How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD an assessment of psychiatric disorders will need to take place. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can require some red tape, such as the need for old school records to be supplied. 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 appraisal?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation where you sit down with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It typically lasts two sessions and is more in-depth than an NHS psychiatric assessment. The procedure involves an in-depth clinical interview with a specialist and they will examine your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look at other neurological or mental health issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will inquire about your symptoms in various areas, such as at work or in relationships.
It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight straightforward one. Many people who are told that they are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is important to remember that the three main symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It could manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant race. Similarly, inattentiveness can be a sign of difficulty staying focused and seated, or difficulty focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication might be beneficial for your symptoms, you will need to get an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to accomplish this is to speak with your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you, or if they are unable to provide you with an appointment in a hurry, you may want to change your GP. You may want to consider changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more details on how to make a decision.
You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner via the NHS system or privately. Some providers might not require a referral letter from your GP, but most will. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to making an appointment.
How can I get an evaluation from a private person?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain functions like motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can create problems in many areas. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and could be helpful in determining ways to manage them.
There are several providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to choice (RTC) if you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to do so, it may be worthwhile looking for a different GP who will.
Typically, an assessment will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional in accordance with NICE guidelines). This is due to them being the only people who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time the ADHD assessment will include questionnaires and a clinic interview, either in-person or via video conference. It will typically last 45 to 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current issues as well as your previous struggles from childhood if you're an adult. The healthcare professional will consider whether you have any of the traits that are associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for instances where you displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will make use of this information to diagnose and recommend treatments.
A private evaluation can be helpful if you've been having a difficult time and do not want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to remember that an assessment done privately does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You'll need to discuss it with them and, if you choose to use medication, you should consider a shared-care arrangement with your GP.
If you have a doctor 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 offer assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are several ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a procedure called "Right to Choose" where you can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist providers that are on their list. This could cut down the wait time significantly. There are private providers who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
It is advisable to seek out a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. It could take a while to locate one, since they are difficult to find. Some clinics will insist on a GP recommendation before they make an appointment. However this isn't always the case.
Psychiatrists are able to provide an assessment of your symptoms, but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can help manage symptoms. However, they are unable to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to receive support services such as Disabled Students' allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A specialist Psychiatrist can diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also assess whether they are a result of ADHD and will take into consideration any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist will be capable of providing you with the best treatment if your honest and open.
You'll need to pay for the exam, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to obtain medication through a shared care agreement with your doctor (you'll have to pay the NHS prescription fee). We recommend that you speak with your GP regarding a private diagnosis before booking an appointment. This will allow them to be aware of what you're doing and will give their consent when needed.
Participating in a support group is another option to get together with other adults with ADHD and learn from their experiences. They can be extremely helpful, reassuring and encouraging. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over claims that some private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was identified by all of them with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into account all the signs or effects of ADHD on the lives of people. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and are required to pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or medication.
There is a fact that GPs will often recommend an ADHD evaluation with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) but they will typically advise you that there will likely be a waiting time. The waiting period varies from one provider to another provider, but is typically around six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations and then do a thorough research about the provider. Choosing an experienced and well-established company will probably mean you'll have less wait time than if you use your GP.
In the course of the evaluation an evaluator will, somewhat subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out other reasons, like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues and will usually request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms about your childhood) and school reports if required. This can be a stressful experience especially for those who have complex family situations or who are unable to locate their childhood school records.
After you have been evaluated and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified health professional you will be eligible to apply for disability assistance with your local authority. But, be aware that the majority of GPs are not willing to sign a document called a shared care agreement if you have been diagnosed privately and have not been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because GPs do private adhd assessment not have the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.