How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment is required. This is performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It can be a long process, as the old school records might need to be supplied. You can avoid the wait by scheduling a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process will involve an organized clinical interview with an expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look at other mental health issues or neurological issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, like relationships or work, and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.
It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy forward one and many people who are told that they are suffering from the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are three of the main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity often looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It can be present as restlessness or constantly rushing around. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as a problem staying still and being organized or having trouble focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial for your condition, you will need to get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to accomplish this is to talk to your GP and request that they refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment.
You may find that your GP doesn't want to refer you or can't offer you an appointment immediately. You may want to think about changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more details on how to exercise your choice.
You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric service using the NHS system or on your own. Some providers may not require a referral letter from your GP, but most will. Check with your chosen provider prior to making an appointment.
How can I get an assessment in private?
ADHD is private adhd assessment that affects brain functions like motivation as well as working memory and attention. It can cause issues in many areas of life for adults and can be difficult to live with. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact of these symptoms on your life and can help you determine the best ways to treat them.
There are a number of providers who will carry out 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 do this you might want to find a different GP willing to help.
Typically, an assessment will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional in accordance with NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only people who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time, an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinic interview in person or via video conference. This will usually last for 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current problems and any previous issues you have had since childhood if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the traits that are associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to give instances of when you've demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional can then use this information to diagnose and suggest treatment options.
A private assessment may be beneficial if you've been having a difficult time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. However, it is important to remember that an assessment done privately does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You'll still need to discuss the issue with them. If you do decide to try medication it is recommended that you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
You can see a list of providers if your doctor in England will recommend you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies offer online assessments 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 has a process called "Right to Choose" where you can request your GP for a referral to one of the specialists on their list - this could cut down the wait time significantly. There are private providers who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it's best to find a specialist psychiatrist who has expertise in adult ADHD. It may take a while to find one, as they are not readily available. Some clinics insist on the GP recommendation before they make an appointment. However it is not always necessary.
Psychiatrists are able to assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists - can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they are unable to give you a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to get access to assistance services such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.
An expert Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are consistent with ADHD and look into any other mental health issues you might have. It is essential to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can provide you with the best treatment possible.
You will have to pay for the exam, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we would advise you to talk with your GP before you book an appointment so they know what you're doing, and give their consent, should they be required.
Joining a support group is another way to connect with others who have ADHD and gain knowledge from their experiences. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and motivating. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit and also look for local in person groups.
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 diagnosed by all three with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were made in a hurry, and didn't take into account the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD can have on people's daily lives. It also raised concerns about the fact that patients who are not eligible for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pocket to be diagnosed and receive medication.
There is a fact that GPs may suggest you to have an ADHD assessment with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they will typically advise you that there is likely to be a waiting period. This differs from provider to provider, but is typically around six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research about the provider. Selecting a reputable and experienced firm will likely mean that you will experience a shorter wait than if you choose to go through your GP.
During the assessment your psychiatrist will evaluate, subjectively, whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption in your daily functioning. They will seek to rule out other reasons, like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. They will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms about your childhood) and school reports, if required. This is a stressful process, especially for those with complicated family relationships or who can't locate their school records from their childhood.
After you have been evaluated and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you'll be able to apply for disability assistance with your local authority. However, you must be aware that a majority of GPs will not sign a document known as the shared care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and have not also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that GPs do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.