How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD an assessment of psychiatric disorders is required. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy procedure, since documents from school may have to be supplied. You can avoid the wait by booking a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.
What is a private evaluation?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It typically lasts two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The procedure involves a structured interview with a expert who will look at your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also look into whether there are any other mental health conditions or neurological issues that could trigger your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in various areas, such as at work or in relationships.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD diagnosis is not always straightforward. Many people diagnosed with the condition have a mixed diagnosis. It is crucial to remember that the three main symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity often is not as boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children, and may be manifested as a sense of restlessness or constantly rushing around. Inattention can also manifest in an inability to concentrate on tasks, being organised or sitting down.
If you believe that medication can help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will permit you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to accomplish this is to speak to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment.
You may find that your GP does not want to refer you, or doesn't give you an appointment in a timely manner. You may want to think about changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more information on how to make a decision.
You might also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner using the NHS system or on your own. Some providers do not require a referral letter from your GP however, the majority do. Check with your chosen provider prior to making a booking.
How can I get an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is a complicated mental illness that affects the function of brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. It causes problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be difficult to manage. A private ADHD assessment will help you understand the impact these symptoms affect your life, and identify how to manage them.
There are a variety of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can assert your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to refer you, it may be worth finding another GP who is willing to.
Typically, an assessment will be carried out by a psychiatrist, or specialist nurse (or any other healthcare professional who is appropriate, as per NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only people who are able to diagnose ADHD. Most of the time, the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a medical interview, either in person or over video call. The typical time for this assessment is 45 to 90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked questions about your current difficulties and also your history since childhood. A healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the characteristics associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. You will be asked to provide instances of when you've shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatment options.
If you are struggling with a chronic illness and don't want to wait for an appointment with the NHS seeking a private assessment may be advisable. It is important to keep in mind that an assessment done privately does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. It is still necessary to discuss the issue with them. If you 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 providers here. Some of these providers offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of ways to obtain an ADHD assessment. The NHS provides a "Right to choose" process where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on waiting times. There are private practitioners who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it is recommended to seek out an expert psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one, as they are not easy to come by. Some clinics require the GP referral before they will schedule an appointment. However, this is not always the case.
Psychiatrists are able to provide an assessment of your symptoms, however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - including Psychologists - can help you manage your symptoms, but they will not provide you with a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be able to access assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to work.
A Psychiatrist who is an expert can identify and explain your symptoms, determine whether they're consistent with ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist is in a position to give you the best treatment if your open and honest.
You'll have to pay for the assessment however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to receive medication through a shared care agreement with your doctor (you'll be required to have to pay the NHS prescription cost). If you're thinking about paying for an private diagnosis, we would recommend you speak with your GP prior to booking an appointment so they know what you're doing and can give their approval should they be required.
It's also worth considering joining an online support group to meet others who suffer from ADHD and to hear about their stories and solutions. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online groups through Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics offer a false diagnosis. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers, and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were made in a hurry, and didn't take into account the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. It also raised concerns that patients who are not qualified for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pocket to get a diagnosis and medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will refer you to one of the major private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will tell you that there could be a waiting time. This differs from provider to provider and is usually around six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and then do a extensive research on the company. Picking adult adhd private assessment , experienced company will probably mean you will experience a shorter wait than if you choose to go through your GP.
During the examination your psychiatrist will evaluate the subjectively whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impairment in your daily activities. They will ask you to rule out any other reasons, such as depression or anxiety. If they are required, they will ask for supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a difficult process particularly for those with more complicated family circumstances or those who aren't successful in finding their childhood school reports.
Once you have been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified health professional, you are eligible to apply for disability support at your local authority. It is important to be aware, however, that most GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care arrangement when you were diagnosed privately and aren't fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because doctors lack the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.