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, such as the need for old school reports to be submitted. But, you can avoid the line and receive 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 an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually takes two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process involves an organized clinical interview with an expert and they will look at your symptoms from your childhood through adulthood. They will also examine other issues with your mental health or neurological issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, such as relationships or work, and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD diagnosis is not always simple. Many people who are diagnosed with the condition have a mixed diagnosis. It is essential to keep in mind that the three most prominent symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It can manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant flurry of activity. Inattention may also manifest as difficulties in focusing on tasks, staying organized or sitting down.
If you think medication will alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will enable you to access reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, or if they are unable to provide you with an immediate appointment, you may want to change GPs. You may want to consider changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more information on how you can make a decision.
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 check with your chosen provider before booking.
How can I get a private evaluation?
ADHD is a complicated mental illness that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. It causes problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be challenging to manage. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can affect your life, and identify how to 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) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to refer you it could be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is because they are the only people who are able to diagnose ADHD. Most of the time, the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinical interview, either in person or over video call. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current health issues and any previous issues you have had in your early years if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will consider whether you have any of the symptoms that are characteristic of ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for instances of when you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will use these to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
If you're struggling with an ongoing condition and don't want to wait for an appointment with the NHS, obtaining an assessment from a private practitioner is advisable. It is important to remember that an assessment conducted privately does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You'll have to discuss the issue with them, and if you decide 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 for 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 many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called "Right to Choice" where you can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist providers on their list - this will reduce the time to wait significantly. There are private practitioners that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
It is best to seek out a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they are difficult to find. Some clinics require a GP referral before they make an appointment. However this isn't always the case.
Psychiatrists are able to assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals - including Psychologists - can help you manage your symptoms, but they are unable to provide you with a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be able to access assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to work.
A skilled Psychiatrist will be able to recognize and explain your symptoms, assess whether they're consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. It is essential to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist, so they can provide you with the most effective treatment.
You'll need to pay for the assessment, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP (you'll have to have to pay the NHS prescription cost). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we would recommend you speak with your GP prior to booking an appointment, so that they know what you're doing, and give their consent, should they be required.
Joining a support group is another option to get together with other adults with ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and motivating. You can find online spaces through Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private clinics offer a false diagnosis. An undercover reporter visited three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them despite the fact that he did not have ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were rushed and did not consider all the symptoms or the impact of ADHD on the lives of people. It also raised concerns that some patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pocket to get a diagnosis and medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will recommend one of the major private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will tell you that there is a waiting period. private adhd assessment for waiting is different from one company to another and is usually six weeks. It is advisable to research the provider carefully and ask your family and friends members for word of mouth recommendations. If you choose a well-established and experienced company you'll likely experience a shorter waiting time than if you visit your GP.
During the assessment, a psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out other reasons, such as depression or anxiety. If necessary they will seek proof from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a difficult procedure, especially for those with more complicated family circumstances or for those who have not been in a position to locate their school records from childhood.
After you have been diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider, you can request disability benefits from your local authority. But, be aware that the majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document called an agreement for shared care in the event that you were diagnosed privately and haven't also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is because doctors lack the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.