How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric examination is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
It's a procedure that may involve some red tape for example, the need for old school reports to be provided. But, you can avoid the waiting and get private assessments by registering directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private evaluation?
A private assessment of ADHD is a session in which you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms as well as how they affect your life. It usually takes two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychiatric evaluation. 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 consider other neurological or mental health issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, including relationships or work, and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.
It is crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis isn't always simple. Many people diagnosed with the condition have multiple diagnoses. It is important to remember that the three primary symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. In adults, hyperactivity usually appears different from the raunchy hyperactivity that is seen in children. It can be present as the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. private adhd assessment uk can also manifest in an inability to concentrate on tasks, organising or sitting down.
If you believe that medication can aid in your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be done by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment.
If your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist, or cannot offer you an appointment in a hurry, you may want to change GPs. You may want to consider changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how to exercise your choice.
You might also be able to book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner, either through the NHS system or privately. Most of these providers will require the referral letter of your GP however some do not, so make sure to check with the provider you choose before booking.
How can I obtain an assessment in private?
ADHD is a nexus of mental condition that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can lead to problems in many areas. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, and determine how you can manage them.
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 so it could be worth finding another GP who is willing to.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires as well as a clinic interview, either in-person or via video conference. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current issues as well as your previous struggles since childhood if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will then determine if you exhibit any of the traits that are characteristic of ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to provide examples of when you have displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will employ these to determine an assessment and suggest treatments.
If you are struggling with a chronic condition and don't want to wait for an appointment with the NHS, obtaining a private assessment may be beneficial. It is important to note that a private assessment does not necessarily mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You'll need to discuss it with them If you decide to take medication, you must consider a shared-care arrangement 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 offer online assessments and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a procedure called "Right to Choice" where you can request your GP for a referral to any of the specialists on their list - this could cut down the wait time significantly. There are also private providers who can diagnose quickly.
In general, it is recommended to seek out a specialist psychiatrist who has had experience with adult ADHD. It might take a while to locate one, since they are hard to come by. Some will insist that you have a GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination however this is not always required.
Psychiatrists can provide an evaluation of your symptoms, but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can assist you to manage symptoms. However they cannot provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services such as Disabled Students' allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A Psychiatrist with expertise can diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues that you might have. It is important to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist so they can offer you the most effective treatment.
You will need to pay for the assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your physician. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). We recommend that you speak with your GP regarding an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and will give their consent should it be required.
Participating in a support group is another option to meet other adults with ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be incredibly supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online groups via Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that private clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers, and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into consideration the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD affects people's everyday lives. It also raised concerns that patients who are not eligible for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pocket to be diagnosed and receive medication.
There is no doubt that your physician will refer you to one of the leading private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will inform you that there could be a waiting time. The waiting time differs from one provider to the next and is usually six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and then do a thorough research on the provider. Picking a reputable, experienced business will most likely mean you will have a shorter wait than if you use your GP.
During the evaluation the psychiatrist will determine in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impact on your daily activities. They will ask you to rule out other causes, such as depression or anxiety. If needed, they will ask for proof from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This could be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complicated family circumstances or those who aren't in a position to locate their school reports from their childhood.
After you have been diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider you may request disability benefits from your local authority. However, you must be aware that a majority of GPs will not sign a document referred to as the shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and have not been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because doctors do not have the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.