How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD an assessment of psychiatric disorders will need to take place. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
It can be a long process, as old school records may need to be submitted. However, you can bypass the waiting and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private appraisal?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consultation with a specialist to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It typically takes two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process consists of a structured interview with a expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also look at other mental health issues or neurological issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, including work or relationships and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is important to remember that ADHD diagnosis is not always easy. Many people diagnosed with the disorder have multiple diagnoses. It is crucial to remember that the three primary symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. Adult hyperactivity is often different from boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It can be characterized by restlessness or a constant rush around. Inattention can also manifest as an inability to concentrate on tasks, staying organized or sitting down.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial to your symptoms, you'll require an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be done by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you, or cannot offer you an appointment in a hurry, you may want to change GPs. If this is the case, it might be worthwhile to switch GPs You can find out more about how to exercise your right to choose on the Psychiatry-UK website.
You may also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own, either through the NHS or independently. A majority of these doctors will require a referral letter from your GP however some do not however, so make sure to make sure to check with the provider you choose prior to booking.
How can adhd private assessment near me obtain an assessment in private?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. It can cause issues in a wide range of areas for adults and can be difficult to live with. A personal ADHD assessment can help you understand the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, and help you manage the symptoms.
There are several companies that will perform an ADHD assessment for 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 this you might want to find a different GP willing to help.
Typically an assessment will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level, as per NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who can 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 chat. The typical time for this assessment is 45 to 90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked about your current difficulties and also your history since childhood. The healthcare professional will consider whether you have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked for examples of times when you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will use this information to diagnose and recommend treatments.
If you're suffering from a chronic illness and aren't willing to wait for an appointment from the NHS getting an assessment from a private practitioner is recommended. It is important to note that the results of a private assessment do not necessarily mean that your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary 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 doctor in England who is happy to refer you to an NHS provider to conduct an ADHD assessment You can find a list of the providers here. Some of these providers offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS provides a "Right to choose" procedure where you can ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can significantly reduce waiting times. Private providers can also offer rapid diagnosis.
It is best to find a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they are difficult to find. Some will insist that you have an GP referral letter before they will see you for an assessment however, this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists can provide an evaluation of your symptoms, but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can assist you to manage symptoms. However, they are unable to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A skilled Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are related to ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues you may have. Your Psychiatrist will be in a position to give you the most effective treatment if you're honest and open.
You'll need to pay for your assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to obtain medication under a shared-care agreement with your physician. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for a private diagnosis, we would recommend you speak with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment so they know what you're doing, and provide their consent if needed.
Joining a support group can be another option to get together with other adults with ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be extremely helpful, reassuring and motivating. You can find online groups via Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private clinics give unreliable diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, even though he didn't have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were rushed and did not take into consideration all the symptoms or consequences of ADHD on the lives of people. The report also raised concerns about patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and must pay out of pocket for a diagnosis or medication.
There is no doubt that your physician will recommend one of the leading private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory), but they will tell you there could be a waiting time. The time frame for waiting is different from one company to another and is usually six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and do thorough research on the provider. If you choose a well-established and reputable business you'll likely experience a shorter waiting time than if you go to your GP.
During the assessment, a psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will also want to rule out any other causes, such as depression or anxiety. If necessary, they will ask for additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complicated family situations or those who have not been able to find their childhood school reports.
Once you've been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified health professional, you'll be able to apply for disability support at your local authority. But, be aware that a majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document called a shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and have not been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors do not have the knowledge to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.