How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric assessment is required to determine ADHD. This will be done by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a procedure that may be a bit complicated, such as the need for old school records to be provided. But, you can avoid the waiting and get private assessments by registering directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation where you sit down with an expert and discuss your symptoms, and how they impact your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more in-depth than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The process involves an in-depth clinical interview with an expert, and they will evaluate your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also consider other issues with your mental health or neurological issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, like relationships or work. They will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is worth bearing in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a straight forward one and many people who are told they have the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is crucial to remember that the three main symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. Adult hyperactivity is often different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It can manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant flurry of activity. Inattention can also manifest as a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, being organised or sitting down.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial for your condition, you will need to get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. 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.
If your GP refuses to refer you, or cannot offer you an immediate appointment, you may want to change your GP. If adhd private assessment is the case, it could be worth switching GPs and you can find out 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 on your own via the NHS or privately. Most of these providers will require the referral letter of your GP however some do not however, so make sure to be sure to inquire with the chosen provider prior to booking.
How can I get an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is a complicated mental disorder that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can create issues in many areas. A private ADHD assessment will help you understand the impact that these symptoms can affect your life, and determine how you can manage these symptoms.
There are several providers who will perform an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (RTC) if you ask your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a provider then you may need to find a different GP willing to help.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist will usually conduct the assessment (or another appropriate 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 clinic interview, either in-person or via video call. The typical time for this assessment is 45 to 90 minutes.
If you are an adult, you will be asked questions regarding your current problems as well as your past struggles since childhood. The healthcare professional will examine whether you exhibit any of the characteristics that are characteristic of ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for instances where you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will use this information to diagnose and recommend treatments.
A private assessment may 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 note that the results of a private assessment do not necessarily mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You'll need to discuss it with them, and if you decide to use medication, you should consider a shared-care arrangement with your GP.
If you have a GP in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment, you can find a list of the providers here. Some of these providers offer assessments on the internet and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a procedure called "Right to Choice" where you can ask your GP for a referral to any of the specialist providers on their list. This can reduce the waiting time considerably. Private providers can also offer a quick diagnosis.
In general, it's best to find an expert psychiatrist with expertise in adult ADHD. It may take some time to find one, as they can be difficult to find. Some clinics will insist on a GP recommendation before they schedule an appointment. However, this is not always required.
Psychiatrists can 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 will not provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be able to access assistance services like Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.
A skilled Psychiatrist will be able to recognize and explain your symptoms, determine whether they're consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. It is important to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can give you the best treatment possible.
You'll have to pay for the exam, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to receive medication through a shared care agreement with your GP (you'll still be responsible for the NHS prescription fee). We suggest speaking with your GP about the possibility of a private diagnosis prior to making an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you're doing and give their consent when needed.
It's also worth looking into joining an online support group to connect with others who suffer from ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be extremely helpful, comforting and motivating. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit, or check out local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though he did not have ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were made in a hurry and did not take into consideration all the signs or consequences of ADHD on the lives of people. It also raised concerns that patients who are not qualified for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pocket to receive a diagnosis and medication.
It is true that GPs may refer you for an ADHD evaluation with one of the main private companies (such as Priory) however they usually inform you that there will likely be a waiting period. The waiting period varies from one provider to another provider and typically is about six weeks. It is advisable to research the provider carefully and ask friends and family members for suggestions. Choosing an experienced and well-established company will probably mean you will have a shorter wait than if you choose to go through your GP.
During the evaluation your psychiatrist will evaluate, subjectively, whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant disruption in your daily functioning. They will try to rule out other reasons, like thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues. They will usually request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood) and school reports if necessary. This can be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complex family circumstances or for those who have not been in a position to locate their school records from childhood.
After you have been diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can apply for disability benefits from your local authority. But, be aware that a majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document known as an agreement for shared care in the event that you were diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.