How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment will need to take place. This will be done by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse.
It can be a long procedure, since the old school records might need to be supplied. But, you can avoid the waiting and get private assessments by registering directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private evaluation?
A private assessment for ADHD is a consultation with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It usually takes two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychiatric evaluation. The procedure involves a structured interview with a expert who will review your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also look into whether there are any other disorders of the brain or mental issues that could cause your symptoms. They will concentrate on various areas of functioning, like work or relationships and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is worth bearing in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight forward one and many people who are told that they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is important to remember that the three primary symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. In adults, hyperactivity typically looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is common in children. It could be manifested as a sense of the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. Similarly, inattentiveness can be a sign of difficulty staying still and being organized or having difficulty in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you decide that medication would be beneficial to your condition, you will require an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to accomplish this is to speak to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you or cannot offer you an appointment within a short time, you may want to change your GP. If this is the case, it could be worthwhile changing GPs You can learn more about how to exercise your right to choose the Psychiatry UK website.
You might also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner, either through the NHS system or independently. Some providers may not require a referral letter from your GP however, the majority will. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to making a booking.
How do I get a private assessment?
ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain processes such as motivation as well as working memory and attention. It can cause problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be challenging to live with. A private ADHD assessment will help you understand the impact these symptoms affect your life, and identify how to manage these symptoms.
There are adhd private assessment who will conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You have the option of exercising your right to choose (RTC) if you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to make this request you might want to find a different GP willing to assist you.
Typically an assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires as well as a clinic interview in person or via video call. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult, you will be asked questions about your current difficulties and your background from childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you have any of the symptoms that are associated with ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide instances where you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will 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 a referral from the NHS seeking an assessment from a private practitioner is advisable. However, it is important to keep in mind that the private diagnosis does not mean you can automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will still need 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 provide online assessments 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" process that allows you to request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This can significantly reduce waiting times. There are also private providers that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
It is advisable to find an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. It could take a while to find one, as they are hard to find. Some will insist that you have a GP referral letter before they can see you for an examination however this is not always required.
Psychiatrists can provide an evaluation 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 legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD which is required to get access to support services such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments at work.
A specialist Psychiatrist will be able identify and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether they are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist will be able to provide you with the best treatment if you are honest and forthcoming.
You will need to pay for your assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to receive medication through a shared-care arrangement with your GP. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're considering paying for an private diagnosis, we would advise you to talk with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment so they know what you're doing and give their consent, if needed.
It's also worth looking into joining a support group to connect with others who suffer from ADHD and to hear about their experiences and solutions. They can be incredibly helpful, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that some private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses. An undercover reporter visited 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 suggested that these assessments were rushed and did not take into consideration all the symptoms or impact of ADHD on people's lives. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and have to pay out of pocket to receive a diagnosis or medication.
There is no doubt that your doctor will recommend you to one of the major private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory), but they will inform you that there could be a waiting time. The waiting time is different from one company to the next and is usually six weeks. It is recommended to study the provider thoroughly and ask family and friends members for referrals. If you select a reputable and reputable business, you'll probably have a shorter waiting time than if you see your GP.
In the course of the evaluation the psychiatrist will, albeit subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will ask you to rule out any other causes, like depression or anxiety. If they are required they will request proof from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a stressful experience, especially for those with complicated family relationships or who cannot find their childhood school records.
Once you've been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you'll be able to apply for disability support at your local authority. However, you should be aware that a majority of GPs are not willing to sign a document referred to as the shared care agreement if you have been diagnosed privately and have not also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that doctors lack the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.