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 conducted by a psychiatrist, or an expert ADHD nurse.

This can be a lengthy process, as old school records may need to be supplied. However, you can skip the line and receive private assessments by registering directly with an online ADHD clinic.

What is a private appraisal?

A private assessment of ADHD is a session where you sit down with an expert and discuss your symptoms, and how they affect your life. It typically takes two sessions, and is more thorough than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process will involve an organized clinical interview with an expert and they will evaluate your symptoms from your childhood to adulthood. They will also consider if there are other disorders of the brain or mental issues that could cause your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in different areas, like at work or in relationships.

It is important to keep 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 mixed diagnostic picture. It is important to remember that the three primary symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity typically looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It could be characterized by restlessness or constantly rushing around. Inattention may also manifest as an inability to concentrate on tasks, being organised or sitting down.

If you decide that medication might be beneficial for your condition, you will require a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will permit you to apply for reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. The best way to do this is to speak to your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.

You may find that your GP isn't keen to refer you to a specialist or give you an appointment in a timely manner. You may want to consider changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more information on how to make your decision.

You might also be able to book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider, either through the NHS system or independently. Some providers may not require a letter of referral from your GP but the majority of them will. Check with your chosen provider prior to making an appointment.

How do I obtain an evaluation from a private person?

ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain functions like motivation working memory, motivation, and attention. https://www.deborahdickerson.uk/health/the-importance-of-proper-adhd-assessment-for-accurate-diagnosis/ can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can lead to issues in many areas. A private ADHD assessment can help you understand the impact that these symptoms can have on your life and determine how you can manage the symptoms.

There are a variety of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to select (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to make this request then you may need to find another GP willing to help.

A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician in person or over video calls. The typical time for this assessment is 45-90 minutes.

You will be asked about your current issues as well as your previous struggles from childhood if you're an adult. A healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the traits that are associated with ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive nature. You will be asked to provide instances where you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatment options.

If you are struggling with a chronic condition and aren't willing to wait for a referral from the NHS seeking an assessment privately is recommended. However, it is important to keep in mind that an assessment done privately does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You'll still need to discuss this with them, and if you decide to try medication, it is recommended that you seek a shared-care agreement with your GP.

If you have a GP in England who is happy to refer you to an NHS provider for 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 methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a procedure called "Right to Choice" where you can ask your doctor for a referral to one of the specialist providers on their list. This will reduce the time to wait substantially. There are private practitioners who can offer a diagnosis quickly.

It is advisable to find a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they can be difficult to come by. Some clinics insist on the GP recommendation before they schedule an appointment. However, this is not always the case.

Psychiatrists are able to assess the symptoms of your condition but they cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals - including Psychologists can help you 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 such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at work.

A specialist Psychiatrist is able to identify and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues you might have. It is essential to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can provide you with the most effective treatment.

You'll have to pay for the examination, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP (you'll be required to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest that you talk with your GP about an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you are doing and will give their consent should it be required.

Participating in a support group is another way to connect 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 and also look for local in person groups.

Are private assessments valid?

A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that private clinics are handing out inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were rushed, and did not consider the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. It also raised concerns about the fact that patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pockets to receive a diagnosis and medication.

There is no doubt that your physician will refer you to one of the major private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will tell you there is a waiting period. This varies from provider to provider and is usually about six weeks. It is advisable to research the provider carefully and ask friends and family members for referrals. Picking a reputable, experienced firm will likely mean that you will experience less wait time than if you use your GP.

During the assessment an evaluator will, somewhat subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will seek to rule out any other causes such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues and will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood) and school reports, if required. This could be a stressful procedure, especially for those with more complicated family circumstances or for those who aren't in a position to locate their school reports from their childhood.

Once you have been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you'll be eligible to apply for disability assistance through your local authority. You should be aware that the majority of GPs will not sign a document known as a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and aren't fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because doctors do not have the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.