How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric evaluation is required to determine ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy process, as old school records may need to be submitted. But, you can avoid the wait and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private appraisal?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consult with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually takes two sessions and is much more thorough than an NHS psychiatric evaluation. The procedure involves a structured interview with an expert who will review your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also determine if there are other mental health conditions or neurological issues that may cause your symptoms. They will inquire about your symptoms in different areas, like at work or in relationships.
It is worth bearing in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy straightforward one. Many people who are told they have the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are three of the main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity often looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity seen in children, and may be present as restlessness or constantly rushing around. Inattention may also manifest as a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, staying organized or sitting still.
If you think medication will alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will permit you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment.
You might find your GP isn't keen to refer you to a specialist or provide you with an appointment right away. You might want to think about changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can exercise your choice.
You might also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist directly, either through the NHS or independently. Some providers do not require a letter of recommendation from your GP but the majority of them do. Check with your chosen provider prior to making a booking.
How can I get a private assessment?
ADHD is a nexus of mental illness that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can lead to problems in many areas. A personal ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can affect your life, and identify how to manage them.
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 choose (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to a provider then you may need to find another GP willing to help.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). This is because they are the only people who are able to diagnose ADHD. In most cases, the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinical interview, either in person or over video call. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked questions about your current issues as well as your past struggles since childhood. The healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the characteristics associated with ADHD like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. You will be asked for instances where you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional can then utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatments.
A private assessment can be helpful if you've been struggling for a long period of time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to note that a private assessment does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You'll still need to discuss this with them and if you decide to try medications it is recommended that you seek 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 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 obtain an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a procedure called "Right to Choose" where you can ask your doctor for a referral to any of the specialists on their list - this could cut down the wait time significantly. There are private practitioners that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it is best to find a specialist psychiatrist who has had experience with adult ADHD. It might take a while to locate one, since they are difficult to find. Some will insist on an GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination however, this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists are able to assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help manage your symptoms. However, they are unable to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for assistance such as the Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
A specialist Psychiatrist can determine and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues that you might have. It is crucial to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist so they can offer you the best treatment possible.
You'll have to pay for your evaluation. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared-care arrangement with your physician. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking about paying for a private diagnosis, we'd advise you to talk with your GP before you book an appointment so they know what you're doing and give their consent, in the event of need.
Joining a support group can be another way to connect with others who have ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online spaces private adhd assessment via Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that private clinics are handing out inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into account all the symptoms or impact of ADHD on the lives of individuals. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket for an assessment or prescription.
It is true that doctors will often refer you for an ADHD evaluation with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) however they will usually advise you there is likely to be a waiting period. The waiting time differs from one provider to another and is usually six weeks. It is recommended to investigate the provider thoroughly and ask friends and family members for referrals. Selecting a reputable and experienced business will most likely mean you'll have an easier time waiting than if you use your GP.
During the assessment an evaluator will, somewhat subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will also want to rule out any other reasons, such as anxiety or depression. If they are required, they will ask for supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This is a stressful process particularly for those with complex family situations or who can't locate their school records from their childhood.
Once you've been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you'll be eligible to apply for disability assistance with your local authority. You should be aware, however, that most GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care arrangement when you were diagnosed by a private doctor and haven't been fully titrated to the final dose of medicine. This is because doctors lack the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.