How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment is required. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a procedure that may require some red tape for example, the need for old school records to be submitted. You can avoid the wait by scheduling an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.
What is a private evaluation?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation where you sit down with an expert and discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually requires two sessions, and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychiatric evaluation. The process involves a structured interview with a expert who will look at your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also consider if there are any other disorders of the brain or mental issues that may cause your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, such as 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 is not always easy. Many people who are diagnosed with the condition have an undiagnosed diagnosis. 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 seen in children. It can be manifested as a sense of restlessness or constantly rushing around. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as a problem sitting still and being organised, or difficulty focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication would be beneficial for your symptoms, you'll require a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will help you access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to accomplish this is to talk to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
You might find your GP does not want to refer you or can't offer you an appointment immediately. If this is the case, it may be worth switching GPs and you can find more information about how to exercise your right to choose on the Psychiatry-UK website.
You might also be able book an appointment with a private psychiatrist directly via the NHS or independently. Some providers do not require a letter of recommendation from your GP however, the majority will. Make she said to check with your preferred provider prior to booking.
How do I obtain an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is a nexus of mental condition that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. It can cause problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be difficult to manage. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact of these symptoms on your life and can be useful in identifying ways to manage them.
There are several companies that will conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can assert your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unwilling to make this request then you may need to find a different GP willing to help.
The majority of assessments are performed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires as well as a clinic interview in person or via video chat. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult and are a patient, you will be asked questions about your current issues and your background from your childhood. The healthcare professional will then examine whether you exhibit any of the symptoms associated with ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to give examples of instances where you have displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will then utilize these to establish a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
A private assessment can be helpful if you have been struggling for a long time and do not want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to know that an assessment conducted privately does not automatically mean your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary to discuss the issue with them. If you decide to try medications it is recommended you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
You can find a list here of providers in case your GP in England will send you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers offer online assessments and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a 'Right to choose" process where you can request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on waiting times. There are also private providers that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it's best to find an expert psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. However, it could take some time to locate one since they aren't easily accessible. Some will insist that you have an GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination however, this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists can assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help you manage your symptoms. However, they are not able to give a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services like Disabled Student's allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A Psychiatrist who is an expert will be able to identify and describe your symptoms, determine whether they're consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues you might have. It is essential to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist, so they can provide you with the best possible treatment.
You'll have to pay for the assessment however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP (you'll have to be responsible for the NHS prescription cost). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP prior to booking an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing, and provide their consent should they be required.
Joining a support group is another way to connect with other adults with ADHD and gain knowledge from their experiences. They can be extremely helpful, comforting and encouraging. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private health clinics give unreliable diagnosis. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was identified by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were not thorough and did not take into account all the symptoms or effects of ADHD on people's lives. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and have to pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or a medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will refer you to one of the major private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory), but they will tell you there is a waiting time. The time frame for waiting differs from one provider to the next and is usually six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research about the provider. If you choose a well-established and reputable company, you'll probably have less wait time than if you see your GP.
In the course of the evaluation an evaluator will, in a way examine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out other reasons, like anxiety, depression, or thyroid problems and will typically request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms regarding your childhood) and school reports, if necessary. This can be a stressful experience especially for those who have complicated family circumstances or who can't locate their school records from childhood.
Once you've been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified health professional, you are eligible to apply for disability assistance with your local authority. But, be aware that the majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document known as an agreement for shared care in the event that you were diagnosed privately and haven't had a complete titration into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors do not have the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.