How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD A psychiatric evaluation will need to take place. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can be a bit complicated for example, the need for old school records to be provided. However, you can skip the wait and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private appraisal?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy assessment. The process involves a structured clinical interview with a specialist and they will look at your symptoms from early years to your adulthood. They will also look at other neurological or mental health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, such as relationships or work, and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.
It is worth bearing in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a straight up and down one. A lot of people who are told they are suffering from the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is crucial to remember that the three main symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity typically appears different from the raunchy hyperactivity that is common in children, and may be characterized by restlessness or constantly rushing around. In addition, inattention can manifest as a problem sitting still and being organised, or difficulty in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you believe that medication can alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will help you access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatric assessment.
You may find that your GP isn't keen to refer you or can't give you an appointment in a timely manner. You might want to think about changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more information on how to exercise your choice.
You might be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own, either through the NHS or privately. Most of these providers will require the referral letter of your GP however some do not, so check with your chosen provider before booking.
How can I obtain an assessment from a private person?
ADHD is a nexus of mental disorder that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. It can cause issues in a variety of areas for adults and can be challenging to live with. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your daily life and help you determine how they could be managed.
There are several companies that will conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can assert your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to make this request then you may need to find a different GP willing to help.
The majority of assessments are conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level, as per NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases, an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinic interview either in person or via video conference. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult, you will be asked regarding your current problems as well as your past struggles since childhood. A healthcare expert will determine if have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. You will be asked for instances of when you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional can then make use of this information to diagnose and recommend treatment options.
If you are struggling with a chronic illness and don't want to wait for an appointment from the NHS seeking a private assessment may be beneficial. It is important to remember that the results of a private assessment do not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You will still need to discuss this with them and if you do decide to try medication it is recommended you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
If you have a doctor 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 providers provide 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 has a process known as "Right to Choose" where you can ask your GP for a referral to any of the specialist providers on their list. This will reduce the time to wait substantially. Private providers can also offer a quick diagnosis.
In general, it is best to find a specialist psychiatrist with expertise in adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one, as they are not easily accessible. Some clinics require a GP referral before they will make an appointment. However this isn't always necessary.
Psychiatrists are able to assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals - including Psychologists can help you manage your symptoms, but they will not provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to access support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to work.
A Psychiatrist with expertise will be able identify and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether they are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist will be in a position to give you the best treatment if your honest and open.
You'll have to pay for the assessment, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD, it may be possible to receive medication through a shared care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to have to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest that you talk to your GP about a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and to give their approval when needed.
It is also worthwhile to consider joining an online support group to connect with other adults who have ADHD, and hear their experiences and solutions. They can be extremely helpful, reassuring and motivating. You can find online communities on Facebook and Reddit, or check out local groups that meet 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 providers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were not thorough and did not consider all the symptoms or the consequences of ADHD on the lives of people. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and have to pay out of pocket to receive a diagnosis or a medication.
There is no doubt that your physician will recommend you to one of the major private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will tell you that there will be a possible waiting period. adhd private assessment waiting time varies from one provider to the next and is usually six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations and then do a thorough research about the provider. Selecting a reputable and experienced company will probably mean you will experience a shorter wait than if you use your GP.
During the examination, a psychiatrist will, albeit subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will ask you to rule out other causes, like anxiety or depression. If necessary 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 those who haven't been able to find their school records from childhood.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD by an experienced healthcare professional you may request disability benefits from your local authority. However, you must be aware that the majority of GPs will not sign a document called an agreement for shared care when you've been diagnosed privately and haven't also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is because doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.