How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric evaluation is required to determine ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy procedure, since documents from school may have to be provided. However, you can bypass the wait and get an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
iampsychiatry.com of ADHD is a meeting in which you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. It usually lasts two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy assessment. The process consists of an organized interview with an expert who will look at your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also examine other issues with your mental health or neurological issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, such as work or relationships and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a straight up and down one. A lot of people who are told they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity often looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It could be present as restlessness or constantly rushing around. In the same way, inattention may manifest as difficulty sitting still and being organised, or difficulty focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily.
If you believe that medication can alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will enable you to apply for reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. This can be done by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment.
You may find that your GP does not want to refer you to a specialist or give you an appointment in a timely manner. You may want to consider changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can make a decision.
You might also be able make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider, either through the NHS system or privately. Some providers do not require a letter of recommendation from your GP however, the majority will. Check with your chosen provider prior to booking.
How do I get an assessment in private?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation as well as working memory and attention. It can cause problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be difficult to live with. A private ADHD assessment will assist you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and can be useful in identifying the best ways to treat them.
There are many providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You can exercise 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 might want to find a different GP willing to help.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is because these are the only ones who are able to diagnose ADHD. In most cases the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinic interview, either in-person or via video chat. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult, you will be asked questions about your current issues as well as your past struggles since childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the symptoms that are characteristic of ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to give instances of when you've shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will use these to make a diagnosis and recommend treatments.
A private assessment may be helpful if you have been having a difficult time and do not want to wait for an NHS referral. However, it is important to keep in mind that a private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You'll still need to discuss this with them and if you do decide to try medications, it is recommended that you sign 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 providers provide assessments on the internet and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are several methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called 'Right to Choose' where you can ask your doctor for a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This could cut down the wait time considerably. There are private providers who can diagnose quickly.
In general, it is recommended to seek out a specialist psychiatrist who has experience of adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one as they are not easily accessible. Some clinics will insist on an GP referral before they will make an appointment. However it is not always required.
Psychiatrists are able to provide an evaluation of your symptoms, however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - including Psychologists - can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they are unable to give you a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to access assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments at work.
A Psychiatrist who is an expert will be able to identify and describe your symptoms, determine whether they are related to ADHD and look into any other mental health issues you might have. It is essential to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can offer you the most effective treatment.
You'll need to pay for your assessment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care arrangement with your doctor. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). We recommend that you speak with your GP about an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you are doing and give their consent should it be required.
Participating in a support group is another way to connect with other adults with ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be extremely supportive, comforting, and inspiring. You can find online communities on Facebook and Reddit, or check out local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the assertion that private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though the patient did not have ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were made in a hurry, and didn't take into account the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD affects people's everyday lives. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket to receive a diagnosis or medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will recommend you to one of the major private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you that there could be a waiting time. The waiting period differs from one provider to the next and is usually six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and do extensive research on the company. Picking a reputable, experienced firm will likely mean that you will have an easier time waiting than if you choose to go through your GP.
During the examination an evaluator will, albeit subjectively examine whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out other causes, like anxiety or depression. If necessary they will request proof from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a stressful time, especially for those with complicated family relationships or who are unable to locate their childhood school records.
Once you've been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified health professional you will be eligible to apply for disability support at your local authority. Be aware, however, that most GPs will not sign a document known as a shared-care arrangement if you were diagnosed by a private doctor and haven't been fully titrated to the dosage. This is because GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.