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 performed 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 supplied. But, you can avoid the waiting and get a private assessment by booking directly through an online ADHD clinic.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation in which you meet with an expert and discuss your symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. It usually takes two sessions, and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process involves an organized interview with an expert who will review your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also look into whether there are other disorders of the brain or mental issues that could trigger your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in different areas, like at work or in relationships.
It is worth bearing in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a straight straightforward one. Many people who are told that they are suffering from the condition have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is crucial to remember that the three primary symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Adult hyperactivity is often different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. private adult adhd assessment could manifest as restlessness or a constant race. In addition, inattention can be a sign of difficulty sitting still and being organised or having difficulty staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication could be beneficial to your condition, you will require an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to get reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be done by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatric assessment.
You may find that your GP doesn't want to refer you or can't offer you an appointment immediately. If this is the case, it may be worthwhile changing GPs and you can find more information about how to exercise your right to choose the Psychiatry-UK website.
You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider using the NHS system or privately. Most of these providers will require an appointment letter from your GP but some don't, so make sure to check with the provider you choose before booking.
How can I get an individual evaluation?
ADHD is a nexus of mental illness that affects the function of brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can lead to issues in many areas. A personal 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 many providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You have the option of exercising your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to do so, it may be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing to.
A specialist nurse or psychiatrist typically conducts the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional according to NICE guidelines). This is because these are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. Most of the time an ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires as well as a clinic interview, either in-person or via video call. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current problems and your past difficulties since childhood if you are an adult. A healthcare professional will determine if you have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for examples of times when you showed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then utilize these to establish an assessment and recommend treatments.
If you are struggling with a chronic illness and don't want to wait for an appointment with the NHS, obtaining an assessment privately is beneficial. It is important to keep in mind that a private diagnosis does not mean that you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will still need to discuss this with them, and if you decide to try medications it is recommended you seek a shared care agreement with your GP.
You can see a list of providers if your GP in England will refer you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies offer assessments on the internet and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS provides a "Right to choose" process where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This will significantly cut down on the time it takes to wait. There are private providers who can diagnose quickly.
In general, it's best to locate an expert psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. It might take a while to find one, as they are hard to come by. Some will insist that you have an GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination however this is not always required.
Psychiatrists are able to provide an assessment of your symptoms, however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can help you manage your symptoms. However, they are unable to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services like Disabled Student's allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A specialist Psychiatrist can diagnose and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues you may have. Your Psychiatrist will be able to provide you with the most effective treatment if you're honest and open.
You'll have to pay for the examination, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD, it may be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care agreement with your doctor (you'll still be responsible for the NHS prescription fee). If you're considering paying for an private diagnosis, we'd suggest you talk to your GP prior to booking an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing and can provide their consent if needed.
Participating in a support group is another option to get together with other adults with ADHD and gain insight from their experiences. They can be incredibly supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online spaces via Facebook and Reddit or local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over assertion that private clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment providers, and was identified by all of them with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report suggested that these assessments were not thorough and did not consider all the symptoms or the consequences of ADHD on people's lives. The report also raised concerns about 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 assessment through one of the main private companies (such as Priory) but they will usually advise you there is likely to be a waiting period. The waiting period varies from one provider to another provider and is usually approximately six weeks. It is advisable to research the provider carefully and ask your family and friends members for word of mouth referrals. Selecting a reputable and experienced company will probably mean you will experience an easier time waiting than if you choose to go through your GP.
During the evaluation the psychiatrist will determine in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impact on your daily activities. cost of private adhd assessment uk will want to rule out other causes such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues and will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood) and school reports if required. This can be a difficult process, particularly for those who have more complicated family situations or those who have not been able to find their school records from childhood.
Once you have been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified health professional, you'll be eligible to apply for disability assistance with your local authority. You should be aware, however, that most GPs aren't likely to sign a contract known as a shared-care agreement in the event that you were diagnosed privately and aren't fully titrated to the dosage. This is because GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.