How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric assessment is required to determine ADHD. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a procedure that may involve some red tape, such as the need for old school reports to be submitted. However, you can skip the wait and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It typically requires two sessions and is much more thorough than an NHS psychiatric evaluation. The process involves an organized interview with an expert who will review your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look into whether there are other neurological or mental health issues that could cause your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, such as work or relationships and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis is not always easy. Many people who are diagnosed with the condition suffer from an undiagnosed diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three main symptoms. Adult hyperactivity can differ from boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It could manifest as restlessness or a constant flurry of activity. Similarly, inattentiveness can be a sign of difficulty sitting still and being organised 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 enable you to apply for reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to do this is to speak to your GP and ask them to refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment.
You may find that your GP isn't keen to refer you, or doesn't provide you with an appointment right away. You might want to think about changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can exercise your choice.
You might also be able make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner, either through the NHS system or independently. Some providers do not require a referral letter from your GP, but most will. Check with your chosen provider prior to making a booking.
How can I get an assessment from a private person?
ADHD is a complex mental condition that affects the function of brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can lead to difficulties in a variety of areas. A personal ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, and help you manage these symptoms.
There are several providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You have the option of exercising your right to choice (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to a provider you might want to find a different GP willing to help.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only people who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases, the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician, either in person or over video calls. The typical time for this assessment is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult, you will be asked questions regarding your current problems as well as your past struggles since childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the symptoms associated with ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide examples of times when you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will use these to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
If you are struggling with a chronic condition and do not want to wait for an appointment from the NHS, obtaining an assessment privately is recommended. However, it is important to keep in mind that the private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. It is still necessary to discuss this with them and if you decide to test medications it is recommended that you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
You can see a list of providers if your GP in England is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are several ways to obtain an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a 'Right to Choose" process where you can request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can significantly reduce waiting times. There are also private providers who can diagnose quickly.
In general, it is best to find a specialist psychiatrist with had experience with adult ADHD. However, it may take a while to find one, as they are not easily accessible. Some clinics insist on a GP recommendation before they schedule an appointment. However this isn't always necessary.
Psychiatrists can offer an evaluation of your symptoms, but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can help manage symptoms. However, they are unable to give a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
A skilled Psychiatrist will be able to identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues you might have. It is important to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist so they can offer you the most effective treatment.
You'll have to pay for your assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care arrangement with your GP. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest speaking with your GP about an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you are doing and give their consent if necessary.
It's also worth looking into joining a support group in order to meet other adults who have ADHD and to hear about their experiences and solutions. They can be extremely supportive, comforting, and inspiring. You can find online communities on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups that meet in person.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them despite the fact that he did not have ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into consideration the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD affects people's everyday lives. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and are required to pay out-of-pocket to get an assessment or prescription.
There is no doubt that your doctor will recommend you to one of the largest private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you that there is a waiting period. The waiting time is different from one company to another and is usually six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations private adhd assessment and do thorough research on the provider. If you choose a well-established and reputable business you'll likely have less wait time than if you visit your GP.
During the assessment, a psychiatrist will, in a way determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out other reasons, like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues and will usually ask you to supply supporting evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school reports, if required. This can be a stressful process particularly for those with more complex family circumstances or those who aren't in a position to locate their childhood school reports.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by an experienced healthcare professional You can apply for disability benefits through your local authority. Be aware that the majority of GPs will not sign a document known as a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed by a private doctor and aren't fully titrated to the final dose of medication. This is because doctors lack the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.