The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Private ADHD Diagnosis

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. The test will be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can involve some red tape like the requirement for old school reports to be provided. But, you can avoid the waiting and get an assessment in private by making an appointment 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 to discuss your symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. It typically requires two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The process will involve a structured clinical interview with an expert who will look at your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also consider other issues with your mental health or neurological issues that could be contributing to your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, like relationships or work. They will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect your life.
It is crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis isn't always easy. Many people diagnosed with the disorder have a mixed diagnosis. It is important to remember that the three most prominent symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. 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. Similarly, inattentiveness can be a sign of difficulty staying focused and seated or having difficulty in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you decide that medication would be beneficial to your condition, you will require a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to recommend you to a psychiatric assessment.
You may find that your GP does not want to refer you, or doesn't provide you with an appointment right away. If this is the case, it might be worth switching GPs and you can learn more about how to exercise your right to choose on the Psychiatry UK website.
You might also be able to make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric provider using the NHS system or on your own. A majority of these doctors will require a referral letter from your GP but some don't and you should check with your chosen provider prior to booking.
How do I get a private assessment?
ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects the function of brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can cause difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and can be useful in identifying the best ways to treat them.
There are a variety of providers who will perform 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 this then you may need to find a different GP willing to do it.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts the assessment (or another appropriate healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases the ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor in person or via video call. The typical time is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult, you will be asked questions about your current issues as well as your past struggles since your childhood. The healthcare professional will then consider whether you have any of the traits that are associated with ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to give examples of when you have demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional can then make use of this information to diagnose and recommend treatments.
A private evaluation can be beneficial if you've been struggling for a long period of time and do not want to wait for an NHS referral. private adult adhd diagnosis is important to know that a private assessment does not automatically mean your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary to discuss this with them and if you decide to try medication it is recommended that you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
You will find a list of providers in case your GP in England is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these providers provide online assessments and have much shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are many methods to receive an ADHD assessment. The NHS offers a 'Right to choose" process that allows you to 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 provide an immediate diagnosis.
It is best to find an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. It may take a while to find one, as they are not easy to come by. Some will insist on an GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an assessment however this is not always necessary.
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 manage your symptoms. However they cannot give a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services like Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
A Psychiatrist who is an expert can identify and explain your symptoms, determine whether they are related to ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues you might have. It is important to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can offer you the best treatment possible.
You'll have to pay for the examination, but if you are diagnosed with ADHD it might 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). We suggest speaking with your GP about an individual diagnosis prior to booking an appointment. This will ensure that they are aware of what you are doing and will give their consent when needed.
Joining a support group can be another option to get together with others who have ADHD and gain knowledge from their experiences. They can be extremely helpful, reassuring, and inspiring. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit and also look for local in person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over claims that some private clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them even though he did not have ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were made in a hurry and did not take into account all the symptoms or impact of ADHD on the lives of people. It also raised concerns about the fact that patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pockets to get a diagnosis and medication.
There is no doubt that your GP 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 period. The waiting period varies from one provider to another and is usually six weeks. It is advisable to investigate the provider thoroughly and ask family and friends members for word of mouth referrals. Choosing an experienced and well-established business will most likely mean you will have less wait time than if you use your GP.
During the assessment, a psychiatrist will, albeit subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out other causes, such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues and will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms about your childhood) and school reports if required. This can be a stressful procedure, especially for those with more complex family circumstances or for those who have not been able to find their school reports from their childhood.
Once you've been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified health professional, you are able to apply for disability support with your local authority. But, be aware that a majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document referred to as a shared care agreement when you've been diagnosed privately and have not also been fully titrated into your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that GPs do not have the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.