How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD an assessment of psychiatric disorders will need to take place. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can require some red tape like the requirement for old school records to be provided. However, you can skip the wait and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation in which you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms, and how they affect your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more in-depth than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process will involve an organized clinical interview with a specialist who will evaluate your symptoms from early years to your adulthood. They will also examine other mental health issues or neurological issues which could 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 a diagnosis of ADHD is not a straight forward one and many people who are told they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity typically looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. private adhd assessment uk could be manifested as a sense of restlessness or constantly rushing around. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as difficulty staying still and being organized, or difficulty staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you believe that medication can help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will help you access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatric assessment.
You may find that your GP doesn't want to refer you, or doesn't offer you an appointment immediately. If this is the case, it could be worth switching GPs You can find more information about how to make use of your right to choose on the Psychiatry-UK website.
You may be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist directly via the NHS or independently. Most of these providers will require the referral letter of your GP but some don't however, so make sure to make sure to check with the provider you choose prior to booking.
How do I obtain an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is an intricate mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation working memory, motivation, and attention. It can cause problems in many areas of life for adults and can be challenging to manage. A personal ADHD assessment will help you understand the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, and identify how to manage these symptoms.
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 refuses to refer you to a provider you might want to find a different GP willing to help.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will usually conduct the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician, either in person or over video calls. This will usually last for 45 to 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current issues and your past difficulties since childhood if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will then determine if you exhibit any of the symptoms associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for instances where you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional can then utilize this information to determine the cause and recommend treatments.
If you're struggling with a chronic illness and don't want to wait for an appointment with the NHS getting an assessment privately is advisable. It is important to remember that the private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You'll still need to discuss this with them, and if you decide to test medication it is recommended that you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
If you have a doctor in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider to conduct an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of providers here. Some of these providers provide assessments on the internet and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many 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 can drastically reduce the time it takes to wait. Private providers can also offer an immediate diagnosis.
In general, it's recommended to seek out a specialist psychiatrist with had experience with adult ADHD. It could take a while to find one, as they can be difficult to come by. Some will insist on a GP referral letter before they will see you for an examination however this is not always necessary.
Psychiatrists can assess the symptoms of your condition but they cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists - can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they cannot give you a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD which is required to get access to support services such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at work.
An expert Psychiatrist will be able to identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they're consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues you may have. It is important to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can give you the best possible treatment.
You will need to pay for your assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care arrangement with your physician. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest speaking with your GP about a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and to give their approval when needed.
It is also worthwhile to consider joining a support group in order to connect with other adults who have ADHD and to hear about their stories and solutions. They can be very supportive, comforting, and inspiring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit and also look for local in person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report suggested that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into account all the symptoms or impact of ADHD on the lives of individuals. It also raised concerns that some patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pocket to be diagnosed and receive medication.
It is true that GPs may suggest you to have an ADHD assessment with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there is likely to be a waiting period. The time frame for waiting is different from one company to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and do thorough research on the provider. Selecting a reputable and experienced company will probably mean you will have less wait time than if you use your GP.
In the course of the evaluation, a psychiatrist will, albeit subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out any other reasons, like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. They will usually request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms about your childhood) and school reports, if necessary. This can be a stressful experience particularly for those with complicated family relationships or who can't locate their school records from childhood.
Once you've been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you are eligible to apply for disability support through your local authority. However, you must be aware that most GPs are not willing to sign a document called the shared care agreement if you have been diagnosed privately and haven't had a complete titration into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.