ADHD Assessments - Can You Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis?

Adults with ADHD are being diagnosed on the NHS by unreliable video call assessments in private clinics, as reported today on BBC Panorama. This is unfortunate, especially since NICE guidelines require rigour by certified, licensed healthcare professionals.

Fortunately, if your GP suggests you to undergo an NHS assessment in England you have a legal right to choose the provider that assesses you by using Right to Choose (RTC). You can learn more about it here.

What is ADHD assessment?

If you or your child are having difficulty at school, at home or at work, you may think ADHD might be to blame. But determining whether your child suffers from ADHD requires a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. A psychologist or psychiatrist or even the child's physician, may be involved. Some healthcare providers offer online tests that test for ADHD symptoms, but they can be misleading and aren't able to make an accurate diagnosis.

Before a test the doctor will talk to you and others in your child's life, including day care and teachers. They will ask questions about the character of your child's behavior, the frequency at which it occurs, how often it occurs, and what effects it can have on your family. The doctor will also ask about other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as sleep apnea, thyroid issues hormone imbalances, substance abuse.

The doctor will also likely conduct a variety of tests specifically designed to detect ADHD. They include tests for continuous performance and a behavioral assessment of ADHD. These tests determine the time it takes the subject to activate their "micro switch" when an audio or visual signal is displayed and how much of their responses are "Omission Errors" that indicate lack of attention. The amount of omission errors correlates with the degree of ADHD.

Psychologists and psychiatrists can also ask some additional questions about their client's life and family background. Some may use checklists to identify ADHD symptoms in adults and children. In the majority of cases, the clinician will use their clinical experience to determine which questions can be helpful.

The most important thing to consider when having an ADHD assessment is that there are no simple and quick answers. It's a difficult condition and even the best doctors aren't able to recognize it in their patients. It is important to seek an extensive, thorough evaluation from an expert in mental health who has years of experience. You can request suggestions by calling your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD. You can also ask for an appointment from your GP or utilize the NHS's Right to Choose scheme.

What is a Psychiatrist's Assessment?

A psychiatrist assessment is a set of questions, observations and tests that are administered by a trained psychiatrist. It's designed to help them determine what type of mental illness you might have and how to treat it.

The psychiatrist will first assess your symptoms and check that there are no other physical causes. They will ask you a series of questions about your mood, what you've been doing recently and your family history of mental illness. They will also review your current medication to determine how they affect you. They could also take into account your lifestyle and other factors that may affect the way you feel.

A psychiatric evaluation usually lasts for 60 to 90 minutes. The doctor will be paying attention to your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider any other issues you have, including work and home life, how much you sleep and whether you are able to concentrate on your studies or work. They will also look at your overall health, any medications or alcohol you're using and if you've experienced any significant recent events that have affected your mental health.

They will then test your capacity to concentrate, remember and use mental reasoning. They will also be observing your body language, how you talk and how angry or aggressive you can be. They will also pay close to your eyesight and hearing.

In hospitals the psychiatric evaluation will typically be an inter-disciplinary process that involves participation from a variety of healthcare professionals. This might include an assessment by a nurse (which looks at potential risk of self-harm, aggression, suicide or suicide) and physical health screening, and an observational exam by the nurse.

There are times when you consider that some of the questions asked during the mental health assessment may be too intrusive or difficult to answer, but you must answer them honestly and accurately in order to receive a reliable diagnosis. If you aren't sure that your mental health services are providing you with the appropriate treatment for you, consult your psychiatrist or care co-ordinator about getting an additional opinion from a different medical professional. If they cannot assist, local charities and volunteer groups might be capable of helping.

How can I get a Psychiatrist Assessment?

It is possible to get diagnosed with ADHD privately if you meet the criteria or have been recommended by your doctor and are willing to pay for an assessment. The process will be more efficient and quicker than the NHS. Check if your private service requires a referral letter from a doctor. Some do, some don't.

If you want to get an evaluation for ADHD as an adult be sure that the psychiatrist who is doing the assessment has worked with this condition before. There is a growing awareness of the fact that certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like, and these biases could prevent people from being taken seriously when they seek a diagnosis. Psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD are trained to be aware of these issues and provide an accurate and reliable diagnosis.

During the appointment you will be asked questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The evaluation will include a detailed interview with a psychiatrist, as well as some tests. They could include online tests, a psychiatric interview, and the submission of a number of validated tests.

After the evaluation, the psychiatrist will give you a an entire report that includes their recommendations. They will explain the benefits of taking medication, if appropriate and recommend a suitable treatment plan. They will also suggest other non-medical strategies you may find helpful. A lot of private assessment providers have the "shared care agreement" with GPs to prescribe medication (meaning that you pay the NHS prescription fee instead of the private charge). However, it is crucial to verify this as some GPs are not able to prescribe medication if they have received a private diagnosis.

If you would like to be assessed for adult ADHD you can make use of our simple ADHD diagnostic assessments and have the results sent to your GP within two weeks. Our team of experts in ADHD, and has a track record of helping patients get the treatment they need. Click here to find out more or book your assessment.

How do I get a Psychiatrist Diagnose?

The first step is to make an appointment with your GP and inform them of the reason you believe you may have ADHD. If your GP is willing to refer you and takes you seriously, they should put you on the NHS waiting list for an ADHD evaluation. This should include a clinical appointment with a psychiatrist and ideally some psychological assessments. You could also request a family or friend member to complete a questionnaire on how they perceive your behavior.

The information you provide will be used by your physician to perform a thorough clinical evaluation. This will usually involve an in-depth discussion with you. It is sometimes helpful to have someone else in the room to provide support, but it is not mandatory. They will want to see evidence that you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. This will be determined by the results of a psychiatric evaluation and their medical knowledge. They will look at your symptoms and the impact they have had on you over the course of time. They will also ask you to talk about your past and whether there are any other mental health issues that you have.

Your doctor will then suggest a treatment plan. It could be an extension of your private treatment with the diagnostic doctor, a shared care between your GP, and your private healthcare provider, or a discharge back to your GP to get medication prescriptions. Your psychiatrist should discuss all of your options with you, and give you ample time to make a choice.

If your doctor doesn't identify you with ADHD, they will explain the reason for this. It could be because they don't believe you have ADHD, or that another diagnosis is more appropriate, based on the facts of your situation. It is possible to obtain an additional opinion from another NHS psychiatrist through the "Right to Choose' pathway, however, you must get your GP assist you in applying to your local ICB for the funding.

You can also obtain an ADHD evaluation through a private mental healthcare provider, such as Priory hospitals or wellness centres. This is usually more expensive, however it can be much faster. https://www.ferncooper.uk/health/adult-adhd-assessment-unveiling-the-hidden-challenges/ can also consult psychologists, who are able to diagnose ADHD but isn't allowed to prescribe medication.