ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Anyone who suspects they have ADHD but has not been diagnosed should seek an ADHD assessment. The process could take between 2 and 3 sessions. It is best to bring along a friend or family member. The evaluation will also include a discussion about the history of mental health and the background of the family.
If you live in England You can ask your GP for an ADHD assessment through Right to Choose. The Psychiatry UK offers helpful details on how to accomplish this including sample letters and forms for your GP.
Costs
The cost of an adult ADHD assessment could be costly and it's essential to understand the cost prior to committing to a treatment plan. However, if you're in urgent need of an ADHD diagnosis, the expense can be worth it. In fact, many people find an ADHD diagnosis to be life-changing. It can help them concentrate, improve their work and family life, and even improve their mental health.
You'll also be responsible for paying for any medications prescribed by your Psychiatrist. These prescriptions aren't covered by the NHS therefore you'll have to pay for them directly. In some cases you may be required to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your medication. These follow-ups are usually every three to four weeks until the dosage is stable.
Ask your GP to sign a shared-care contract with the private Psychiatrist. This will stop you from getting a diagnosis privately and then moving on to the NHS where your GP might not be supportive of your medication plan. This can be frustrating as some doctors refuse to sign the agreement.
A qualified healthcare professional must conduct an extensive interview and background check before diagnosing ADHD in adults. It's a complex and arduous process, therefore it can't be rushed. In fact, NICE guidelines state that an assessment of psychiatric disorders for ADHD can only be made by a UK licensed psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
The NHS is currently in the process of reducing its supply of fully-trained ADHD assessors, meaning that waiting times can be extremely long. If you're registered with a GP in England, you have the option of choosing your own ADHD assessor. This is called the 'Right to Choose' route. These independent providers typically have a shorter waiting time than the NHS. Moreover, some of them offer appointments online over video calls. This makes it much easier to obtain an ADHD assessment for those with restricted mobility.
Getting a diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult emotional process. It can take years before some people are able to get an assessment from the NHS. There are, however, ways to speed up the process by going private. The NHS offers a procedure called 'Right to Choice', which allows patients to select their own mental health provider. This is a quicker way to get an ADHD assessment. If you are thinking of getting a private diagnosis, it is important to discuss your concerns with your GP. It is also helpful to record the reasons why you think that you might have ADHD. This will aid your GP know why you need an assessment.
The NHS is currently experiencing a shortage of psychiatrists who are capable of conducting assessments of adults for ADHD. This is due to an increased demand for services, and the lack of funding. Many people choose to pay for private assessments. However, some clinics claim to provide a diagnosis without any evidence. BBC's Panorama program exposed a number of private clinics claiming to diagnose ADHD, but without proper assessment.
A person must satisfy six criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. These include hyperactivity and inattention. The symptoms have to be present at different stages of their lives. The process of diagnosing ADHD involves an interview and a detailed background assessment. Psychiatry UK is one of the largest providers of private ADHD assessments in England, recommends that people take their time before deciding to take assessments online. They also recommend that you take a private assessment from a reputable psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound effect on your life. It can help you understand the reason you can't focus and how your symptoms affect your daily routine. It can also assist you find a solution that will enhance your quality of life. If you're having trouble keeping up with your schoolwork or at work or at work, an ADHD diagnose can help you feel more confident about your capability to succeed.
Follow-up appointments
The complexities of ADHD means that it can be challenging to manage and it can affect every aspect of your life. It can cause problems at school or work, and it can affect relationships. It can also cause depression and anxiety. A private adult ADHD assessment can help identify the difficulties you're experiencing and create a treatment plan. A comprehensive diagnosis report is included in the assessment fee and medication can be prescribed if required.
During the interview, you will be able to discuss your experiences with ADHD. You will also be able to discuss how your symptoms impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will present the results of the tests and provide you with a diagnosis. They will also advise on the benefits and risks of medication and recommend an appropriate treatment strategy. The first option for treatment is medication, however there are other options that are not medical.
ADHD is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders listed in the DSM5 manual of mental health diagnosis. It's a behavioural condition that is characterised by inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must be uncharacteristic for your developmental age and can be observed in a variety of settings (eg, at home and at school). They should also last for more than 6 months and affect your academic, social and professional performance.
You could be examined for ADHD by psychologists if you are an undergraduate student. Their report can help support your claim for reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student allowance. This is especially useful for students with ADHD and need to access additional support at university.
The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that a lack in NHS capacity is causing many to take advantage of private assessments. While the report suggested that private clinics over-diagnosing ADHD however this isn't always the case. The problem is that waiting times are too long for a lot of people with ADHD to receive a diagnosis.
In the meantime, many adults are struggling to cope with their symptoms and some even miss out on benefits due to the fact that they haven't had an official diagnosis. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and need an accurate diagnosis, a private assessment may be the best choice. It's also the fastest route to receiving medication.
Medication
ADHD can cause a host of problems for adults. Many of them are seeking treatment. However, the NHS is struggling to cope with the demand and patients are seeking private clinics to get the assistance they require. In a recent investigation Panorama revealed that some clinics are offering inappropriate medication and diagnosing people incorrectly. The clinics are also prescribing powerful drugs that can cause serious side effects and put patients at risk of becoming addicted.
The Panorama program raised concerns about the amount of adults with ADHD cases being treated and diagnosed by non-specialists. This is particularly true in higher education, where some students may not be able to afford medications. This can result in low performance and depression. This can be dangerous for students who have ADHD and may not be able afford the therapy or medication they require.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it's essential to receive a thorough diagnosis and discuss the treatment options. This evaluation should be carried out by a psychiatrist, or a specialist mental health nurse because they are the sole healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The test usually involves an hour-long discussion with psychiatrists. It should include your mental health, family history and other aspects that could affect ADHD symptoms.
In private adhd assessments to evaluating your symptoms, the psychiatrist is likely to want to rule out any other conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD, such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues. They will also examine your family history and school records. The process can take a long time however, it's worth the waiting.
If you have a doctor in England you are able to use your Right to Choose to choose the psychiatrist who will test your condition for ADHD. You can ask your GP for a referral to a private service that offers shared care agreements (which means you only pay the NHS prescription fee) in conjunction with the NHS. These providers offer shorter waiting times than the NHS and many offer appointments via video call.
