How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD A psychiatric evaluation will need to take place. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
It can be a long process, as documents from school may have to be provided. However, you can bypass the wait and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through 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. It usually requires two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process involves an organized clinical interview with a specialist and they will evaluate your symptoms from your childhood to adulthood. They will also examine 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 forward one and many people who are told that they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is crucial to remember that the three primary symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Adult hyperactivity is often different from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It may be characterized by restlessness or a constant race. In the same way, inattention may be a sign of difficulty staying focused and seated or having difficulty focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication might be beneficial to your symptoms, you'll require an official 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 to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, or cannot offer you an appointment in a hurry, you may want to change GPs. private adhd assessment may want to think about changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can make your decision.
You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric service using the NHS system or privately. Some providers do not require a letter of referral from your GP but the majority of them do. Check with your chosen provider prior to booking.
How can I obtain a private assessment?
ADHD is a complicated mental illness that affects the function of brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can lead to problems in many areas. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and can be helpful in determining ways to manage them.
There are a variety of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can assert your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to refer you to a provider you might want to find another GP willing to help.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a medical interview in person or via video calls. It will typically last 45 to 90 minutes.
If you are an adult and are a patient, you will be asked questions about your current issues and your background from your childhood. A healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the characteristics associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to give instances of when you've demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional will make use of this information to diagnose and recommend treatment options.
A private evaluation can be helpful if you have been having a difficult time and do not want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to know that the results of a private assessment do not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You will still need to discuss this with them, and 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 to conduct an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of the providers here. Some of these companies offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called 'Right to Choose' where you can ask your GP for a referral to any of the specialist doctors on their list. This could cut down the wait time substantially. Private providers can also provide a quick diagnosis.
It is best to seek out a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. It could take a while to locate one, since they are difficult to find. Some clinics require a GP referral before they schedule an appointment. However it is not always the case.
Psychiatrists can provide an evaluation of your symptoms, but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can help manage symptoms. However, they are not able to offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A Psychiatrist who is experienced is able to determine and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether they are a result of ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist is in a position to give you the best treatment if your open and honest.
You'll need to pay for the assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest speaking with your GP about a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you're doing and to give their approval when needed.
Joining a support group can be another option to meet others who have ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be incredibly helpful, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online spaces 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 give unreliable diagnosis. An undercover reporter visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, despite the fact that he didn't have ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into consideration all the signs or impact of ADHD on the lives of individuals. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and have to pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or a medication.
It is true that doctors will often suggest you to have an ADHD evaluation with one of the most prominent private companies (such as Priory) but they will usually advise you there is likely to be a waiting time. This varies from provider to provider and is usually around six weeks. It is recommended to research the provider carefully and ask family and friends members for referrals. Choosing an experienced and well-established business will most likely mean you will have a shorter wait than if you choose to go through your GP.
During the assessment your psychiatrist will evaluate in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption in your daily functioning. They will also want to rule out other reasons, such as depression or anxiety. If necessary they will request supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a stressful time particularly for those with complicated family circumstances or who are unable to locate their school records from their childhood.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional You can apply for disability benefits from your local authority. You should be aware that most GPs will not sign a document known as a shared-care agreement if you were diagnosed privately and you haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medicine. This is because GPs aren't qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.