7 Simple Tips For Moving Your Private ADHD Diagnosis
How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric examination is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be performed by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
This can be a lengthy procedure, since the old school records might need to be submitted. However, you can bypass 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 consultation with an expert who will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It usually takes two sessions, and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychiatric evaluation. The process consists of a structured interview with an expert who will review your symptoms from childhood to adulthood. They will also look at other neurological or mental health issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in different areas, such as at work or in relationships.
It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy straightforward one. Many people who are told that they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnosis. It is essential to keep in mind that the three main symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. content is usually different from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It could manifest as restlessness or a constant rush around. In addition, inattention can manifest as a problem sitting still and being organised, or difficulty focusing on tasks and forgetting things easily.
If you think medication will alleviate your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will help you access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be done by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatric assessment.
You might find your GP isn't keen to refer you to a specialist or give you an appointment in a timely manner. You may want to consider changing GPs in this situation. The Psychiatry UK website has more details on how to make your decision.
You might be able to make an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own via the NHS or independently. A majority of these doctors will require a referral letter from your GP but some don't, so check with your chosen provider prior to booking.
How do I obtain an individual evaluation?
ADHD is a mental disorder that is complex and affects brain functions like motivation as well as working memory and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can cause problems in many areas. A personal ADHD assessment will aid you in understanding the impact that these symptoms can have on your life, and identify how to manage them.
There are many providers who will conduct an ADHD assessment on behalf of the NHS. You are able to exercise your right to choice (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 may want to find another GP willing to help.
The majority of assessments are carried out by a psychiatrist, or specialist nurse (or other appropriate healthcare professional, as per NICE guidelines). This is because these are the only people who are able to diagnose ADHD. In most cases, an ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor in person or via video call. This will usually last for 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult you will be asked regarding your current problems and your background from your childhood. A healthcare expert will determine if have any of the symptoms associated with ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. You will be asked to provide instances where you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional can then make use of this information to diagnose and suggest treatments.
If you are struggling with a chronic condition and do not want to wait for a referral from the NHS, obtaining an assessment privately is recommended. It is important to remember that the results of a private assessment do not mean that your GP will prescribe medication. You will have to discuss the issue with them If you decide to use medication, you should negotiate a shared-care agreement with your GP.
You will find a list of providers in case your GP in England will send you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. 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 offers a 'Right to Choose" process that allows you to request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can significantly reduce waiting times. Private providers can also provide a quick diagnosis.
It is advisable to seek out a psychiatrist who has experience dealing with adult ADHD. However, it may take a while to find one as they are not easily accessible. Some will insist on an GP referral letter prior to seeing you for an examination however this is not always required.
Psychiatrists can offer an assessment of your symptoms however, they are unable to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, such as Psychologists, can assist you to manage symptoms. However they cannot give a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for support services like Disabled Student's allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A Psychiatrist who is an expert will be able to recognize and explain your symptoms, determine whether they are consistent with ADHD and also consider any other mental health issues you may have. Your Psychiatrist is able to provide you with the most effective treatment if you're honest and forthcoming.
You'll need to pay for the exam however, if you're diagnosed with ADHD it might be possible to receive medication through a shared care agreement with your doctor (you'll still pay the NHS prescription cost). If you're thinking about paying for an private diagnosis, we would recommend you speak with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment so they know what you're doing and can provide their consent in the event of need.
It's also worth looking into joining a support group in order to meet other adults who have ADHD, and hear their stories and suggestions. They can be incredibly helpful, reassuring and inspiring. You can find online groups on Facebook and Reddit or look up local groups that meet in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over assertion that private clinics are handing out inaccurate diagnoses. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, despite the fact that he did not have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were rushed and did not take into consideration all the signs or impact of ADHD on the lives of people. The report also raised concerns regarding patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments and are required to pay out of pocket to receive a diagnosis or a medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will recommend you to one of the largest private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory), but they will tell you there will be a possible waiting time. The time frame for waiting varies from one provider to another and is usually six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and conduct extensive research on the company. Choosing an experienced and well-established company will probably mean you will experience a shorter wait than if you use your GP.
During the assessment, your psychiatrist will assess, subjectively, whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impact on your daily functioning. They will try to rule out other causes such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues and will usually request evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms about your childhood) and school reports, if required. This can be a stressful time particularly for those with complex family situations or who are unable to locate their school records from their childhood.
Once you've been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified health professional you will be able to apply for disability assistance at your local authority. However, you should be aware that a majority of GPs will refuse to sign a document known as a shared care agreement if you have been diagnosed privately and haven't been fully titrated to your final dose of medication. This is due to the fact that GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.