How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric evaluation is required to diagnose ADHD. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It can be a long procedure, since the old school records might need to be supplied. However, you can bypass the waiting and get a private assessment by booking directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment of ADHD is a meeting where you sit down with an expert and discuss your symptoms as well as how they affect your life. It typically requires two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychiatric evaluation. The procedure involves an organized interview with an expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also consider other neurological or mental health issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in different areas, such as at work or in relationships.
It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight up and down one. A lot of people who are told they are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnosis. It is crucial to remember that the three primary symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. In adults, hyperactivity often appears different from the raunchy hyperactivity that is seen in children. It could be present as the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. In addition, inattention can manifest as difficulty sitting still and being organised or having trouble focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication would be beneficial for your symptoms, you will need to get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will permit you to access reasonable adjustments as well as Disabled Student Allowance. The best method to do this is to speak with your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
You might find your GP doesn't want to refer you or can't offer you an appointment immediately. 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 might also be able make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner via the NHS system or on your own. Most of these providers will require the referral letter of your GP however some do not, so make sure to check with the provider you choose prior to making an appointment.
How do I obtain an individual evaluation?
ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain processes like motivation as well as working memory and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can create difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your daily life and help you determine how they could be managed.
There are a number of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You have the option of exercising your right to choice (RTC) if you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to do this you might want to find another GP willing to assist you.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will usually conduct the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor either in person or via video conference. This will usually last for 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current issues and any previous issues you have had from childhood if you're an adult. The healthcare professional will then consider whether you have any of the traits that are associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for examples of instances where you have demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional will utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatments.
If you are struggling with an ongoing condition and don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS, obtaining an assessment privately is recommended. It is important to note that the results of a private assessment do not necessarily mean that your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary to discuss this with them and if you decide to test medications it is recommended you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
If you have a GP in England who is happy to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of the providers here. Some of these providers provide assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are several ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS provides a "Right to choose" process where you can ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce the time it takes to wait. There are private practitioners who can diagnose quickly.
In general, it is best to find a specialist psychiatrist who has expertise in adult ADHD. However, it may take some time to locate one as they are not readily available. Some will insist on a GP referral letter before they can see you for an assessment, but this is not always necessary.
Psychiatrists are able to assess your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can help manage your symptoms. However, they are not able to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for assistance such as the Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A specialist Psychiatrist will be able determine and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues that you may have. It is essential to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist so they can give you the most effective treatment.
You will have to pay for the assessment however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking about paying for an 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 approval if needed.
It's also worth considering joining an online support group to meet others with ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be very helpful, comforting and encouraging. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or look up local in person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that some private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses. An undercover reporter visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, even though he did not have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were rushed and did not consider all the symptoms or the impact of ADHD on people's lives. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and have to pay out of pocket for a diagnosis or a medication.
It is true that doctors will often refer you for an ADHD assessment with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they will usually advise you there will likely be a waiting period. The waiting period varies from one provider to another provider and typically is around six weeks. It is recommended to investigate the provider thoroughly and ask friends and family members for recommendations. recommendations. Choosing an experienced and well-established firm will likely mean that you will have a shorter wait than if you choose to go through your GP.
During the assessment an evaluator will, somewhat subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will also want to rule out any other causes, like depression or anxiety. If they are required, they will ask for supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complicated family circumstances or for those who haven't been able to find their childhood school reports.
After you have been diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can apply for disability benefits from your local authority. It is important to be aware that most GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and you haven't been titrated fully to your dosage. This is because GPs aren't qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.