How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD A psychiatric evaluation is required. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that could involve some red tape, such as the need for old school reports to be provided. You can get rid of the wait by booking an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly through an online ADHD center.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation in which you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. It typically takes two sessions and is much more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process will involve an organized clinical interview with a specialist and they will examine your symptoms from your early years to your adulthood. They will also determine if there are any other neurological or mental health issues that could cause your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in different areas, such as at work or in relationships.
It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight forward one and many people who are told that they have the condition have a mixed diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. Adult hyperactivity can differ from boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It can manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant flurry of activity. Similarly, inattentiveness can manifest as difficulty sitting still and being organised or having difficulty in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you decide that medication might be beneficial to your symptoms, you'll need to get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will permit you to apply for reasonable adjustments as well as Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, or is unable to make an appointment within a short time, you may want to change your GP. If this is the case, it may be worth switching GPs You can learn more about how to make use of your right to choose the Psychiatry UK website.
You may also be able book an appointment with a private psychiatrist, either through the NHS or independently. Some providers might not require a letter of recommendation from your GP, but most do. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to making an appointment.
How can I get an individual evaluation?
ADHD is a complex mental condition that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can lead to problems in many areas. A private ADHD assessment can help you understand the impact the symptoms have on your life, and identify how to manage the symptoms.
There are a variety of providers who will carry out an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to make this request, you may want to find a different GP willing to assist you.
Typically an assessment will be carried out by a psychiatrist, or specialist nurse (or any other healthcare professional who is appropriate according to NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinical interview, either in person or via video calls. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current health issues as well as your previous struggles in your early years if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the symptoms that are associated with ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to give examples of instances where you have demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional will utilize these to establish a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
A private assessment may be helpful if you have been having a difficult 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 will still need to discuss the issue with them. If you do 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 happy to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of the providers here. Some of these providers provide 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 provides a "Right to choose" process where you can ask for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on waiting times. There are private providers who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
It is best to seek out a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one, since they are hard to find. Some will require a GP referral letter before they can see you for an assessment however, this isn't always necessary.
Psychiatrists can provide an assessment of your symptoms but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists can help you manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD which is required to access assistance services such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at work.
A specialist Psychiatrist can determine and explain your private adhd assessment symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are consistent ADHD and will take into consideration any other mental health issues that you might have. Your Psychiatrist is in a position to give you the best treatment if your open and honest.
You will need to pay for the assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest speaking to your GP regarding an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you are doing and to give their approval when needed.
It is also worthwhile to consider joining a support group in order to connect with other adults who have ADHD, and hear their experiences and solutions. They can be extremely helpful, comforting and motivating. You can find online communities on Facebook and Reddit and also look for local groups that meet in person.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private health clinics offer a false diagnosis. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report suggested that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into account all the symptoms or the consequences of ADHD on people's lives. It also raised concerns that patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pockets to receive a diagnosis and medication.
There is no doubt that your doctor will refer you to one of the leading private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you there could be a waiting period. The waiting period varies from one provider to another and is usually six weeks. It is advisable to study the provider thoroughly and ask family and friends members for recommendations. referrals. Selecting a reputable and experienced company will probably mean you'll have a shorter wait than if you go through your GP.
During the evaluation, your psychiatrist will assess, subjectively, whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant disruption in your daily activities. They will ask you to rule out any other causes, such as depression or anxiety. If needed they will seek supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a difficult process, particularly for those who have more complicated family circumstances or for 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 are eligible to apply for disability assistance with your local authority. Be aware, however, that most GPs will not sign a document known as a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and haven't been titrated fully to your final dose of medication. This is because doctors lack the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.