How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD an assessment of psychiatric disorders is required. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can be a bit complicated for example, the need for old school reports to be provided. You can avoid the wait by scheduling an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.
What is a private evaluation?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation where you sit down with an expert to discuss your symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. It usually lasts two sessions and is more in-depth than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process involves a structured clinical interview with a specialist who will examine your symptoms from your childhood to adulthood. They will also consider if there are other neurological or mental health issues that could cause your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, such as relationships or work. They will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD diagnosis isn't always simple. Many people who are diagnosed with the disorder have a mixed diagnosis. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity typically looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children. It can be manifested as a sense of an inability to settle or a constant rushing. In the same way, inattention may manifest as difficulty staying focused and seated or having difficulty focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial to your condition, you will require a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to apply for reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you, or is unable to make an immediate appointment you might want to change your GP. You may want to consider changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can make your decision.
adhd private diagnosis might also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist via the NHS or privately. Some providers do not require a referral letter from your GP but the majority of them do. Check with your chosen provider prior to booking.
How can I get an assessment in private?
ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain processes such as motivation as well as working memory and attention. It causes problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be challenging to manage. A personal ADHD assessment can help you understand the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, and help you manage them.
There are a variety of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can assert your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unwilling to do this you might want to find another GP willing to assist you.
The majority of assessments are carried out by a psychiatrist, or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases an ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor, either in-person or via video call. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current issues and any previous issues you have had in your early years if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will then examine whether you exhibit any of the characteristics that are associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. You will be asked to give examples of instances where you have shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then make use of this information to diagnose and suggest treatment options.
If you're suffering from a chronic illness and aren't willing to wait for a referral from the NHS getting an assessment from a private practitioner is advisable. However, it is important to remember that a private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You'll need to discuss it with them If you decide to take medication, you should negotiate a shared-care agreement with your GP.
If you have a doctor in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of the providers here. Some of these companies offer online assessments and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process known as "Right to Choose" where you can ask your GP to refer you to one of the specialist doctors that are on their list. This can reduce the waiting time considerably. There are also private providers that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it's best to locate a specialist psychiatrist who has had experience with adult ADHD. It may take some time to find one, as they can be difficult to come by. Some clinics insist on an GP referral before they will make an appointment. However this isn't always required.
Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help you manage your symptoms. However they cannot give a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to receive assistance such as the Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A specialist Psychiatrist is able to diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist is in a position to give you the best treatment if you are honest and open.
You will need to pay for the assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to get medication through a shared-care arrangement with your doctor. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). We recommend that you speak with your GP about the possibility of a private diagnosis prior to making an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and to give their approval if necessary.
Participating in a support group is another option to meet other adults with ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be very helpful, reassuring and encouraging. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit and also look for local groups 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 providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, even though he did not have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were made in a hurry and did not take into consideration all the symptoms or consequences of ADHD on people's lives. It also raised concerns that patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pocket to be diagnosed and receive medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will refer you to one of the leading private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory), but they will tell you that there is a waiting time. The time frame for waiting differs from one provider to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations and conduct extensive research on the company. If you choose a well-established and experienced company, you'll probably have a shorter waiting time than if you visit your GP.
During the evaluation your psychiatrist will evaluate the subjectively whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant disruption in your daily functioning. They will also want to rule out any other causes, like depression or anxiety. If needed they will request supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a stressful time particularly for those with complicated family circumstances or who can't locate their childhood school records.
Once you've been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional you will be eligible to apply for disability assistance through your local authority. It is important to be aware, however, that most GPs will not sign a document known as a shared-care arrangement when you were diagnosed by a private doctor and aren't fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.