How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric examination is required to determine ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that could involve some red tape for example, the need for old school records to be provided. However, you can bypass the line and receive private assessments by registering directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consultation with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It typically takes two sessions and is much more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The procedure involves a structured clinical interview with an expert and they will examine your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also determine if there are other neurological or mental health issues that could trigger your symptoms. They will inquire about your symptoms in different areas, like at work or in relationships.
It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight up and down one. A lot of people who are told they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is essential to keep in mind that the three main symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. 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 rush around. Inattention may also manifest as difficulties in focusing on tasks, organising or sitting still.
If you decide that medication would be beneficial for your condition, you will require an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to receive reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to do this is to speak with your GP and ask them to refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment.
You might find your GP isn't keen to refer you to a specialist or provide you with an appointment right away. You may want to consider changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more details on how to make your decision.
You may be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist via the NHS or privately. Some providers do not require a referral letter from your GP however, the majority will. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to booking.
How do I get a private assessment?
ADHD is a complex mental condition that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. It can cause issues in many areas of life for adults and can be difficult to manage. A private ADHD assessment can help you to understand the impact of the symptoms on your daily life and be useful in identifying the best ways to treat them.
There are several companies that will perform an ADHD assessment for 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 do so it could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who is willing.
Typically, an assessment will be carried out by a psychiatrist, or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases, an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires as well as a clinic interview in person or via video call. It usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current health issues and your past difficulties 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 hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. You will be asked to provide instances where you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will then make use of this information to diagnose and suggest treatment options.
A private evaluation can be beneficial if you've been having a difficult time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to remember that the private diagnosis does not mean that you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You'll need to discuss it with them, and if you decide to take medication, you should consider a shared-care arrangement with your GP.
You can see a list of providers if your GP in England is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers provide online assessments and have much 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" process that allows you to ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce waiting times. There are private practitioners who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
It is best to seek out a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. It may take a while to find one, as they are not easy to come by. Some clinics will insist on the GP referral before they make an appointment. However this isn't always the case.
Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. private adhd assessment adults , such as Psychologists, can assist you to manage your symptoms. However, they are unable to offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for support services like Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
An expert Psychiatrist can identify and describe your symptoms, determine whether they are related to ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues that you may have. It is crucial to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can give you the best treatment possible.
You will have to pay for the examination, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP (you'll still pay the NHS prescription charge). If you're considering paying for an private diagnosis, we'd advise you to talk with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing, and give their consent, if needed.
It's also worth considering joining a support group in order to meet others with ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be extremely helpful, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online groups via Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were not thorough and did not consider the entire spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and are required to pay out-of-pocket to get an assessment or prescription.
There is no doubt that your doctor will refer you to one of the largest private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you that there will be a possible waiting time. This differs from provider to provider and typically is approximately six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations and then do a extensive research on the company. If you select a reputable and experienced company you'll likely have less wait time than if you go to your GP.
In the course of the evaluation an evaluator will, in a way examine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will also want to rule out other reasons, such as anxiety or depression. If they are required they will seek additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a stressful process particularly for those with more complex family circumstances or for those who haven't been successful in finding their childhood school reports.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can apply for disability benefits 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 if you have been diagnosed privately and haven't also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is because doctors do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.