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 done by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can require some red tape, such as the need for old school records to be submitted. You can avoid the wait by scheduling a private ADHD assessment directly through an online ADHD center.
What is a private appraisal?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consult with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It usually lasts two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process will involve a structured clinical interview with an expert who will examine your symptoms from your early years to your adulthood. They will also look at other mental health issues or neurological issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, such as work or relationships and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.
private adhd assessments is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a straight forward one and many people who are told they are suffering from the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are three of the main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity typically appears different from the raunchy hyperactivity that is seen in children. It can be present as restlessness or constantly rushing around. In the same way, inattention may be a sign of difficulty sitting still and being organised or having difficulty in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you think that medication could alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will enable you to apply for reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. This can be done by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment.
You may find that your GP doesn't want to refer you or can't provide you with an appointment right away. 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 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 privately. A majority of these doctors will require a referral letter from your GP but some don't and you should make sure to check with the provider you choose prior to booking.
How do I obtain a private evaluation?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can cause issues in many areas. A private ADHD assessment can assist you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your daily life and help you determine how they could be managed.
There are many providers who will carry out an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can assert your right to choose (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.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will usually conduct the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases the ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor in person or via video conference. It will typically last 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 examine whether you exhibit any of the traits that are characteristic of ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. You will be asked to provide examples of times when you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will then utilize these to establish an assessment and suggest treatment options.
If you are struggling with an ongoing condition and aren't willing to wait for an appointment with the NHS getting a private assessment may be beneficial. It is important to know that the results of a private assessment do not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You will need to discuss it with them If you decide to take medication, you must seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.
You can see a list of providers in case your GP in England is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of ways to obtain an ADHD assessment. The NHS provides a "Right to choose" procedure where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on waiting times. Private providers can also offer rapid diagnosis.
In general, it's best to find an expert psychiatrist with had experience with adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they can be difficult to find. Some clinics insist on a GP referral before they will schedule an appointment. However it is not always the case.
Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can help manage symptoms. However, they are unable to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for assistance such as the Disabled Student's allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
An expert Psychiatrist will be able to identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they are related to ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist is in a position to give you the best treatment if you are honest and open.
You'll have to pay for the examination, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP (you'll have to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest that you talk to your GP regarding the possibility of a private diagnosis prior to making an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you're doing and to give their approval if necessary.
Joining a support group can be another option to get together with other adults who suffer from ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be extremely helpful, reassuring and encouraging. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private health 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 even though the patient did not have ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were rushed and did not take into account all the signs or effects of ADHD on the lives of individuals. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket to receive an assessment or prescription.
It is true that GPs may recommend an ADHD assessment through one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they will typically advise you that there is likely to be a waiting time. This differs from provider to provider and typically is about six weeks. It is recommended to research the provider carefully and ask family and friends members for word of mouth referrals. Selecting a reputable and experienced firm will likely mean that you will experience an easier time waiting than if you choose to go through your GP.
During the assessment your psychiatrist will evaluate, subjectively, whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impact on your daily activities. They will try to rule out any other causes such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. They will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms regarding your childhood) and school reports if required. This can be a stressful procedure, especially for those with more complex family circumstances or for those who aren't in a position to locate their school reports from their childhood.
After you have been diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can apply for disability benefits from your local authority. You should be aware that the majority of GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care arrangement when you were diagnosed by a private doctor and haven't been titrated fully to your dosage. This is because GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD.