How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric assessment is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be done by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
This can be a lengthy procedure, since documents from school may have to be submitted. You can cut down on the waiting time by scheduling a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.
What is a private evaluation?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consultation with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It usually takes two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process involves a structured clinical interview with an expert and they will look at your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look at 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 crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis is not always easy. Many people diagnosed with the condition have multiple diagnoses. It is crucial to remember that the three most prominent symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity typically looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is seen in children, and may be present as an inability to settle or a constant rushing. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as difficulty staying still and being organized, or difficulty staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication would be beneficial for your condition, you will require an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. private adhd assessment for adults will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to do this is to speak with your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment.
You might find your GP isn't keen to refer you or can't provide you with an appointment right away. You may want to consider changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can make your decision.
You might also be able to book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric service using the NHS system or on your own. The majority of these providers require an appointment letter from your GP but some don't, so be sure to inquire with the chosen provider prior to making an appointment.
How can I get an assessment from a private person?
ADHD is a complicated mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can lead to difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of these symptoms on your daily life and be helpful in determining ways to manage them.
There are a number of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can assert your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one, it may be worth finding 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 healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician, either in person or via video call. It will typically last 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult, you will be asked about your current difficulties as well as your past struggles since your childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide instances where you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatment options.
If you are struggling with a chronic condition and do not want to wait for a referral from the NHS, obtaining an assessment privately is beneficial. However, it is important to keep in mind that a private diagnosis does not mean that you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. It is still necessary to discuss this with them and if you do decide to try medication it is recommended that you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
You will find a list of providers if your doctor 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 many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS provides a "Right to choose" procedure where you can ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait. There are also private providers who can diagnose quickly.
In general, it's recommended to seek out an expert psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. However, it could take a while to find one, as they are not readily available. Some will insist on a GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an assessment, but this is not always required.
Psychiatrists can provide an assessment of your symptoms, however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can help you manage symptoms. However, they are unable to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to receive support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
A skilled Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are related to ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist is able to provide you with the most effective treatment if you're open and honest.
You'll need to pay for the assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to obtain medication under a shared-care agreement with your doctor. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're considering paying for a private diagnosis, we would recommend you speak with your GP prior to booking an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing and give their consent, if needed.
It's also worth considering joining an online support group to meet other adults who have ADHD, and hear their stories and suggestions. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. 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 provide a faulty diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though he did not have ADHD. The report claimed that these assessments were not thorough and did not consider the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. It also raised concerns that some patients who are not eligible for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pocket to receive a diagnosis and medication.
There is a fact that GPs may refer you for an ADHD assessment through one of the most prominent private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there is likely to be a waiting period. The time frame for waiting differs from one provider to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and then do a thorough research about the provider. Selecting a reputable and experienced firm will likely mean that you'll have an easier time waiting than if you go through your GP.
During the assessment an evaluator will, somewhat subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will ask you to rule out any other causes, such as anxiety or depression. If needed they will seek additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a difficult process, particularly for those who have more complex family circumstances or for those who have not been able to find their childhood school reports.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider, you can apply for disability benefits through your local authority. However, you must be aware that a majority of GPs are not willing to sign a document known as a shared care agreement 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 lack the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.