How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric examination is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
This can be a lengthy procedure, since the old school records might need to be submitted. However, you can skip the wait and get private assessments by registering directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private appraisal?
A private assessment of ADHD is a session where you sit down with an expert to discuss your symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. It typically takes two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The procedure involves an in-depth clinical interview with an expert, and they will evaluate your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also determine if there are other mental health conditions or neurological issues that could cause your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, such as relationships or work. They will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy forward one and many people who are told they have the condition have a mixed diagnosis. It is essential to keep in mind that the three main symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. In adults, hyperactivity often is not as boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It could be manifested as a sense of restlessness or constantly rushing around. In addition, inattention can be a sign of difficulty staying focused and seated or having trouble in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you decide that medication might be beneficial to your condition, you will require an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to accomplish this is to speak to your GP and request that they refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment.
You may find that your GP isn't keen to refer you to a specialist or give you an appointment in a timely manner. 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.
You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner, either through the NHS system or on your own. Some providers do not require a letter of recommendation from your GP, but most will. Check with your chosen provider prior to booking.
How do I obtain a private evaluation?
ADHD is a nexus of mental illness that affects the function of brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. It causes problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be difficult to live with. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact of these symptoms on your daily life and help you determine ways to manage them.
There are a variety of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You are able to exercise your right to choose (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to do so it could be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing to.
Typically, an assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level in accordance with NICE guidelines). This is because these are the only ones who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician, either in person or via video calls. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current health issues and any previous issues you have had from childhood if you're an adult. The healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the symptoms associated with ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for examples of instances where you have shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then employ these to determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
A private evaluation can be helpful if you have been having a difficult time and do not want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to know that a private assessment does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You will need to discuss it with them, and if you decide to take medication, you must 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 the providers here. Some of these companies offer assessments on the internet and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called "Right to Choose" where you can request your GP for a referral to one of the specialist providers that are on their list. This could cut down the wait time significantly. There are private providers that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
It is recommended to find an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. It could take a while to find one, as they can be difficult to come by. Some will insist that you have a GP referral letter before they can see you for an assessment however this is not always required.
Psychiatrists can offer an assessment of your symptoms, but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - including Psychologists can help you manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD which is required to be able to access assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.
An expert Psychiatrist will be able to identify and describe your symptoms, determine whether they are consistent with ADHD and look into any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist will be able to provide you with the best treatment if you are open and honest.
You'll need to pay for the assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to receive medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment so they know what you're doing and provide their consent in the event of need.
It's also worth considering joining a support group to meet other adults who have ADHD and to hear about their stories and suggestions. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online spaces through Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were made in a hurry, and did not take into consideration the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD affects people's everyday lives. private adhd assesment raised concerns that some patients who are not eligible for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pockets to be diagnosed and receive medication.
There is a fact that GPs will often refer you for an ADHD evaluation with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) however they usually inform you that there will likely be a waiting period. The time frame for waiting is different from one company to the next and is usually six weeks. It is advisable to research the provider carefully and ask family and friends members for word of mouth suggestions. Selecting a reputable and experienced company will probably mean you'll have an easier time waiting than if you use your GP.
During the assessment your psychiatrist will evaluate the subjectively whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment in your daily activities. They will want you to rule out other causes, such as depression or anxiety. If needed, they will ask for proof from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a stressful experience especially for those who have complicated family relationships or who cannot find their childhood school records.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider you may apply for disability benefits from your local authority. But, be aware that most GPs will refuse to sign a document known as the shared care agreement if you have been diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.