ADHD Assessments - Can You Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis?
BBC Panorama reported today that adults with ADHD are diagnosed by private clinics using unreliable video calls. This is a shame especially as NICE guidelines require rigor from qualified, regulated healthcare professionals.
Fortunately, if your GP recommends an NHS assessment in England, you have a legal right to choose the provider that assesses you via Right to Choose (RTC). You can learn more about it here.
What is an ADHD assessment?
If you or your child are struggling at school, at home, or in the workplace You might think ADHD could be at fault. A healthcare professional must perform an exhaustive evaluation to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD. A psychologist or psychiatrist, and sometimes the child's doctor can be involved. Some healthcare providers offer online tests to test for signs of ADHD, but these can be misleading and do not provide an official diagnosis.
Before a doctor's evaluation the doctor will talk to you and the other people who are part of your child’s life including teachers and daycare employees. They will inquire about your child's behavior, and how often it occurs. The doctor will also inquire about any other medical issues that could cause similar symptoms, like sleep apnea, thyroid conditions hormone fluctuations, as well as substance abuse.
In addition to the interview with the patient, the doctor will likely perform a variety of tests that are specifically designed to diagnose ADHD. This includes a continuous performance test and a behavioral assessment of ADHD. These tests determine how long it takes a subject to activate his "micro switch" in response to a visual cue or audio cue and how many of their responses are "Omission errors", which indicate inattention. The amount of errors caused by omissions corresponds to the degree of ADHD.
Psychologists and psychiatrists might also ask a few additional questions about their clients' lives and family background. Certain checklists have been developed to identify specific signs of ADHD in both children and adults. In most instances, however, the doctor will rely on their clinical experience and knowledge of a patient's background to determine which questionnaires might be helpful in determining the diagnosis.
The most important thing to remember when having an ADHD assessment is that there aren't simple and quick answers. Even the most skilled doctors struggle to diagnose it in their patients. It is crucial to seek a comprehensive, thorough assessment from an expert in mental health who has expertise. You can ask for suggestions by calling your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD. You can also request a referral from your GP or make use of the NHS Right to Choose scheme.
What is a Psychiatrist Assessment?
A psychiatrist assessment is a series of questions, examinations and tests that a trained psychiatrist will take on. It is designed to help them determine the type of mental health issue you might be suffering from and how to treat it.
The psychiatrist will begin by looking at your symptoms and ensuring that there is no other physical reason. They will ask you a series of questions about your mood, what you've been doing recently and your family history of mental illness. They will also examine your current medications to determine how they work for you. They will also consider your lifestyle and other factors that may influence how you feel.
A psychiatric exam typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes. The doctor will be attentive to how you are coping with your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. They will also take into consideration other issues, like your family and work. They will also consider how much sleep you are getting and whether you can focus on your studies or work. They will also take into account your overall health, any medications or alcohol you are using and whether you have had any significant recent events that have affected your mental health.
Then they will assess your ability to concentrate on, remember and apply mental reasoning. They will also observe your body language, the way you speak and whether you are aggressive or angry. They will also pay close attention to your hearing and eyesight.
In hospitals the psychiatric assessment is typically a multidisciplinary process that involves a range of healthcare professionals. This could include a nursing assessment (which examines the potential risk of suicide, aggression and self-harm), physical health screening, and an examination of observation by the nurse.
The questions you'll be asked during a psychiatric evaluation may seem intrusive or invasive however it is vital that you answer them truthfully and accurately to obtain a reliable diagnosis. Talk to your doctor or care coordinator to get an additional medical opinion if your mental health service is not providing you with the correct services. If they are unable to help, local charities or volunteer groups may be capable of helping.
How do I get an Psychiatrist Assessment?
It is possible to be diagnosed for ADHD privately if you meet the criteria, have been referred by your doctor and are willing to pay for an assessment. The process will be more efficient and quicker than the NHS. It is worth determining if the private service you select requires the submission of a GP referral letter. Some require it, while others do not.
If you want to get an evaluation for ADHD in an adult, make sure the person who is conducting the assessment has worked with this condition before. There is increasing awareness of fact that certain medical professionals have preconceived notions regarding what a person suffering from ADHD is like, and these prejudices can hinder individuals from being treated with respect when they seek a diagnosis. Psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD are trained to be aware of these issues and give a precise and reliable diagnosis.
In your appointment, you must describe your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The assessment will include a detailed interview with a psychiatrist and certain tests. These may include online tests, a clinical interview and the completion of a variety of validated tests.
The psychiatrist will present you with complete report following the evaluation. It will include their recommendations. They will explain the benefits of taking medication, if needed, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. They will also suggest other non-medical strategies you might find useful. Many private assessment providers have a "shared care agreement" with GPs in order to prescribe medication (meaning that you pay the NHS prescription fee instead of the private fee). It is nevertheless important to confirm this because some GPs will refuse to prescribe medication if they've received a private diagnosis.
You can use our simplified ADHD assessments to be assessed for adult ADHD. The results will be sent to your GP within two weeks. Our team is an expert in ADHD and have a proven track of helping people receive the treatment they require. Click here to learn more information or to book your assessment.
How can I obtain a psychiatrist diagnosis?
The first step is to make an appointment with your GP, and tell them why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. If your GP is willing to refer you to them and takes you seriously, they should put you on the NHS wait list for an ADHD evaluation. This should include a medical appointment with a psychiatrist and possibly some psychological assessments. It might also involve asking a close family member, or friend to complete a questionnaire regarding their perception of your behavior.
Your doctor will use this information to conduct a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves an extensive discussion with you. It is sometimes helpful to have someone else present for support, but it is not required. They will look for evidence that you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnose. This will be based on the results of a psychiatric evaluation and their medical expertise. They will take into consideration your symptoms and how they impact on you at different points in your life. You will be asked read more to discuss your past and if you have any other mental health problems.
Your doctor will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan. It could be continuing private treatment with your diagnostic provider, shared treatment between your GP and your private doctor or being discharged back to your GP for medication prescriptions. Your psychiatrist should go over all of these options with you and they should give you plenty of time to determine the best option for you.
If your doctor doesn't identify you with ADHD they will explain the reason why. This could be because they don't believe you are suffering from ADHD, or that another diagnosis is more appropriate based on the specifics of your situation. You can request a second opinion by an alternative NHS psychiatrist through the "Right to Choose" pathway. But, you'll have to ask your GP to assist you in applying to the local ICB to receive the funding.
You can also get an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service such as Priory hospitals or wellbeing centres. This is usually more expensive, however it can be much faster. You can also consult a psychologist who can diagnose ADHD but isn't allowed to prescribe medications.