Why We Enjoy Private ADHD Diagnosis And You Should Too

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
A psychiatric evaluation is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be done by a psychiatrist, or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a procedure that may require some red tape, such as the need for old school reports to be submitted. You can cut down on the waiting time by scheduling a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.
What is an assessment that is private?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting 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 procedure involves an organized clinical interview with a specialist and they will evaluate your symptoms from your early years to your adulthood. They will also look at other mental health issues or neurological issues that may be causing your symptoms. They will focus on different areas of functioning, such as work or relationships and will ask you to provide examples of your symptoms and how they affect you.
It is worth bearing in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD isn't a straight forward one and many people who are told they are suffering from the condition have a mixed diagnosis. It is essential to keep in mind that the three primary symptoms are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Adult hyperactivity is often different from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It may manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant rush around. In addition, inattention can manifest as a problem staying focused and seated or having trouble staying focused and forgetting things easily.
If you decide that medication might be beneficial for your condition, you will require an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This will enable you to apply for reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. This can be accomplished by asking your GP to refer you to a psychiatric assessment.
You may find that your GP doesn't want to refer you to a specialist or provide you with an appointment right away. If this is the case, it could be worth switching GPs and you can find more information about how to make use of your right to choose on the Psychiatry-UK website.
You may also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist on your own, either through the NHS or independently. Some providers do not require a referral letter from your GP, but most do. Check with your chosen provider prior to making an appointment.
How can I get a private assessment?
ADHD is a nexus of mental illness that affects the function of brain processes like motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may struggle to cope with the condition, which can lead to problems in many areas. A private ADHD assessment can help you to understand the impact of these symptoms on your daily life and be useful in identifying how they could be managed.
There are a variety of providers who can conduct an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You can exercise your right to choose (RTC) by asking your GP to recommend you to one of these providers. If your GP is unable to do this then you may need to find another GP willing to do it.
A psychiatrist or specialist nurse typically conducts the assessment (or any other qualified healthcare professional as per NICE guidelines). This is because they are the only ones who can diagnose ADHD. In the majority of cases, an ADHD assessment will include questionnaires as well as a clinic interview either in person or via video conference. It will typically last 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult, you will be asked about your current difficulties and your background from childhood. A healthcare professional will determine if you exhibit any of the characteristics associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for examples of instances where you have shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will then employ these to determine a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
If you're suffering from a chronic condition and don't want to wait for an appointment with the NHS seeking an assessment from a private practitioner is recommended. It is important to note that the results of a private assessment do not necessarily mean that your GP will prescribe medication. It is still necessary to discuss this with them and if you decide to try medications it is recommended that you sign a shared care agreement with your GP.
You can find a list here of providers if your GP in England will refer you for an ADHD assessment to an NHS provider. Some of these companies offer online assessments and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are a number of ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS has a process known as 'Right to Choose' where you can ask your doctor for a referral to any of the specialist doctors on their list. This will reduce the time to wait substantially. Private providers can also offer an immediate diagnosis.
It is advisable to find an experienced psychiatrist who has experience with adult ADHD. It could take a while to find one, as they are hard to find. Some will require a GP referral letter before they will see you for an examination, but this is not always required.
Psychiatrists can offer an evaluation of your symptoms, but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, like Psychologists, can help manage symptoms. However, they are unable to offer a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to qualify for assistance such as the Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A Psychiatrist who is experienced will be able determine and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether they are consistent ADHD and take into account any other mental health issues that you may have. It is crucial to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist, so they can give you the best possible treatment.
You will need to pay for the assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it may be possible to receive medication through a shared-care arrangement with your physician. (You'll still need to pay the NHS prescription fee). We suggest that you talk 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 should it be required.
It is also worthwhile to consider joining a support group in order to connect with other adults who have ADHD and to hear about their experiences and solutions. They can be extremely helpful, reassuring and encouraging. You can find online communities on Facebook and Reddit and also look for local groups in person.
Are private assessments valid?
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has sparked controversy over claims that private clinics are giving out inaccurate diagnoses. An undercover reporter went to three private ADHD assessment centers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, even though he did not have ADHD. The report suggests that these assessments were not thorough and did not take into account all the symptoms or the consequences of ADHD on people's lives. It also raised concerns that patients who aren't eligible for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pocket to receive a diagnosis and medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will recommend one of the leading private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) However, they will tell you there could be a waiting time. This differs from provider to provider and typically is about six weeks. Ask private adult adhd assessment uk and friends for recommendations and conduct extensive research on the company. If you choose a well-established and reputable company you'll likely have a shorter waiting time than if you go to your GP.
During the assessment, your psychiatrist will assess in a subjective manner whether your ADHD symptoms are causing a significant impairment in your daily activities. They will want to rule out any other causes such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or problems and will typically require evidence from a family member (sometimes by filling in forms regarding your childhood) and school records if necessary. This is a stressful process particularly for those with complex family situations or who are unable to locate their school records from their childhood.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare provider you may request disability benefits from your local authority. You should be aware, however, that the majority of GPs won't sign a document known as a shared-care agreement when you were diagnosed by a private doctor and haven't been titrated fully to the dosage. This is because doctors lack the experience to evaluate adults for ADHD and prescribe medication.