ADHD Assessment in the UK A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually an extremely thorough procedure. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms cause significant impairment and will rule out other illnesses like depression or thyroid problems. They may also request old school records or other evidence to back up their claims. It is essential that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD expert. This applies to GP's and consultants as well. Waiting several times Adults in the UK who require ADHD diagnosis are left waiting years to consult psychiatrists. This is despite the fact that the condition is recognized as an extremely serious mental health condition and that it has significant impacts on people's lives. In certain areas waiting times can last as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent actions to improve the situation. The problem is exacerbated by the increasing awareness of this condition and the growing demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to meet demand and many patients choose to seek treatment from private providers. This is made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to select for private healthcare from any provider. Psychiatry UK is one such service that offers an online ADHD assessment and medication for the NHS. It has seen a surge in the number of adults seeking an assessment, and is currently exceeding its capacity. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in dealing with adults and are better equipped to understand the nuances of ADHD. They are also more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities like anxiety and depression that are frequently associated in ADHD. Many are still worried about the quality of private assessments and the possibility for them to overdiagnose the illness. The issue was brought to the public's attention after an BBC Panorama investigation exposed the way in which some private clinics were awarding diagnoses without due process. Some have claimed that the program is promoting stigma and stereotypes against those who suffer from ADHD. However the BBC should be commended for exposing the issue and highlighting the dire situation of adults who need an ADHD diagnosis. It's a shame some people are forced to seek help privately. The NHS should find a way to fix this problem. If https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment think you may have ADHD, try a free screening through a charity or pay for a private psychiatrist to assess your. They are usually less expensive than the NHS, but will not give a prescription for medication. Second opinion If you're struggling with symptoms of ADHD, it is important to be diagnosed. A clear diagnosis will allow you to take the necessary steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You could be advised to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. Private clinics often offer diagnosis and adjustment. These clinics have lots of experience with a wide spectrum of adults, including men and women, who may suffer from ADHD. They also can screen for co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety. Private ADHD assessments are expensive, but the waiting time for NHS services are significantly longer. Typically, you pay for the initial assessment, and then subsequent appointments as required. If you are insured and coverage, it will cover these appointments. These appointments will be conducted by specially trained nurses who have a special interest in ADHD and are certified to assess the condition. Initial appointments typically involve clinical interviews and rating systems. You will also be required to complete questionnaires, and you may be referred for additional tests, such as an MRI or EEG. You should expect to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 at a private clinic for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes the assessment time and titration costs. Certain private ADHD assessments offer titration apart from diagnosis, and may be cheaper. The process of titration takes longer and requires more appointments. The quality of private ADHD assessments is under scrutiny following the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient had spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before turning to an unofficial clinic in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a number of cases where patients were given a diagnosis of ADHD which was later removed. This is a problem because it can be extremely distressing for people to have their symptoms incorrectly diagnosed, and a few of them were prescribed medication that has adverse side effects. In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as the adjustment. Most health insurance policies cover these assessments. However, it is worth checking to see whether you're covered. Referral to an expert clinic If your GP refers you to a specialist clinic, the clinician will ask you questions and carry out an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they are in line with the diagnostic criteria. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health conditions) that may be present. Often, these will be anxiety and depression. The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, including medication if needed. During an assessment, the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at work and home. They will also inquire about any medications that you are taking. They will then conduct a structured interview, and you must bring a trusted person or relative along to provide additional information. It usually takes a few visits to arrive at the diagnosis. Some clinics provide a full assessment, and others will only look for specific symptoms. Panorama's investigation into the poor service offered to patients with ADHD in the NHS has brought the issue to light. The reporter on the programme was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics, but his GP insisted that he was not suffering from the condition. The BBC said that the report was an instance of "over-diagnosing" by private companies, while GPs can only refer patients for further investigations or prescribe medication in accordance with strict guidelines. Many GPs refuse to sign an agreement for shared treatment with the NHS. This is the only way for them to transfer the care of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnosis. They feel they are not experts on ADHD or psychiatry. A lot of private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication to their patients, which can make it difficult for them to receive the treatment they need. If your GP hasn't recommended you for an ADHD assessment, ask for it. You can find out your estimated waiting time either by calling your local mental health clinic or by using the Right To Choose site. The site allows you to choose an online ADHD assessment service that will be provided by the NHS. Confirmation of diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. It helps people better understand their own behavior and that of their family and friends. In addition, it could aid them in determining a suitable treatment strategy. However, obtaining an accurate diagnosis isn't always straightforward. Particularly in the UK, where people are facing long waiting times for an assessment from the NHS. This can be a problem for those trying to determine if they are having ADHD. If you're unable to wait, it's possible to request an appointment by a qualified specialist psychiatrist. It will help you save time and avoid having to go to your GP. It is a long process that could take months. However it will provide you with more precise diagnoses that those provided by the NHS. You must ensure that the person conducting your assessment is either a psychiatrist or psychologist because they are the sole healthcare professionals in the UK that are qualified to diagnose ADHD. A private assessment will likely consist of a medical interview with a psychiatrist. This will include questions about your mental health and childhood history. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your struggles at work, in school, or in relationships. They will also address any other symptoms you have that might indicate the presence of ADHD. The psychiatrist will then provide a thorough ADHD report to your GP, with your permission. If appropriate, they will prescribe medication. They will also assist you in obtaining other types of assistance, such as studying skills and mentoring. They will also assist you in applying for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at university. It's not a good idea to cut corners however, the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. In the end, there are those who attempt to cut the line by using online assessments and private clinics that offer short appointments, but offer no expertise in clinical practice. These shortcuts should be avoided. However, those suffering from ADHD should still seek a diagnosis as long as they are able to afford it.