How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment will need to take place. This is performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.

private adhd assessments can be a long process, as old school records may need to be supplied. You can avoid the wait by booking an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly through an online ADHD center.

What is an assessment that is private?

A private assessment of ADHD is a consultation in which you meet with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It typically takes two sessions and is much more detailed than a NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The procedure involves a structured interview with an expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also consider other issues with your mental health or neurological issues which could be causing 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 the diagnosis of ADHD isn’t a straight forward one and many people who are told they suffer from the disorder have a multi-faceted diagnosis. It is essential to keep in mind that the three main symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It could be characterized by restlessness or a constant flurry of activity. 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’ll require a formal 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 psychiatrist for assessment.

You may find that your GP does not want to refer you or can’t provide you with an appointment right away. If this is the case, it may be worthwhile to switch GPs and you can find out more about how to make use of your right to choose the Psychiatry-UK website.

You might also be able make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider via the NHS system or independently. Some providers may not require a referral letter from your GP, but most do. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to making a booking.

How do I obtain an individual evaluation?

ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain processes like motivation as well as working memory and attention. It causes problems in a variety of areas for adults and can be challenging to manage. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of these symptoms on your life and could be useful in identifying ways to manage them.

There are a number of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You are able to exercise your right to choice (RTC) by asking your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to a provider you might want to find another GP willing to do it.

Typically, an assessment will be carried out by a psychiatrist, or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level, as per NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a clinical interview, either in person or via video calls. This usually takes 45-90 minutes.

If you are an adult and are a patient, you will be asked questions about your current issues as well as your past struggles since childhood. The healthcare professional will consider whether you have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD – inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked for instances where you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatments.

A private assessment may be helpful if you’ve been struggling for a long period of time and do not wish to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to keep in mind that the private diagnosis 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.

You will find a list of providers if your doctor in England will send you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies offer online assessments and have shorter waiting times.

How do I get a private diagnosis?

There are many ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called “Right to Choice” where you can ask your GP for a referral to any of the specialist doctors on their list – this will reduce the time to wait considerably. There are private practitioners that can provide a diagnosis quickly.

It is best to seek out an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. It could take a while to find one, as they are hard to come by. Some will insist on a GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination however, this isn’t always required.

Psychiatrists can offer an assessment of your symptoms, but they are not able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals – like Psychologists – can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD which is required to be able to access support services such as Disabled Students’ Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work.

An expert Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms, determine whether they’re consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. Your Psychiatrist will be in a position to give you the best treatment if you are honest and forthcoming.

You’ll need to pay for the assessment. If you’re diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared-care agreement with your physician. (You’ll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest speaking to your GP about the possibility of a private diagnosis prior to making an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you are doing and to give their approval should it be required.

It is also worthwhile to consider joining an online support group to meet others who suffer from ADHD and to hear about their stories and suggestions. They can be incredibly helpful, reassuring and inspiring. 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 the claims that private clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were rushed, and did not take into consideration 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 qualified for NHS assessments and have to pay out-of-pocket to get a diagnosis or a medication.

There is a fact that GPs will often refer you for an ADHD evaluation with one of the most prominent private companies (such as Priory) but they usually inform you that there is likely to be a waiting time. The waiting period differs from one provider to another and is usually six weeks. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and do thorough research on the provider. Picking a reputable, experienced business will most likely mean you will experience an easier time waiting than if you choose to go through your GP.

In the course of the evaluation, a psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out any other causes, such as depression or anxiety. If necessary they will request supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This is a stressful process especially for those who have complicated family relationships or who are unable to locate their school records from childhood.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider You can apply for disability benefits through your local authority. However, you should be aware that most GPs will not sign a document referred to as an agreement for shared care if you have been diagnosed privately and haven’t also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is because doctors lack the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.