Why We Enjoy Private ADHD Diagnosis (And You Should, Too!)

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

A psychiatric assessment is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.

It's a process that could be a bit complicated, such as the need for old school records to be provided. However, you can skip the waiting and get a private assessment by booking directly with an online ADHD clinic.

What is a private assessment?

A private assessment for ADHD is a consult with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It typically requires two sessions and is much more detailed than a NHS psychiatric evaluation. The process involves a structured interview with an expert who will examine your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also examine other neurological or mental health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. They will inquire about your symptoms in different areas, such as at work or in relationships.

It is crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis isn't always straightforward. Many people who are diagnosed with the disorder have multiple diagnoses. Inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity are the three main symptoms. In adults, hyperactivity usually looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity seen in children. It can be present as the feeling of being constantly distracted or in constant motion. Inattention can also manifest as a difficulty in concentrating on tasks, being organised or sitting still.

If you think that medication could help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will enable you to receive reasonable adjustments as well as Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatric assessment.

You may find that your GP doesn't want to refer you to a specialist or give you an appointment in a timely manner. You may want to consider changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website provides more details on how to make your decision.

You may also be able book an appointment with a private psychiatrist via the NHS or independently. A majority of these doctors will require an appointment letter from your GP however some do not however, so make sure to check with your chosen provider prior to booking.

How do I obtain an individual evaluation?

ADHD is a complex mental condition that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can cause difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment will help you to understand the impact of the symptoms on your daily life and be useful in identifying ways to manage them.

There are several providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (RTC) if you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a provider you might want to find another GP willing to assist you.

The majority of assessments are performed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or any other healthcare professional who is appropriate, as per NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a clinical interview, either in person or via video calls. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.

If you are an adult, you will be asked questions about your current difficulties as well as your past struggles since your childhood. The healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the symptoms that are characteristic of ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to give instances of when you've shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will utilize this information to determine the cause and recommend treatment options.

A private assessment can be helpful if you have been having a difficult time and do not want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to know that an assessment conducted privately does not necessarily mean that your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary to discuss this with them and if you decide to test medication it is recommended that you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.

You will find a list of providers if your doctor in England is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies offer assessments online 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 Choose" where you can request your GP for a referral to any of the specialists on their list - this could cut down the wait time considerably. Private providers can also offer rapid diagnosis.

It is recommended to find an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with 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 examination however, this isn't always required.

Psychiatrists can assess the symptoms of your condition but they cannot prescribe medications. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists - can assist you to manage your symptoms, but they will not provide you with a formal diagnosis of ADHD which is required to get access to assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work.

A specialist Psychiatrist is able to identify and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues you may have. It is important to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can provide you with the most effective treatment.

You'll need to pay for the assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to obtain medication under a shared-care agreement with your doctor. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking of paying for a 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 give their consent, if needed.

It's also worth looking into joining a support group to connect with others who suffer from ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be incredibly helpful, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or local in-person groups.

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 the patient did not have ADHD. The report claimed that the assessments were rushed, 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 qualified for NHS assessments and are required to pay out-of-pocket to get an assessment or prescription.

There is no doubt that your physician will recommend one of the major private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will inform you that there will be a possible waiting time. The time frame for waiting differs from one provider to another and is usually six weeks. It is recommended to private adhd assessment investigate the provider thoroughly and ask friends and family members for word of mouth recommendations. Selecting a reputable and experienced firm will likely mean that you will experience a shorter wait than if you go through your GP.

During the examination, a psychiatrist will, in a way, assess whether your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want to rule out other causes such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or problems and will typically require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms regarding your childhood) and school reports, if required. This could be a stressful process, particularly for those who have more complicated family situations or those who have not been in a position to locate their school reports from their childhood.

Once you have been assessed and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified health professional you will be eligible to apply for disability assistance at your local authority. However, you should be aware that a majority of GPs will not sign a document referred to as an agreement for shared care if you have been diagnosed privately and haven't had a complete titration into your final dose of medication. This is because doctors do not have the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.