How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD A psychiatric evaluation will need to take place. This is performed by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can require some red tape for example, the need for old school reports to be submitted. However, you can skip the waiting and get a private assessment by booking directly with 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 impact your life. It usually lasts two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy assessment. The process consists of a structured interview with an expert who will review your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also look at other issues with your mental health or neurological issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will concentrate on various areas of functioning, such as work or relationships and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis isn't always straightforward. Many people who are diagnosed with the condition have a mixed diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity typically is not as boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children. It could be present as restlessness or constantly rushing around. Inattention can also manifest in a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, organising or sitting for long periods of time.
If you think medication will alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will allow you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to your GP and request that they refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment.
You might find your GP does not want to refer you to a specialist or offer you an appointment immediately. You may want to consider changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more information on how you can exercise your choice.
You might also be able to make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider, either through the NHS system or privately. Some providers do not require a letter of recommendation from your GP but the majority of them will. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to making an appointment.
How can I obtain an assessment in private?
ADHD is a complicated mental illness that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. It can cause issues in a variety of areas for adults and can be challenging to live with. A personal ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact these symptoms have on your life, and help you manage these symptoms.
There are a variety of providers who will carry out an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to refer you it might be worthwhile to find another GP who will.
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 they are the only ones who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician, either in person or via video call. It will typically last 45 to 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current issues and any previous issues you have had from childhood if you're an adult. The healthcare professional will then consider whether you have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide examples of times when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional can then utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatments.
If you're struggling with a chronic condition and don't want to wait for an appointment with the NHS getting an assessment from a private practitioner is beneficial. However, it is important to remember that an assessment done privately does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will have to discuss the issue with them and, if you choose to use medication, you should 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 provide assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many methods to receive an ADHD evaluation. The NHS offers a procedure called "Right to Choice" where you can ask your GP for a referral to any of the specialist doctors on their list - this could cut down the wait time substantially. There are private providers that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
It is recommended to find a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. private adhd assessment cost might take a while to find one, as they can be difficult to come by. Some clinics will insist on a GP recommendation before they schedule an appointment. However this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists can offer an assessment of your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists - can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be able to access support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.
A specialist Psychiatrist can diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether they are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues you may have. Your Psychiatrist will be able to provide you with the most effective treatment if you're open and honest.
You will need to pay for your assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care agreement with your physician. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're considering paying for a private diagnosis, we would advise you to talk with your GP prior to booking an appointment so they know what you're doing, and give their approval if needed.
It's also worth looking into joining an online support group to connect with others who suffer from ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be incredibly helpful, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or look up local in person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that some private clinics are giving out inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers, and was identified by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were not thorough and didn't take into account the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD affects people's everyday lives. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and must pay out-of-pocket to get an assessment or prescription.
It is true that GPs will often suggest you to have an ADHD assessment with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there is likely to be a waiting time. This differs from provider to provider and typically is about six weeks. It is advisable to research the provider carefully and ask family and friends members for recommendations. If you choose a well-established and reputable business you'll likely have a shorter waiting time than if you see your GP.
During the examination your psychiatrist will evaluate in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment in your daily functioning. They will try to rule out any other causes, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid problems and will typically require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school records if required. This can be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complicated family situations or those who haven't been successful in finding their school reports from their childhood.
Once you have been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified health professional you will be eligible to apply for disability support with your local authority. However, you must be aware that a majority of GPs are not willing to sign a document called a 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 doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.