How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric examination is required to determine ADHD. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that could involve some red tape, such as the need for old school records to be provided. However, you can bypass the wait and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation where you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms, and how they affect your life. It typically requires two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process involves a structured interview with a expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood through 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 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 straightforward one. Many people who are told that they have the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is essential to keep in mind that the three most prominent symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity typically is not as boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It could be manifested as a sense of an inability to settle or a constant rushing. In the same way, inattention may manifest as a problem staying still and being organized, or difficulty staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you think that medication could help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. 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 psychiatric assessment.
If your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist, or cannot offer you an appointment within a short time you might want to change GPs. You may want to think about changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how to exercise your choice.
You may also be able book an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own via the NHS or independently. Some providers may not require a letter of referral from your GP however, the majority will. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to making a booking.
How can I get an assessment from a private person?
ADHD is a complicated mental illness that affects the function of brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. It can cause issues in a wide range of areas for adults and can be difficult to live with. A personal ADHD assessment will help you understand the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, and determine how you can manage them.
There are a variety of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP is unwilling to do this, you may want to find another GP willing to help.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a clinical interview, either in person or via video calls. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.
If private diagnosis adhd are an adult, you will be asked about your current issues and your background from childhood. The healthcare professional will then examine whether you exhibit any of the symptoms that are characteristic of ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for instances where you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then employ these to determine an assessment and suggest treatment options.
A private evaluation can be helpful if you've been having a difficult time and do not want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to know that the results of a private assessment do not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You will still need to discuss the issue with them. If you decide to test medications it is recommended you seek a shared care agreement with your GP.
You will find a list of providers if your doctor in England will send you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers offer online assessments and have much shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many ways to obtain an ADHD evaluation. The NHS provides a "Right to Choose" process that allows you to request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on the time it takes to wait. There are private practitioners who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
It is best to seek out a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one, since they can be difficult to come by. Some will require an GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an assessment however this is not always required.
Psychiatrists can assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help manage symptoms. However, they are not able to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to receive support services such as Disabled Students' allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A Psychiatrist with expertise will be able diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether they are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues you might have. It is crucial to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist, so they can provide you with the best treatment possible.
You'll have 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 GP (you'll be required to be responsible for the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking about paying for an private diagnosis, we would advise you to talk with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing, and give their consent, if needed.
It is also worthwhile to consider joining an online support group to connect with others who suffer from ADHD and to hear about their stories and solutions. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups that meet in person.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private health clinics offer a false diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though he didn't have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were made in a hurry and did not take into account all the symptoms or effects of ADHD on the lives of individuals. It also raised concerns that some patients who are not qualified for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pockets to be diagnosed and receive medication.
There is no doubt that your physician will recommend you to one of the leading private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you there is a waiting time. This differs from provider to provider, but is typically about six weeks. It is advisable to study the provider thoroughly and ask friends and family members for suggestions. If you select a reputable and reputable company you'll likely experience an easier time waiting than if you see your GP.
During the evaluation the psychiatrist will determine the subjectively whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption in your daily activities. They will try to rule out any other causes such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. They will usually request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms regarding your childhood) and school records if necessary. This can be a stressful process particularly for those with more complicated family circumstances or those who aren't able to find their school reports from their childhood.
After you have been evaluated and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you'll be able to apply for disability support with your local authority. You should be aware that the majority of GPs aren't likely to sign a contract called a shared-care agreement if you were diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to your dosage. This is because doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.