How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric evaluation is required to determine ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist, or a specialist ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy process, as old school records may need to be submitted. However, you can bypass the waiting and get private assessments by registering directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It typically requires two sessions, and is more thorough than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process consists of an organized interview with an expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also consider if there are any other disorders of the brain or mental issues that may cause your symptoms. They will concentrate on various areas of functioning, such as relationships or work. They will ask you to give 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 diagnosed with the condition have a mixed diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three main symptoms. Adult hyperactivity can differ from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It may be characterized by restlessness or a constant race. Similarly, inattentiveness can be a sign of difficulty sitting still and being organised or having trouble staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you think that medication could aid in your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be accomplished by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you or is unable to make an appointment in a hurry you might want to change GPs. If this is the case, it may be worthwhile to switch GPs You can learn more about how to make use of your right to choose the Psychiatry-UK website.
You may also be able make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner via the NHS system or privately. A majority of these doctors will require an appointment letter from your GP however some do not and you should be sure to inquire with the chosen provider before booking.
How do I obtain a private evaluation?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can lead to problems in many areas. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact the symptoms have on your life and determine how you can manage them.
There are a number of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one, local it may be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician, either in person or over video calls. It usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked about your current issues and also your history since childhood. The healthcare professional will then examine whether you exhibit any of the symptoms that are associated with ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide examples of when you have shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then use these to make an assessment and suggest treatment options.
If you're struggling with a chronic condition and don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS, obtaining an assessment privately is beneficial. It is important to remember that a private assessment does not necessarily mean that your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary to discuss this with them and if you decide to try medications it is recommended you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
You will find a list of providers if your GP in England is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers provide assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a "Right to Choose" procedure where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce waiting times. Private providers can also offer an immediate diagnosis.
It is best to find a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. It may take a while to find one as they are not readily available. Some will require an GP referral letter before they can see you for an examination, but this is not always required.
Psychiatrists can assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, Local can help you manage your symptoms. However, they are unable to give a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to receive support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A specialist Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are consistent ADHD and will take into consideration any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist will be able to provide you with the best treatment if you are honest and forthcoming.
You will need to pay for your assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for a private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP before you book an appointment, so that they know what you're doing, and provide their consent if needed.
Joining a support group can be another option to meet others who have ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online communities on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over claims that some private clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, even though he didn't 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 has on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and have to pay out cost of private adhd assessment pocket for a diagnosis or a medication.
It is true that GPs may refer you for an ADHD evaluation with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) however they will typically advise you that there is likely to be a waiting period. The waiting period varies from one provider to another provider, but is typically about six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research on the provider. If you select a reputable and reputable company you'll likely experience a shorter waiting time than if you go to your GP.
In the course of the evaluation, a psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively examine whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out other reasons, such as anxiety or depression. If necessary they will seek additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a stressful experience especially for those who have complex family situations or who are unable to locate their childhood school records.
Once you've been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified health professional you will be able to apply for disability support through your local authority. But, be aware that a majority of GPs will not sign a document referred to as an agreement for shared care in the event that you were diagnosed privately and have not been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because GPs do not have the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.