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

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatric assessment is required. This will be conducted by a psychiatrist or an expert ADHD nurse. This can be a lengthy procedure, since old school records may need to be supplied. You can get rid of the wait by scheduling an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly through an online ADHD center. What is a private assessment? A private assessment for ADHD is a consult with a specialist to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It usually lasts for two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS psychotherapy assessment. The process involves an organized interview with an expert who will look at your symptoms from childhood until adulthood. They will also look into whether there are any other mental health conditions or neurological issues that may cause your symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms in different areas, such as at work or in relationships. It is crucial to understand that ADHD diagnosis is not always easy. Many people diagnosed with the condition have multiple diagnoses. It is essential to keep in mind that the three most prominent symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity typically looks different from the boisterous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It can be present as an inability to settle or a constant rushing. Inattention can also manifest in difficulties in focusing on tasks, being organised or sitting still. If you think that medication could help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's official diagnosis is required. This will allow you to access reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). This can be done by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist for assessment. If your GP is unwilling to refer you or if they are unable to provide you with an appointment within a short time you might want to change your GP. If this is the case, it may be worthwhile to switch GPs and you can find more information about how to make use of your right to choose on the Psychiatry UK website. You might also be able make an appointment directly with a private psychiatric practitioner, either through the NHS system or privately. Some providers might not require a letter of recommendation from your GP but the majority of them will. Be sure to consult with your selected provider prior to making a booking. How do I obtain a private evaluation? ADHD is a complex mental disorder that affects brain processes like motivation, working memory and attention. Adults can have difficulty coping with the condition, which can lead to difficulties in a variety of areas. A private ADHD assessment can assist you in understanding the impact of these symptoms on your daily life and be useful in identifying how they could be managed. There are several providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to refer you to one of these providers. If your GP refuses to refer you to one, it may be worthwhile to find another GP who is willing. A psychiatrist or specialist nurse is usually the one to conduct the assessment (or an appropriate healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). They are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. Most of the time, an ADHD assessment will consist of questionnaires and a clinic interview either in person or via video conference. It usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes. If you are an adult you will be asked about your current issues and your background from childhood. The healthcare professional will consider whether you have any of the characteristics that are associated with ADHD – inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. You will be asked to provide examples of times when you displayed these characteristics. The healthcare professional will utilize this information to determine the cause and recommend treatments. If you're suffering from a chronic illness and don't want to wait for an appointment from the NHS seeking an assessment privately is recommended. It is important to remember that a private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will have to discuss the issue with them If you decide to take medication, you should 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 the providers here. Some of these providers offer online assessments and have much shorter waiting times. How do I get a private diagnosis? There are many ways to obtain an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process called 'Right to Choose' where you can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist providers that are on their list. This could cut down the wait time significantly. There are private practitioners who can diagnose quickly. In general, it is best to locate an expert psychiatrist with experience of adult ADHD. It may take some time to locate one, since they can be difficult to find. private adhd assessment for adults will insist on the GP recommendation before they make an appointment. However, this is not always necessary. Psychiatrists are able to assess your symptoms but cannot prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists – can help you manage your symptoms, but they will not give you a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD that is required to access assistance services such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments to work. A Psychiatrist who is experienced will be able identify and explain your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues that you may have. It is crucial to be honest and open with your Psychiatrist, so they can offer you the best treatment possible. You'll need to pay for the assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be possible to get medication through a shared-care arrangement with your physician. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). If you're thinking about paying for an private diagnosis, we'd suggest you talk to your GP prior to booking an appointment, so that they know what you're doing and can provide their consent if needed. It's also worth looking into joining a support group in order to meet others who suffer from ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be incredibly helpful, encouraging and reassuring. You can find online communities on Facebook and Reddit, or check out local groups in person. Are private assessments valid? A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over the claims that some private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses. A reporter undercover went to three private ADHD assessment centers and was identified by all of them with ADHD even though they did not have ADHD. The report suggested that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into account all the signs or consequences of ADHD on people's lives. The report also raised concerns about those who aren't qualified for NHS assessments and are required to pay out-of-pocket to get an assessment or prescription. It is true that GPs may refer you for an ADHD assessment through one of the major private companies (such as Priory) however they will usually advise you there is likely to be a waiting period. The waiting period is different from one company to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask friends and family for recommendations and do thorough research about the provider. Picking a reputable, experienced business will most likely mean you will have less wait time than if you go through your GP. During the assessment, a psychiatrist will, somewhat subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant disruption to your daily functioning. They will want you to rule out other causes, like anxiety or depression. If necessary, they will ask for supporting evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a stressful process particularly for those with more complicated family circumstances or for those who aren't in a position to locate their childhood school reports. After being diagnosed with ADHD by an accredited healthcare professional You can request disability benefits from your local authority. It is important to be aware, however, that most GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care agreement if you were diagnosed privately and you aren't fully titrated to the final dose of medicine. This is due to the fact that GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.