ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Anyone who suspects they be suffering from ADHD but has not been diagnosed should get an ADHD assessment. The process can last up to two sessions, and it is recommended to bring an adult family member or a friend along. The assessment will also concentrate on mental health history and family history. Right to Choose allows you to request your GP to perform an ADHD assessment if you live in England. https://www.openlearning.com/u/mcallisterkinney-sjsj8l/blog/30InspirationalQuotesAboutPrivateDiagnosisAdhd offers helpful information on how to do this, including sample letters and forms for your GP. Costs The cost of an adult ADHD assessment can be expensive It's crucial to make sure you understand the cost before you commit to a treatment plan. However, if you're urgent need of an ADHD diagnosis, the expense could be worth it. In fact, many people find an ADHD diagnosis to be life-changing. It can help them focus on their work and personal lives, and even lead to better mental health. You'll also be accountable to pay for any prescriptions prescribed by your Psychiatrist. These prescriptions will not be covered by the NHS therefore you will need to pay them directly. In some cases you might need to attend follow-up appointments to check your medication. These follow-ups usually occur every 3-4 weeks until you're stabilized on your dosage. If you have a GP you should ask them to sign a shared-care agreement with the private Psychiatrist. This will stop you from getting a private diagnosis and then transitioning to the NHS, where your GP is less likely to accept your medication plan. This can be frustrating because certain doctors are not willing to sign the agreement. A licensed healthcare professional should conduct a thorough interview and background check before diagnosing ADHD in adults. This is a complex and arduous process, therefore it shouldn't be taken lightly. In fact, NICE guidelines state that the psychiatric evaluation for ADHD can only be made by an UK licensed psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse. The NHS is currently experiencing a shortage of fully-trained ADHD assessors, meaning that waiting times can be very long. If you're registered with an GP, you can choose your own ADHD Assessor. This is referred to as the "Right to Choose" pathway. These independent providers have less waiting times than NHS. Additionally, some of them provide appointments online via video calls. This helps people with limited mobility or other issues to receive an ADHD assessment. Getting an answer to a question A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenging emotional process. Some individuals may have to wait years before they can get an assessment through the NHS. Fortunately, there are ways to accelerate the process by choosing to go private. The NHS has a process known as 'Right of Choice', which allows patients to choose their own mental healthcare provider. This can be a much faster way to access an ADHD assessment. It is crucial to speak with your GP about your concerns if you are contemplating the possibility of a private diagnosis. You may also record your thoughts on why you believe you may have ADHD. This will help your GP to determine the reason for you to seek an assessment. The NHS currently faces an insufficient number of psychiatrists who can assess adults for ADHD. This is due to the increasing demand for services and a lack of funding. This is why a lot of people are choosing to seek out private evaluations. Unfortunately, a few clinics claim to diagnose a patient without any evidence. BBC's Panorama program exposed a number of private clinics claiming to diagnose ADHD, but without proper assessment. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must meet at minimum six of the criteria, which include hyperactivity and inattention. The symptoms have to be present at different stages of their lives. The diagnostic process consists of an interview as well as a thorough background examination. https://output.jsbin.com/zuyawobeli/ , one of the top providers in England of private ADHD assessments, advises people to carefully consider the options before deciding to take an online assessment. They also recommend that you take a private assessment from a reputable psychiatric. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can have a significant effect on your life. It can help you determine the reason you are unable to focus, and how the symptoms impact your daily activities. It can also assist you find a treatment that will improve your life. Whether you are struggling to keep up with schoolwork or are having trouble working or in your job, having an ADHD diagnosis can allow you be more confident in your abilities to succeed. Follow-up appointments The complexity of ADHD make it challenging to manage and it can impact on every aspect of your life. For example, it may cause problems at work or school, affect relationships and can cause anxiety and depression. A private adult ADHD assessment can help you determine the issues you're facing and develop a treatment plan. A thorough diagnostic report is included in the assessment fee and prescription medications are available when needed. During the interview, you will be able to talk about your experiences living with ADHD. You will also discuss how your symptoms affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will explain the results of your tests and provide an assessment. They will also give advice on the advantages and dangers of medications and suggest the best treatment strategy. The first line of treatment is medication, however there are other options that are not medical. ADHD is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders that are defined in the DSM5 manual of mental health diagnoses. It's a behavioural condition that is characterised by inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms are not typical for your age and can be observed in more than one setting (eg at home, at work and at school). They must last for longer than six months and impact your social, academic and professional performance. If you're a pupil, you could be evaluated for ADHD by an educational psychologist. Their report can help support your claim for reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student allowance. This is especially helpful for students suffering from ADHD who require additional help at university. The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that the lack of NHS capacity is causing many to take advantage of private assessments. The report stated that private clinics over-diagnose ADHD. However this isn't necessarily the situation. The issue is that waiting times aren't enough for many adults suffering from ADHD to receive a diagnosis. In the meantime many adults are struggling to cope with their issues and some are even missing out on benefits due to the fact that they don't have an official diagnosis. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and require an accurate diagnosis, a private assessment could be the best option. It's also the quickest method of receiving treatment. Medication ADHD can cause a host of problems for adults. Many are seeking treatment. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand, and many patients are turning to private clinics to seek assistance. In a recent study, Panorama found that some of these clinics are providing incorrect medication and diagnosing patients incorrectly. The clinics are also prescribing strong drugs that could cause serious side effects and put patients at risk of developing addiction. The Panorama programme raised questions about the amount of adult ADHD cases being treated and diagnosed by non-specialists. This is particularly true in higher education where students might not be able to afford medications. This can result in low performance and depression. This is a risk for students who have ADHD and might not have the money to pay for the therapy or medication they need. If you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it is essential to receive a thorough diagnosis and discuss the treatment options. This assessment should be performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse in mental health. They are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are able to diagnose ADHD. The assessment is usually an interview lasting between 45 and 90 minutes with a psychiatrist. It should address your medical history, family background and other factors that can influence ADHD symptoms. In addition to assessing your symptoms your psychiatrist may also be looking to rule out other illnesses that may be misinterpreted as ADHD such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. They will also examine your family history as well as your school reports. The process could take a while, but it is worth the long wait. If you are a patient of a doctor you can request a psychiatrist to assess your ADHD through your Right to Choice. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a private service that has a shared care agreement with the NHS for ADHD medication, meaning that you only pay the NHS prescription cost. These providers offer shorter waiting periods than the NHS and a lot of them offer appointments via video calls.