How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric examination is required to determine ADHD. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy procedure, since old school records may need to be submitted. But, you can avoid the waiting and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private evaluation?
A private assessment of ADHD is a session in which you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms, and how they affect your life. It usually requires two sessions and is much more detailed than a NHS psychiatric evaluation. The process involves a structured clinical interview with an expert, and they will evaluate your symptoms from your childhood through adulthood. They will also look into whether there are any other mental health conditions or neurological issues that could cause your symptoms. They will focus on different 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 is not an easy forward one and many people who are told that they have the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is crucial to remember that the three primary symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It can manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant race. Inattention can also manifest as an inability to concentrate on tasks, being organised or sitting for long periods of time.
If you think medication will aid in your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will help you access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment.
You might find your GP does not want to refer you to a specialist or offer you an appointment immediately. If this is the case, it could be worth switching GPs You can find out 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 service via the NHS system or privately. Some providers do not require a referral letter from your GP, but most do. Make sure to check with your preferred provider prior to making a booking.
How do I obtain an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is a complicated mental illness that affects the function of brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can create difficulties in a variety of areas. A personal ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can have on your life and identify how to manage these symptoms.
There are several providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to choice (RTC) by asking your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one it might be worth finding another GP who will.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will usually conduct the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases the ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a clinic interview in person or via video conference. This will usually last for 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult, you will be asked questions about your current difficulties and also your history since your childhood. The healthcare specialist will determine if you exhibit any of the traits that are associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. You will be asked to provide examples of times when you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional can then utilize this information to determine the cause and recommend treatments.
A private assessment can be beneficial if you've been struggling for a long period of time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to keep in mind that the private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. It is still necessary to discuss this with them and if you decide to test medication it is recommended you 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 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 has a process known as "Right to Choose" where you can ask your doctor for a referral to one of the specialist providers on their list - this can reduce the waiting time considerably. There are also private providers who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
It is best to find an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. It may take a while to find one since they aren't easy to come by. Some will insist that you have a GP referral letter before they will see you for an assessment, but this is not always required.
Psychiatrists are able to provide an assessment of your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists - can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they are unable to provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD which is required to be able to access assistance services like Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at work.
A specialist Psychiatrist is able to identify and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether they are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues you might have. It is important to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can provide you with the most effective treatment.
You'll have to pay for the assessment however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll be required to be responsible for the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking about paying for a private diagnosis, we would advise you to talk with your GP before you book an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing and can give their approval if needed.
Joining a support group can be another option to get together with other adults who suffer from ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be incredibly helpful, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that some private clinics are giving out inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter undercover went to three private ADHD assessment centers, and was identified by all of them with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were not thorough and did not take into consideration all the symptoms or the consequences of ADHD on the lives of individuals. It also raised concerns that patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pocket to be diagnosed and receive medication.
There is a fact that doctors will often recommend an ADHD assessment with one of the main private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there will likely be a waiting time. The waiting period is different from one company to another and is usually six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research on the provider. If you choose a well-established and experienced company you'll likely have less wait time than if you visit your GP.
During the examination, a psychiatrist will, in a way determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out any other causes, such as anxiety or depression. If necessary they will request supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a stressful time especially for those who have complicated family circumstances or who can't locate their childhood school records.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider you may apply private adhd assessment for disability benefits from your local authority. Be aware that the majority of GPs aren't likely to sign a contract called a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and you haven't been titrated fully to your dosage. This is because doctors do not have the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.