Get Rid Of Private ADHD Diagnosis: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It
How to Get a Private ADHD DiagnosisA psychiatric assessment is required to diagnose ADHD. This will be done by a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
It's a procedure that may be a bit complicated like the requirement for old school records to be submitted. You can cut down on the waiting time by scheduling an appointment for a private ADHD assessment directly with an online ADHD center.
What is a private assessment?
A private assessment for ADHD is a meeting with an expert to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It typically lasts two sessions and is more comprehensive than an NHS assessment of psychiatric disorders. The procedure involves a structured clinical interview with a specialist, and they will look at your symptoms from childhood through adulthood. They will also look at other neurological or mental health issues which could be causing your symptoms. They will examine different areas of functioning, including relationships or work. They will ask you to provide 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 up and down one. A lot of people who are told they suffer from the disorder have a mixed diagnostic picture. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the three main symptoms. Adult hyperactivity is usually different from the raucous hyperactivity that is seen in children. It can manifest as a lack of sleep or a constant race. In addition, inattention can manifest as a problem staying still and being organized or having difficulty in focusing on tasks and oblivious to things easily.
If you believe that medication can help your symptoms, a psychiatrist's formal diagnosis is required. This will enable you to receive reasonable adjustments, as well as Disabled Student Allowance. The best method to do this is to speak to your GP and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist for an assessment.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you or is unable to make an immediate appointment You may wish to change your GP. If this is the case, it may be worthwhile to switch GPs - you can find out more about how to make use of your right to choose the Psychiatry UK website.
You might also be able to book an appointment with a private psychiatrist through the NHS or privately. Some providers may not require a letter of recommendation from your GP, but most will. Check with your chosen provider prior to booking.
How can I get a private assessment?
ADHD is an intricate mental disorder that affects brain processes such as motivation, working memory, and attention. Adults may have difficulties coping with the condition, which can lead to problems in many areas. A private ADHD assessment can assist you in understanding the impact of the symptoms on your life and could be helpful in determining ways to manage them.
There are a variety of providers who will perform an ADHD assessment for the NHS. You have the option of exercising your right to choose (RTC) if you ask your GP to refer to one of these providers. If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a provider then you may need to find a different GP willing to do it.
Typically, an assessment will be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse (or any other healthcare professional who is appropriate, as per NICE guidelines). This is because they are the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD. In most cases, the ADHD assessment will involve questionnaires and a meeting with a clinician in person or via video call. The typical time for this assessment is 45-90 minutes.
If you are an adult and are a patient, you will be asked questions about your current issues as well as your past struggles since your childhood. A healthcare expert will determine if exhibit any of the traits associated with ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. You will be asked for examples of when you have shown these characteristics. The healthcare professional will utilize these to establish an assessment and suggest treatment options.
A private evaluation can be beneficial if you've been struggling for a long period of time and don't want to wait for an NHS referral. However, it is important to keep in mind that a private diagnosis does not mean you will automatically be prescribed medication by your GP. You will still need to discuss this with them and if you decide to try medications it is recommended that you seek 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 assessments online and have shorter waiting times.
How do I get a private diagnosis?
There are several ways to obtain an ADHD assessment. The NHS provides a "Right to choose" process that allows you to request a referral to one of the specialists on their list. This can drastically reduce the time it takes to wait. There are private providers who can offer a diagnosis quickly.
In general, it's best to locate a specialist psychiatrist who has had experience with adult ADHD. It might take a while to locate one, since they are hard to come by. Some will insist on an GP referral letter before they will see you for an assessment however this is not always required.
Psychiatrists can offer an assessment of your symptoms but will not be able to prescribe medication for you. Other mental health professionals, including Psychologists, can help you manage your symptoms. However they cannot give a formal diagnosis of ADHD that is required to be eligible for support services like Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the workplace.
A specialist Psychiatrist is able to determine and explain your symptoms. They will also evaluate whether your symptoms are consistent ADHD and consider any other mental health issues you may have. It is important to be open and honest with your Psychiatrist to ensure they can provide you with the most effective treatment.
You'll have to pay for the assessment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD it might 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 considering paying for a private diagnosis, we'd recommend you speak with your GP prior to scheduling an appointment so they know what you're doing and can provide their consent if needed.
It's also worth looking into joining a support group to connect with other adults who have ADHD and share their stories and solutions. They can be incredibly supportive, comforting and encouraging. You can find online spaces on Facebook and Reddit or look up local in person groups.
Are private assessments valid?
Recent BBC Panorama investigation has caused controversy regarding claims that private clinics offer a false diagnosis. An undercover private adhd assessment reporter visited three private ADHD assessment providers and was diagnosed with the condition by all of them, even though the patient did not have ADHD. The report suggested that the assessments were not thorough and did not consider all the signs or impact of ADHD on the lives of individuals. It also raised concerns that patients who aren't qualified for NHS assessments have no choice but to pay out of their own pockets to be diagnosed and receive medication.
There is no doubt that your GP will recommend one of the major private companies for an ADHD assessment (such as Priory) however, they will inform you that there will be a possible waiting time. The waiting period varies from one provider to another, but is typically six weeks. Ask family and friends for recommendations and conduct thorough research about the provider. Choosing an experienced and well-established company will probably mean you will experience an easier time waiting than if you choose to go through your GP.
During the assessment an evaluator will, somewhat subjectively, assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment to your daily functioning. They will ask you to rule out other causes, such as anxiety or depression. If they are required, they will ask for additional evidence from family members (sometimes by filling out forms about your childhood). This can be a stressful time, especially for those with complicated family circumstances or who are unable to locate their school records from childhood.
After being diagnosed with ADHD by an experienced healthcare professional you may apply for disability benefits from your local authority. You should be aware that most GPs aren't likely to sign a contract called a shared-care agreement if you were diagnosed privately and aren't fully titrated to your dosage. This is due to the fact that GPs are not qualified to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.