How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric examination is required to determine ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that could 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 assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It typically requires two sessions and is more thorough than an NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process consists of an organized interview with an expert who will review your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also determine if there are other disorders of the brain or mental issues that could trigger your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, including relationships or work. They will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a straight forward one and many people who are told that they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three primary symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity typically appears different from the raunchy hyperactivity that is common in children. It can be present as the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. Inattention can also manifest in a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, staying organized or sitting down.
If you believe that medication can alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best way to do this is to talk to your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation.
If your GP refuses to refer you, or is unable to make an appointment in a hurry You may wish to change GPs. If this is the case, it may be worthwhile changing GPs You can find out more about how to exercise your right to choose on the Psychiatry UK website.
You may also be able book an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner using the NHS system or privately. Most of these providers will require a referral letter from your GP however some do not however, so make sure to check with your chosen provider prior to making an appointment.
How can I obtain an assessment from a private person?
ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. It can cause problems in a wide range of areas for adults and can be challenging to live with. A private ADHD assessment can assist you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your daily life and help you determine ways to manage them.
There are several companies that will perform an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to choice (RTC) when you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to do this, you may want to find a different GP willing to do it.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). This is because these are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases an ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a clinic interview, either in-person or via video call. The typical time for this assessment is 45 to 90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked about your current difficulties and your background from your childhood. The healthcare specialist will determine if you exhibit any of the characteristics associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. You will be asked for instances of when you've displayed these traits. The healthcare professional can then use this information to diagnose private adhd assessment and recommend treatments.
If you're suffering from a chronic illness and don't want to wait for an appointment with the NHS, obtaining an assessment from a private practitioner is advisable. It is important to remember that a private assessment does not necessarily mean that your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary to discuss this with them, and if you do decide to try medication it is recommended that you seek a shared care agreement with your GP.
You can see a list of providers in case your GP in England will send you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers offer online assessments 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 "Right to Choose" process where you can request a referral from one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce the time it takes to wait. Private providers can also offer rapid diagnosis.
It is recommended to find a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. It may take a while to find one since they aren't readily available. Some will require a GP referral letter before they will see you for an assessment, but this is not always necessary.
Psychiatrists are able to provide an assessment of your symptoms, but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals - like Psychologists - can help you manage your symptoms, but they are unable to provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to get access to assistance services such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments at work.
A skilled Psychiatrist will be able to recognize and explain your symptoms, assess whether they're consistent with ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues you may have. It is crucial to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can give you the best possible treatment.
You'll have to pay for the exam however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP (you'll be required to have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for an private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment to ensure they are aware of what you're doing and can provide their consent if needed.
It's also worth looking into joining a support group in order to meet others with ADHD, and hear their experiences and solutions. They can be extremely supportive, comforting and motivating. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups that meet in person.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private health clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though he didn't have ADHD. The report claimed that these assessments were made in a hurry, and did not consider the full range of symptoms or the impact ADHD can have on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and have to pay out of pocket to receive an assessment or prescription.
There is no doubt that your doctor will recommend you to one of the largest private companies to conduct an ADHD assessment (such as Priory), but they will tell you there is a waiting time. The time frame for waiting varies from one provider to another, but is typically six weeks. It is advisable to study the provider thoroughly and ask your family and friends members for word of mouth suggestions. Selecting a reputable and experienced business will most likely mean you'll have a shorter wait than if you choose to go through your GP.
During the examination the psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out any other causes, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues and will usually request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood) and school records if necessary. This could be a stressful process particularly for those with more complicated family circumstances or for those who haven't been successful in finding their childhood school reports.
Once you have been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you are eligible to apply for disability support through your local authority. However, you must be aware that a majority of GPs are not willing to sign a document called the shared care agreement if you have been diagnosed privately and haven't had a complete titration into your final dose of medication. This is because GPs aren't qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.