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 can be a long procedure, since old school records may need to be submitted. However, you can skip the line and receive an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It typically requires two sessions and is more detailed than a NHS psychiatric evaluation. The process involves an organized clinical interview with a specialist, and they will look at your symptoms from your early years to your adulthood. They will also look into whether there are any other neurological or mental health issues that could trigger your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, such as relationships or work. They will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.
It is crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis isn't always straightforward. Many people who are diagnosed with the condition have an undiagnosed diagnosis. It is crucial to remember that the three primary symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. In adults, hyperactivity usually looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children, and may be characterized by the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. In the same way, inattention may manifest as a problem staying still and being organized or having trouble focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily.
If you think medication will help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will allow you to receive reasonable adjustments as well as Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to do this is to talk to your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
You may find that your GP isn't keen to refer you, or doesn't offer you an appointment immediately. If this is the case, it may be worthwhile changing GPs and you can find more information about how to make use of your right to choose the Psychiatry UK website.
You might be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist, either through the NHS or independently. A majority of these doctors will require the referral letter of your GP but some don't, so check with your chosen provider before booking.
How can I get an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is a nexus of mental disorder that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can create difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment can help you to understand the impact of these symptoms on your daily life and be useful in identifying the best ways to treat them.
There are several providers who will perform an ADHD assessment for 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 is unable to refer you it might be worthwhile to find another GP who will.
Typically an assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). This is because they are the only ones who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time, the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a clinical interview, either in person or via video calls. The typical time for this assessment is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult and are a patient, you will be asked regarding your current problems and your background from your childhood. The healthcare professional will then determine if you exhibit any of the traits associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked for examples of times when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then employ these to determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
If you're suffering from an ongoing condition and do not want to wait for an appointment from the NHS getting an assessment from a private practitioner is advisable. However, it is important to remember that a private diagnosis does not mean you can automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You'll have to discuss the issue with them, and if you decide to take medication, you must negotiate a shared-care agreement with your GP.
If you have a GP in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider to conduct 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 a number of methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called "Right to Choice" where you can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist providers on their list - this will reduce the time to wait considerably. There are private providers who can diagnose quickly.
In general, it is best to find a specialist psychiatrist who has had experience with adult ADHD. However, it could take a while to find one since they aren't readily available. Some clinics require a GP referral before they schedule an appointment. However it is not always required.
Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can help you manage your symptoms. However, they are unable to give a formal 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 with expertise is able to diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues that you might have. Your Psychiatrist is able to provide you with the most effective treatment if you're honest and open.
You will have to pay for the examination, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to have to pay the NHS prescription cost). We suggest speaking with your GP about a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you're doing and give their consent when needed.
It's also worth considering joining a support group to connect with other adults who have ADHD and to hear about their experiences and solutions. They can be very helpful, comforting and encouraging. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups that meet in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the assertion that private clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers, and was identified by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were rushed, and didn't take into account the entire spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD can have on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and have to pay out of pocket for a diagnosis or 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 could be a waiting time. The waiting period is different from one company to another and is usually six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct extensive research on the company. Selecting a reputable and experienced company will probably mean you'll have a shorter wait than if you go through your GP.
During the examination your psychiatrist will evaluate, subjectively, whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment in your daily functioning. They will try to rule out any other causes such as depression, anxiety or thyroid private adhd assessment problems and will typically ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood) and school reports, if required. This could be a stressful procedure, especially for those with more complex family circumstances or those who aren't successful in finding their school records from childhood.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider You can request disability benefits from your local authority. Be aware, however, that the majority of GPs will not sign a document known as a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and you haven't been fully titrated to your dosage. This is due to the fact that GPs do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.