20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Private ADHD Diagnosis

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric assessment is required to determine ADHD. This will be done by a psychiatrist, or an expert ADHD nurse.
It's a process that can require some red tape, such as the need for old school reports to be provided. However, you can bypass the wait and get a private assessment by booking directly through 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 affect your life. It usually requires two sessions and is more detailed than a NHS psychiatric evaluation. The procedure involves an in-depth clinical interview with an expert, and they will examine your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also consider if there are other neurological or mental health issues that could cause your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, including relationships or work, and will ask you to give 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 are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnostic picture. It is important to remember that the three main symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. Adult hyperactivity can differ from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It may manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant flurry of activity. Inattention may also manifest as an inability to concentrate on tasks, organising or sitting for long periods of time.
If you believe that medication can aid in your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will help you access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The best method to do this is to talk to your GP and request that they refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment.
You may find that your GP does not want to refer you or can't provide you with an appointment right away. You may want to think about changing GPs If this is the situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more information on how to make a decision.
You might be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist, either through the NHS or independently. A majority of these doctors will require a referral letter from your GP but some don't however, so make sure to make sure to check with the provider you choose before booking.
How can I get a private assessment?
ADHD is a complicated mental disorder that affects the function of brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can cause issues in many areas. A private ADHD assessment can aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, and identify how to manage the symptoms.
There are several companies that can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You are able to exercise your right to choice (RTC) if you ask your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one it could be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing.
Typically an assessment will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or another healthcare professional of the appropriate level in accordance with NICE guidelines). These are the only professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a clinical interview, either in person or via video calls. It usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
You will be asked about your current health issues and any previous issues you have had since childhood if you are an adult. The healthcare professional will then examine whether you exhibit any of the characteristics associated with ADHD - inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for examples of when you have displayed these traits. The healthcare professional will employ these to determine an assessment and recommend 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 the results of a private assessment do not 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 you seek a shared care agreement with your GP.
If you have a doctor in England who is happy to refer you to an NHS provider for an ADHD assessment You can find a list of providers here. Some of these providers provide online assessments and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of ways to obtain an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called 'Right to Choose' where you can request your GP for a referral to one of the specialist providers that are on their list. This can reduce the waiting time significantly. Private providers can also provide an immediate diagnosis.
In general, it's best to find an expert psychiatrist with expertise in adult ADHD. It could take a while to locate one, since they are difficult to find. Some will insist on a GP referral letter before they can see you for an examination however, this isn't always required.
Psychiatrists can provide an assessment of your symptoms, however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help you manage symptoms. However, they are unable to provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for support services like Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
A skilled Psychiatrist can identify and explain your symptoms, assess whether they're consistent with ADHD, and consider any other mental health issues you may have. It is essential to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can offer you the best possible treatment.
You'll have to pay for your evaluation. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to obtain medication through a shared-care agreement with your GP. (You'll still have to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking about paying for an private diagnosis, we would advise you to talk with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment, so that they know what you're doing and give their consent, in the event of need.
Participating in a support group is another option to get together with other adults with ADHD and gain knowledge from their experiences. They can be very helpful, comforting and motivating. You can find online groups through 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 distributing unreliable diagnoses. A reporter undercover visited three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report claimed that these assessments were made in a hurry, and did not consider the full spectrum of symptoms or the impact ADHD has on people's daily lives. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and have to pay out of pocket for a diagnosis or a medication.
It is true that GPs may refer you for an ADHD evaluation with one of the major private companies (such as Priory) however 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 friends and family for recommendations and then do a thorough research about the provider. Choosing an experienced and well-established business will most likely mean you will have less wait time than if you go through your GP.
During the assessment, a psychiatrist will, albeit subjectively examine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out any other causes, like anxiety or depression. If private adhd assessment adults are required they will request supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms regarding your childhood). This can be a stressful experience particularly for those with complicated family relationships or who cannot find their school records from their childhood.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional, you can apply for disability benefits through your local authority. You should be aware that the majority of GPs aren't likely to sign a contract known as a shared-care agreement when you were diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to the final dose of medicine. This is because doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.