How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment will need to take place. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy process, as documents from school may have to be supplied. But, you can avoid the line and receive an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consultation with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It typically takes two sessions, and is more thorough than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process consists of a structured interview with an expert who will review your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also examine other neurological or mental health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, such as relationships or work, and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a straight straightforward one. Many people who are told that they have the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is important to remember that the three primary symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. In adults, hyperactivity often is not as boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children, and may be characterized by the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. Inattention may also manifest as difficulties in focusing on tasks, staying organized or sitting down.
If you believe that medication can help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will permit you to access reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to do this is to speak to your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment.
You may find that your GP isn't keen to refer you, or doesn't offer you an appointment immediately. If this is the case, it may be worthwhile to switch GPs and you can learn more about how to exercise your right to choose on the Psychiatry UK website.
You might also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own, either through the NHS or independently. Some providers might not require a letter of recommendation from your GP however, the majority do. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to booking.
How can I get a private assessment?
ADHD is an intricate mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation as well as working memory and attention. It causes problems in many areas of life for adults and can be challenging to manage. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of the symptoms on your life and can be helpful in determining the best ways to treat them.
There are many providers who will carry out an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You are able to exercise your right to choice (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one, it may be worth finding another GP who is willing to.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will usually conduct the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is because they are the only people who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases, the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinical interview in person or over video call. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult and are a patient, you will be asked questions about your current difficulties and also your history since childhood. A healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the traits associated with ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. You will be asked to provide examples of times when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will use these to make an assessment and suggest treatment options.
If you're suffering from a chronic illness and do not want to wait for a referral from the NHS seeking a private assessment may be advisable. It is important to note that a private assessment does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You'll still need to discuss the issue with them. If you decide to try medications it is recommended that you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
If you have a GP in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment You can find a list of providers here. Some of these providers provide assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a variety of methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a "Right to choose" process where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on the time it takes to wait. Private providers can also offer rapid diagnosis.
It is advisable to find a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they are hard to come by. Some clinics insist on the GP referral before they make an appointment. However this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists can provide an evaluation of your symptoms, however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can assist you to manage your symptoms. However, they are not able to offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
An expert Psychiatrist will be able to recognize and explain your symptoms, assess whether they're consistent with ADHD and look into any other mental health issues you might have. It is essential to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist so they can give you the best possible treatment.
You'll need to pay for the exam, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to pay the NHS prescription charge). If you're thinking about paying for an private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment so they know what you're doing and give their approval in the event of need.
Participating in a support group is another way to connect with other adults with ADHD and gain knowledge from their experiences. They can be extremely helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. An undercover reporter visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, even though the patient did not have ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were not thorough and did not consider the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD can have on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and have to pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will recommend you to one of the major private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will tell you that there is a waiting period. The time frame for waiting varies 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. Choosing an experienced and well-established company will probably mean you will have an easier time waiting than if you go through your GP.
During the examination the psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out other causes, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid problems and will typically require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms about your childhood) and school records if required. This is a stressful process particularly for those with complex family situations or who can't locate their school records from childhood.
Once you've been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you'll be eligible to apply for disability support at your local authority. However, private adhd assessment london must be aware that most GPs will not sign a document called a shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and have not been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.