How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric examination is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy procedure, since old school records may need to be submitted. But, you can avoid the wait and get private assessments by registering directly with an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consult with a specialist to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more in-depth than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process will involve an organized clinical interview with an expert, and they will look at your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look at other mental health issues or neurological issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, such as relationships or work, and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is important to remember that ADHD diagnosis is not always straightforward. Many people diagnosed with the condition suffer from a mixed diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity typically looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It can be present as the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. In the same way, inattention may manifest as a problem staying focused and seated or having trouble in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial to your symptoms, you will require a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will permit you to access reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatric assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you, or is unable to make an appointment in a hurry, you may want to change GPs. If this is the case, it could be worth switching GPs and you can find more information about how to make use of your right to choose on the Psychiatry UK website.
You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric service using the NHS system or privately. The majority of these providers require a referral letter from your GP however some do not and you should be sure to inquire with the chosen provider before booking.
How can I get a private assessment?
ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain processes such as motivation as well as working memory and attention. It can cause issues in a variety of areas for adults and can be difficult to manage. A personal ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact these symptoms have on your life and determine how you can manage these symptoms.
There are several companies that can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. private adhd assessment uk can assert your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to do so it might be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will usually conduct the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician in person or via video call. This will usually last for 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked questions about your current difficulties as well as your past struggles since childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the characteristics associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide examples of times when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional can then make use of this information to diagnose and recommend treatments.
A private assessment can be helpful if you have been struggling for a long time and do not want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to know that an assessment conducted privately does not automatically mean your GP will prescribe medication. You will still need to discuss this with them, and if you decide to test medications it is recommended 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 for an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of providers here. Some of these companies offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a "Right to choose" process that allows you to ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on waiting times. There are private practitioners that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it is best to find an expert psychiatrist with had experience with adult ADHD. It may take a while to find one since they aren't easy to come by. Some will insist that you have a GP referral letter before they can see you for an examination however this is not always necessary.
Psychiatrists can assess the symptoms of your condition but they cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists - can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they will not provide you with a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD which is required to access support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments at work.
A Psychiatrist who is an expert will be able to identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are consistent with ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist is capable of providing you with the best treatment if you are honest and open.
You'll have to pay for the exam however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to get medication through a shared care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to have to pay the NHS prescription charge). If you're thinking about paying for a private diagnosis, we'd suggest you talk to your GP prior to booking an appointment, so that they know what you're doing, and give their consent, if needed.
It's also worth considering joining a 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 spaces via Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that some private clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses. An undercover reporter went to 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 these assessments were not thorough and did not take into account 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 must pay out of pocket to receive 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 time. This differs from provider to provider and typically is about six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and do thorough research about the provider. Choosing an experienced and well-established business will most likely mean you will have less wait time than if you go through your GP.
During the assessment an evaluator will, somewhat subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out any other reasons, like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. They will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood) and school records if necessary. This can be a difficult procedure, especially for those with more complex family circumstances or for those who haven't been successful in finding their school records from childhood.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can apply for disability benefits through your local authority. But, be aware that the majority of GPs are not willing to sign a document referred to as a shared care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and have not been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that GPs do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.