How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment is required. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
This can be a lengthy process, as the old school records might need to be supplied. You can get rid of the wait by booking an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly through an online ADHD center.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment of ADHD is a meeting in which you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms, and how they affect your life. It usually requires two sessions and is much more comprehensive than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process consists of a structured interview with a expert who will look at your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also consider other neurological or mental health issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, such as work or relationships and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
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 have the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is important to remember that the three most prominent symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity often looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children. It could be present as restlessness or constantly rushing around. In the same way, inattention may 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 condition, you will need to get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to apply for reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. The best method to do this is to speak with your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
If your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist, or if they are unable to provide you with an appointment within a short time You may wish to change your GP. You may want to consider changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more details on how to make a decision.
You may also be able make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner using the NHS system or privately. A majority of these doctors will require an appointment letter from your GP but some don't however, so make sure to check with your chosen provider before booking.
How can I get an individual evaluation?
ADHD is a nexus of mental illness that affects the function of brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. It causes problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be difficult to manage. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and can be helpful in determining how they could be managed.
There are a variety of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You are able to exercise your right to choose (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to make this request you might want to find another GP willing to do it.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will usually conduct the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In most cases an ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires as well as a clinic interview either in person or via video call. The typical time for this assessment is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked about your current difficulties and also your history since your childhood. The healthcare specialist will determine if you have any of the symptoms that are associated with ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide examples of times when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional can then make use of this information to diagnose and recommend treatment options.
If you're suffering from an ongoing condition and do not want to wait for an appointment with the NHS getting an assessment privately is advisable. It is important to remember that the private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will still need to discuss the issue with them. If you decide to try medication it is recommended that you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
You can see a list of providers in case your GP in England is willing to send 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 methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a "Right to Choose" procedure where you can request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on waiting times. There are private practitioners who can diagnose quickly.
In general, it is recommended to seek out a specialist psychiatrist with had experience with adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they can be difficult to find. Some will insist that you have a GP referral letter before they will see you for an assessment, but this is not always necessary.
Psychiatrists can offer an evaluation of your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists - can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they are unable to provide you with a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD which is required to be able to access assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.
A specialist Psychiatrist will be able diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are a result of ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues you might have. It is essential to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist, so they can offer you the best possible treatment.
You'll need to pay for your evaluation. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication under a shared-care agreement with your GP. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're considering paying for a private diagnosis, we would suggest you talk to your GP prior to booking an appointment, so that they know what you're doing and provide their consent should they be required.
Joining a support group is another option to get together with other adults with ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers, and was identified by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were rushed and did not take into account all the symptoms or consequences of ADHD on the lives of people. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and must pay out-of-pocket to get an assessment or prescription.
It is true that GPs will often recommend an ADHD assessment with one of the main private companies (such as Priory) but they will usually advise you there will likely be a waiting period. The waiting period varies from one provider to another provider, but is typically around six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research about the provider. If you select a reputable and experienced company you'll likely have a shorter waiting time than if you see your GP.
During the examination, your psychiatrist will assess, subjectively, whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant disruption in your daily activities. They will seek to rule out other reasons, like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues and will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in private adhd assessment forms regarding your childhood) and school reports, if required. This can be a difficult procedure, especially for those with more complex family circumstances or for those who haven't been able to find their childhood school reports.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by an experienced healthcare professional you may apply for disability benefits from your local authority. However, you should be aware that a majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document referred to as the shared care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and have not been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.