How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric assessment is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that could be a bit complicated like the requirement for old school records to be provided. But, you can avoid the waiting and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consult 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 psychotherapy assessment. The process involves an organized clinical interview with an expert and they will examine your symptoms from early years to your adulthood. They will also look at other issues with your mental health or neurological issues that may be causing 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 isn't always straightforward. Many people diagnosed with the condition have a mixed diagnosis. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. Adult hyperactivity is often different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It can manifest as restlessness or a constant flurry of activity. Inattention may also manifest as a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, being organised or sitting down.
If you think that medication could help 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 psychiatrist for assessment.
You may find that your GP doesn't want to refer you to a specialist or provide you with an appointment right away. You might want to think about changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can make your decision.
You might also be able to book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider using the NHS system or on your own. Most of these providers will require the referral letter of your GP but some don't and you should be sure to inquire with the chosen provider before booking.
How can I get an assessment from a private person?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain functions like motivation working memory, motivation, and attention. It can cause problems in many areas of life for adults and can be challenging to live with. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can have on your life and identify how to manage the symptoms.
There are several providers who will perform 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 refuses to do this then you may need to find a different GP willing to do it.
Typically an assessment will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level according to NICE guidelines). This is because these are 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 to 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current health issues and your past difficulties from childhood if you're an adult. A healthcare specialist will determine if you exhibit any of the traits associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for instances of when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will use these to make an assessment and recommend treatment options.
A private evaluation can be helpful if you've been struggling for a long period of time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to remember that a private assessment does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You'll have to discuss the issue with them, and if you decide to take medication, you should negotiate a shared-care agreement with your GP.
If you have a GP in England who is happy to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of providers here. Some of these providers provide online assessments and have much shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called "Right to Choose" where you can ask your doctor for a referral to one of the specialist providers on their list. This can reduce the waiting time substantially. Private providers can also offer rapid diagnosis.
It is best to find a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. However, it could take some time to locate one, as they are not readily available. Some will insist that you have an GP referral letter before they can see you for an assessment however this is not always necessary.
Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists can help you 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 support services such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.
A specialist Psychiatrist will be able diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and will take into consideration any other mental health issues that you might have. It is crucial to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist, so they can give you the best possible treatment.
You will need to pay for your assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD private adhd assessment it may be possible to obtain medication under a shared-care agreement with your doctor. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP before you book an appointment so they know what you're doing, and provide their consent in the event of need.
Joining a support group can be another way to connect with other adults with ADHD and gain knowledge from their experiences. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online groups via Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics give unreliable diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though the patient did not have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were rushed and did not consider all the symptoms or the consequences of ADHD on the lives of individuals. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and have to pay out of pocket for an assessment or prescription.
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 is a waiting time. This differs from provider to provider and is usually approximately six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and do thorough research about the provider. If you choose a well-established and experienced company you'll likely experience less wait time than if you go to your GP.
During the evaluation the psychiatrist will determine in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant disruption in your daily functioning. They will seek to rule out other reasons, like thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues and will usually ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms regarding your childhood) and school reports, if necessary. This can be a stressful time particularly for those with complicated family relationships or who can't locate their childhood school records.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional you may apply for disability benefits through your local authority. It is important to be aware that the majority of GPs won't sign a document called a shared-care agreement when you were diagnosed privately and you aren't fully titrated to your final dose of medicine. This is due to the fact that GPs do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.