How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD an assessment of psychiatric disorders will need to take place. This is performed by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
This can be a lengthy procedure, since the old school records might need to be submitted. But, you can avoid the line and receive private assessments by registering directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually lasts two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychotherapy assessment. The procedure involves a structured clinical interview with an expert and they will evaluate your symptoms from your childhood to adulthood. They will also consider other neurological or mental health issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, like work or relationships and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is worth bearing in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy forward one and many people who are told that they have the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three main symptoms. Adult hyperactivity can differ from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It may be characterized by restlessness or a constant flurry of activity. Inattention can also manifest as difficulties in focusing on tasks, organising or sitting still.
If you think that medication could aid in 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 accomplish this is to speak with your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment.
You might find your GP doesn't want to refer you or can't provide you with an appointment right away. You may want to think about changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can make a decision.
You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider using the NHS system or privately. Some providers may not require a letter of recommendation from your GP, but most do. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to booking.
How do I obtain an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is a complex mental condition that affects the function of brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. It causes problems in many areas of life for adults and can be difficult to live with. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of these symptoms on your daily life and help you determine how they could be managed.
There are a variety of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a provider, you may want to find a different GP willing to do it.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinic interview, either in-person or via video chat. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult, you will be asked about your current difficulties and also your history since childhood. A healthcare specialist will determine if you exhibit any of the traits that are associated with ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. You will be asked to provide instances of when you've displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will then use this information to diagnose and suggest treatments.
A private evaluation can be helpful if you have been having a difficult time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to keep in mind that the private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will still need to discuss this with them, and if you decide to try medication it is recommended that you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
If you have a GP 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 get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process known as "Right to Choice" where you can request your GP for a referral to any of the specialist doctors on their list - this can reduce the waiting time considerably. Private providers can also offer a quick diagnosis.
It is advisable to find a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. It could take a while to find one, as they are hard to find. Some will insist that you have a GP referral letter before they can see you for an assessment however, this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists are able to provide an assessment of your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help you manage symptoms. However they cannot offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services such as Disabled Students' allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A skilled Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they're consistent with ADHD and look into any other mental health issues you may have. Your Psychiatrist is capable of providing you with the best treatment if your honest and open.
You'll have to pay for the exam, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to pay the NHS prescription charge). We suggest speaking with your GP about an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and to give their approval if necessary.
It's also worth considering joining an online support group to connect with others with ADHD and share their stories and suggestions. They can be extremely helpful, comforting and motivating. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics give unreliable diagnosis. An undercover reporter visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though the patient did not have ADHD. The report claimed that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into consideration the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD can have on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket for an assessment or prescription.
There is no doubt that your doctor will recommend you to one of the major private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will inform you that there will be a possible waiting time. This differs from provider to provider and is usually approximately six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and do extensive research on the company. Selecting a reputable and experienced firm will likely mean that you will experience a shorter wait than if you use your GP.
In the course of the evaluation an evaluator will, albeit subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out any other causes, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. They will usually ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school reports if required. This can be a stressful procedure, especially for those with more complex family circumstances or those who have not been in a position private adhd assessment to locate their school reports from their childhood.
After you have been evaluated and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified health professional, you'll be able to apply for disability assistance through your local authority. However, you should be aware that the majority of GPs will not sign a document referred to as the shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that GPs aren't qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.