How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric evaluation is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist, or an expert ADHD nurse.
It can be a long procedure, since old school records may need to be provided. But, you can avoid the wait and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private appraisal?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with a specialist to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It typically takes two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process involves a structured clinical interview with an expert and they will evaluate your symptoms from your early years to your adulthood. They will also consider other mental health issues or neurological issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will inquire about your symptoms in various areas, like at work or in relationships.
It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy up and down one. A lot of people who are told they are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are three of the main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity usually looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children. It could be manifested as a sense of the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. Inattention may also manifest as a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, organising or sitting still.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial for your symptoms, you will need to get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will permit you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to accomplish this is to speak to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
If your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist, or is unable to make an appointment within a short time, you may want to change GPs. You may want to consider changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how to make a decision.
You may also be able book an appointment with a private psychiatrist, either through the NHS or independently. Some providers may not require a letter of referral from your GP, but most will. Check with your chosen provider prior to booking.
How do I obtain an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is a complicated mental condition that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can lead to difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and can be useful in identifying ways to manage them.
There are several companies that will perform an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You have the option of exercising your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to do so, it may be worthwhile looking for a different GP who is willing to.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinical interview in person or via video call. It will typically last 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult and are a patient, you will be asked questions regarding your current problems and your background from your childhood. The healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the traits that are associated with ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive. private adhd assessment will be asked to provide instances of when you've displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will make use of this information to diagnose and suggest treatment options.
A private evaluation can be helpful if you've been struggling for a long period of time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to note that a private assessment does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You will have to discuss the issue with them and, if you choose to use medication, you should consider a shared-care arrangement 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 the providers here. Some of these companies 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 "Right to choose" process that allows you to ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce waiting times. There are also private providers who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it is best to find an expert psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one, since they can be difficult to come by. Some clinics require a GP referral before they will schedule an appointment. However this isn't always the case.
Psychiatrists can assess your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can assist you to manage your symptoms. However, they are unable to give 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.
An expert Psychiatrist will be able to identify and describe your symptoms, determine whether they're consistent with ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues you might have. It is important to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can provide you with the best possible treatment.
You'll need to pay for your evaluation. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to receive medication through a shared-care arrangement with your physician. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're considering paying for an private diagnosis, we'd suggest you talk to your GP prior to booking an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing and provide their consent in the event of need.
Participating in a support group is another option to meet others who have ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be very supportive, comforting, and inspiring. You can find online groups through Facebook and Reddit or 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 unreliable diagnoses. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though he didn't have ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were not thorough and didn't take into account the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD affects people's everyday lives. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and are required to pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or a medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will recommend you to one of the largest private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will tell you that there is a waiting period. This differs from provider to provider and is usually around six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research on the provider. If you choose a well-established and experienced company, you'll probably have less wait time than if you go to your GP.
In the course of the evaluation the psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively examine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out any other reasons, like depression, anxiety or thyroid problems and will typically ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms regarding your childhood) and school records if required. This can be a stressful procedure, especially for those with more complicated family situations or for those who haven't been in a position to locate their childhood school reports.
Once you have been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified health professional, you'll be able to apply for disability support at your local authority. But, be aware that a majority of GPs will not sign a document known as the shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and haven't had a complete titration into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors lack the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.