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 a specialist ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy procedure, since documents from school may have to be supplied. However, you can skip the line and receive an assessment in private by making an appointment directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation where you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms, and how they impact your life. It usually lasts two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy assessment. The process involves an organized clinical interview with a specialist, and they will look at your symptoms from your childhood to adulthood. They will also determine if there are other mental health conditions or neurological issues that could cause your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, like relationships or work, and will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis is not always straightforward. adhd private assessment who are diagnosed with the disorder have an undiagnosed diagnosis. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are three of the main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity often appears different from the raunchy hyperactivity that is seen in children, and may be present as restlessness or constantly rushing around. Inattention may also manifest as an inability to concentrate on tasks, organising or sitting for long periods of time.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial for your symptoms, you will require an official 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 is unwilling to refer you or is unable to make an appointment in a hurry you might want to change GPs. You may want to consider changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how to make a decision.
You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric service via the NHS system or privately. Some providers might not require a letter of referral from your GP however, the majority will. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to booking.
How can I get a private assessment?
ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain functions like motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can lead to problems in many areas. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of these symptoms on your life and could be useful in identifying how they could be managed.
There are several providers who will perform an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can assert your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to refer you it might be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing to.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases, an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires as well as a clinic interview in person or via video conference. The typical time for this assessment is 45 to 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current health issues as well as your previous struggles since childhood if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will then determine if you exhibit any of the symptoms associated with ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. You will be asked for examples of instances where you have demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional will then utilize these to establish an assessment and recommend treatments.
A private assessment can be beneficial if you've been having a difficult time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to remember 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 choose to take medication, you must 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 providers provide assessments on the internet and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many methods to receive 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 can significantly reduce waiting times. There are also private providers that can provide a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it's recommended to seek out a specialist psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. It might take a while to locate one, since they are difficult to come by. private adhd assessment london require a GP referral before they will schedule an appointment. However this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists can offer an assessment of your symptoms, but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists - can help you manage your symptoms, but they are unable to give you a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to get access to assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work.
A Psychiatrist with expertise will be able diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether they are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues you may have. It is crucial to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist, so they can offer you the most effective treatment.
You will have to pay for the assessment however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared care agreement with your GP (you'll still be responsible for the NHS prescription cost). If you're considering paying for an 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 provide their consent if needed.
It's also worth considering joining a support group to connect with others who suffer from ADHD and to hear about their stories and solutions. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or look up local in person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private health clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was identified by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were made in a hurry, and did not take into consideration the entire spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD can have on people's daily 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 a medication.
It is true that GPs will often recommend an ADHD evaluation with one of the main private companies (such as Priory) however they will typically advise you that there is likely to be a waiting time. This varies from provider to provider and typically is about six weeks. It is advisable to investigate the provider thoroughly and ask family and friends members for word of mouth suggestions. If you choose a well-established and experienced company you'll likely have less wait time than if you see your GP.
During the assessment the psychiatrist will, albeit subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will also want to rule out any other causes, such as depression or anxiety. If necessary they will seek additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This could be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complicated family circumstances or for those who haven't been successful in finding their school reports from their childhood.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can apply for disability benefits through your local authority. It is important to be aware, however, that the majority of GPs aren't likely to sign a contract known as a shared-care agreement when you were diagnosed by a private doctor and haven't been fully titrated to the final dose of medication. This is because doctors lack the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.