How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric examination is required to determine ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can be a bit complicated like the requirement for old school reports to be submitted. You can get rid of the wait by scheduling a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment of ADHD is a session where you sit down with an expert to discuss your symptoms, and how they affect your life. It typically lasts two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The procedure involves a structured interview with a expert who will review your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look at other neurological or mental health issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, like relationships or work, and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis is not always simple. Many people diagnosed with the disorder have an undiagnosed diagnosis. It is essential to keep in mind that the three most prominent symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. In adults, hyperactivity often is not as boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children. It can be manifested as a sense of an inability to settle or a constant rushing. Inattention can also manifest as difficulties in focusing on tasks, being organised or sitting down.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial for your symptoms, you'll require an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be done by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, or cannot offer you an appointment within a short time You may wish to change your GP. You may want to think about changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how to exercise your choice.
You may be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist directly through the NHS or privately. A majority of these doctors will require a referral letter from your GP but some don't, so make sure to check with the provider you choose prior to booking.
How do I get an assessment in private?
ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain processes like motivation working memory, motivation, and attention. It causes problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be difficult to manage. A personal ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, and determine how you can manage these symptoms.
There are a number of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You are able to exercise your right to choose (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to refer you it could be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only ones who are able to diagnose ADHD. In most cases the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a medical interview in person or via video calls. It will typically last 45 to 90 minutes.
If you are an adult and are a patient, you will be asked questions about your current issues and also your history since childhood. The healthcare professional will examine whether you exhibit any of the symptoms that are characteristic of ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for examples of times when you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional can then make use of this information to diagnose and recommend treatment options.
If you're struggling with a chronic condition and don't want to wait for an appointment with the NHS seeking an assessment from a private practitioner is recommended. It is important to know that a private assessment does not automatically mean your GP will prescribe medication. You'll still need to discuss the issue with them. If you decide to try medications it is recommended you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
If you have a GP in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider to conduct an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of the private adhd assessment providers here. 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 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 provide an immediate diagnosis.
It is best to seek out a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. It could take a while to find one, as they can be difficult to come by. Some will require a GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination, but this is not always necessary.
Psychiatrists can assess your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals - including Psychologists - can help you manage your symptoms, but they are unable to provide you with a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD which is required to be able to access assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.
A Psychiatrist who is experienced can diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether they are consistent ADHD and will take into consideration any other mental health issues that you may have. It is essential to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can provide you with the best treatment possible.
You'll need to pay for the assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). We recommend that you speak to your GP about an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and will give their consent if necessary.
Participating in a support group is another option to meet others who have ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be incredibly helpful, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over assertion that private clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses. 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 suggests that these assessments were made in a hurry and did not take into account all the symptoms or the effects of ADHD on the lives of people. It also raised concerns that some patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pocket to receive a diagnosis and medication.
It is true that doctors will often suggest you to have an ADHD evaluation with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there will likely be a waiting period. This varies from provider to provider, but is typically around six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and do extensive research on the company. Picking a reputable, experienced company will probably mean you will experience less wait time than if you use your GP.
During the examination, your psychiatrist will assess, subjectively, whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impact on your daily activities. They will also want to rule out other reasons, such as depression or anxiety. If necessary, they will ask for proof from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a stressful procedure, especially for those with more complicated family circumstances or for those who aren't able to find their childhood school reports.
After you have been evaluated and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you are eligible to apply for disability assistance through your local authority. It is important to be aware, however, that the majority of GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed by a private doctor and aren't fully titrated to the dosage. This is because doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.