Private ADHD Diagnosis Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD A psychiatric evaluation will need to take place. This is performed by a psychiatrist, or a specialist ADHD nurse.
This could be a lengthy procedure, since the old school records might need to be submitted. However, you can skip the waiting and get private assessments by registering directly with 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 and how they impact your life. It usually takes two sessions and is much more detailed than a NHS psychotherapy evaluation. The process will involve a structured clinical interview with a specialist who will examine your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also examine other issues with your mental health or neurological issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, such as relationships or work. They will ask you to give examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is important to remember that ADHD diagnosis isn't always easy. Many people diagnosed with the condition have a mixed diagnosis. It is crucial to remember that the three most prominent symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. Adult hyperactivity is often different from the boisterous hyperactivity observed in children. It may be characterized by restlessness or a constant race. Inattention can also manifest as an inability to concentrate on tasks, being organised or sitting still.
If you think medication will 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 method to do this is to speak to your GP and request that they refer you to psychiatrists for an assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you, or cannot offer you an immediate appointment, you may want to change your GP. You may want to consider changing GPs if this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how you can make a decision.
You might also be able book an appointment with a private psychiatrist directly, either through the NHS or privately. A majority of these doctors will require an appointment letter from your GP but some don't however, so make sure to check with your chosen provider before booking.
How do I obtain a private evaluation?
ADHD is a nexus of mental disorder that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can create issues in many areas. A personal ADHD assessment will help you understand the impact these symptoms have on your life and help you manage them.
There are a variety of providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can assert your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one, it may be worthwhile looking for a different GP who is willing to.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse will usually conduct the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases the ADHD evaluation will involve questionnaires and a medical interview, either in person or via video call. The typical time for this assessment is 45 to 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current issues and your past difficulties in your early years if you are an adult. A healthcare specialist will determine if you exhibit any of the traits associated with ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. You will be asked to give instances of when you've demonstrated these traits. The healthcare professional will then utilize this information to determine the cause and suggest treatments.
A private evaluation can be helpful if you've been having a difficult time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. It is important to know that an assessment conducted privately does not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You will have to discuss the issue with them, and if you decide to take medication, you must consider a shared-care arrangement with your GP.
If you have a GP in England who is willing to refer you to an NHS provider to conduct an ADHD assessment You can find a list of providers here. 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 evaluation. The NHS has a process known as "Right to Choose" where you can ask your GP for a referral to any of the specialists on their list. This can reduce the waiting time considerably. There are private providers who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it is best to find a specialist psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. However, it may take a while to find one, as they are not easily accessible. Some will require a GP referral letter before they will see 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 you manage your symptoms, but they cannot provide you with a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD that is required to access assistance services like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to work.
A Psychiatrist who is an expert will be able to recognize and explain your symptoms, determine whether they are related to ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues you might have. Your Psychiatrist will be able to provide you with the best treatment if you are open and honest.
You'll need to pay for the assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to obtain medication under a shared-care agreement with your GP. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). find out this here 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 to give their approval if necessary.
It is also worthwhile to consider joining an online support group to meet others with ADHD and share their stories and suggestions. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit, or check out local groups that meet in person.
Are private assessments valid?
The recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy over claims that private health clinics provide a faulty diagnosis. A reporter who was undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers, and was diagnosed by all three with ADHD despite not having ADHD. The report stated that these assessments were not thorough and didn't take into account the entire spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD affects people's everyday lives. It also raised concerns that some patients who are not eligible for NHS assessments are forced to pay out of their own pockets to get a diagnosis and medication.
It is true that GPs may recommend an ADHD evaluation with one of the main private companies (such as Priory) however they will usually advise you there will likely be a waiting period. The waiting period differs from one provider to another and is usually six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations and do thorough research on the provider. If you select a reputable and reputable business you'll likely experience an easier time waiting than if you see your GP.
During the assessment the psychiatrist will, in a way, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will try to rule out any other causes such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. They will usually require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms regarding your childhood) and school reports if required. This can be a stressful process particularly for those with more complex family circumstances or for those who haven't been in a position to locate their school reports from their childhood.
After you have been evaluated and given a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional, you'll be eligible to apply for disability support 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 when you've been diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is because doctors lack the expertise to assess adults for ADHD and prescribe medications.