assessment and recommend treatment options.
If you're struggling with an ongoing condition and aren't willing to wait for a referral from the NHS, obtaining an assessment from a private practitioner is beneficial. It is important to note that a private assessment does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary to discuss the issue with them. If you do decide to try medications it is recommended that you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
If you have a doctor in England who is happy to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment You can find a list of providers here. Some of these companies 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 ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can significantly reduce waiting times. There are also private providers who can diagnose quickly.
In general, it's best to locate an expert psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one, since they can be difficult to come by. Some will require a GP referral letter before they can see you for an assessment, but this is not always necessary.
Psychiatrists can offer an assessment of your symptoms but they are not able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists can help you manage your symptoms, but they will not provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD which is required to be able to access assistance services such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.
An expert Psychiatrist will be able to recognize and explain your symptoms, assess whether they're consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues you may have. It is important to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can offer you the most effective treatment.
You'll need to pay for your assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest that you talk with your GP about the possibility of a private diagnosis prior to making an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and give their consent should it be required.
It's also worth looking into joining a support group in order to connect with others with ADHD and to hear about their stories and solutions. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online spaces via Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private clinics offer a false diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to 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 suggests that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into consideration all the symptoms or the consequences of ADHD on the lives of individuals. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket for a diagnosis or a medication.
There is no doubt that your physician will recommend one of the largest private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you there is a waiting period. The waiting time is different from one company to the next and is usually six weeks. It is advisable to investigate the provider thoroughly and ask your family and friends members for recommendations. Choosing an experienced and well-established company will probably mean you'll have an easier time waiting than if you use 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 seek to rule out any other causes such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. They will usually ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood) and school records if required. This can be a difficult procedure, especially for those with more complicated family circumstances or for those who have not been successful in finding their childhood school reports.
Once you've been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you'll be able to apply for disability assistance through your local authority. But, be aware that most GPs are not willing to sign a document referred to as the shared care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and have not had a complete titration into your final dose of medication. This is because GPs aren't qualified to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.