How to Speed Up the Process of Getting a Private ADHD Diagnosis Many people with ADHD struggle to keep up with work and social commitments. Classes and treatment can aid in managing symptoms. According to Nice guidelines, people can be evaluated informally for ADHD by psychiatrists or a specialist ADHD nurse. This also includes GP's and Consultant Psychiatrists. Psychiatry seeks to reduce the stigma that is associated with mental illness. However, there's an assumption that ADHD is the spectrum of normality: 'everyone loses concentration and forgets things'. Waiting times The waiting times for private adhd treatments can be long. Before a patient can be sent for evaluation to a psychiatrist, they must first go through a screening with their GP. This could take a long time, especially in the event that your GP is reluctant. There are ways to speed this process up. For instance, a lot of private providers offer online diagnostic services. This is a great method to cut down on waiting times, and aid the GP decide whether or not to refer. It is essential to select a doctor who treats ADHD as a complex disorder. The best providers do not overdiagnose patients. They will also consider the patient's previous and current symptoms. BBC Panorama reported recently that certain private ADHD clinics misdiagnosed patients. This is a major issue and must be treated with seriousness. While I'm not able to say that this does not happen (humans are extremely ambiguous creatures and psychiatry doesn't even qualify as a science) I do believe this is a matter worth being highlighted. The NHS has made some improvements in ADHD treatment and assessment for adults however, it hasn't provided enough resources to its increasing number of patients. It's not surprising that more increasing adult patients are seeking a private diagnosis. This could save years of waiting and give them the pleasure of moving forward with their lives. https://witt-thurston.blogbright.net/a-productive-rant-about-private-adhd-assessment-uk-1726358616 reveals that the NHS is in a state of stress and is unable to handle the volume of referrals that are arriving. This has resulted in some GPs being overwhelmed and having difficulty referring patients with suspected ADHD. Some patients have been waiting for years before they could be examined by specialists. One option is to create an entirely new system for diagnosing and assessing ADHD in England. This would allow more people to be assessed in a matter of months, instead of years. In addition, it would enable the NHS to better monitor its performance and provide an accurate picture of the issues. To accomplish this it is essential that the NHS should have a specific funding source for its ADHD assessment service. Diagnosis It can be difficult for adults to determine if their issues with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are due to ADHD. Getting the diagnosis can help you understand your symptoms and figure out the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs. At Priory our team of specialists offers an in-depth service that can help identify ADHD and assist you in managing your condition. The process begins with a confidential, free phone call to our specialized clinic, located in the Harley Street medical area. Our specialists will discuss your symptoms and conduct an extensive mental health screening before making an appointment to conduct an ADHD assessment. It typically involves an online test, clinical interview, and the completion of a number of scales for assessment that have been validated. The assessment will focus on your behaviors and how they have affected you in your adulthood, childhood and in your relationships, work as well as your education and family life. It is essential to determine if you have any co-occurring conditions that may be causing symptoms. While there is an increasing awareness of the difficulties those with unmanaged ADHD may face, a few individuals are still struggling to get the diagnosis they require. This could be due to a variety reasons that range from their GP not willing to refer them an expert or having preconceived notions about what an adult with ADHD appears to be. For some, it may even be more difficult if they are a person of colour or assigned female at birth, as some medical professionals have been known to discriminate against those who do not fit the typical image of someone suffering from ADHD. Regardless of whether you choose to see a specialist privately or through the NHS, you should be certain that any ADHD assessment must follow the guidelines set out by Nice (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). The guidelines stipulate that only a Psychiatrist or an ADHD Specialist Nurse can conduct an assessment. This includes psychologists who are able to diagnose ADHD but are not qualified to prescribe medication. After your appointment for an ADHD assessment You will be given an assessment form that you can fill out with a family member or acquaintance. You will be asked questions about the characteristics of ADHD and how they impacted your life as a child or an adult. They will be evaluated and scored against the psychiatric guidelines for ADHD to determine if you have a diagnosis. Medication Many people suffering from ADHD claim that the medication prescribed to them helps them focus better, feel more calm and stay focused for long periods of time. This allows them to learn new skills and pay attention to. It can be used combination with therapy-based treatments, or as a stand-alone treatment to manage symptoms and promote a balanced lifestyle. The most typically prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD include stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta as well as atomoxetine (Supralex), and melatonin (Attendal). These medications are typically prescribed by psychiatrists and general practitioners who have completed specialist training in adult ADHD. Some online therapy companies accept referrals directly from doctors, and others require a letter from a doctor or another healthcare professional. This is something to keep in mind when you are looking for an adult private ADHD assessment as you don't want to end up with an assessment and treatment from a private practitioner that is not monitored by your NHS GP. After you have completed your own private adult ADHD assessment, it is crucial that a shared care plan between your GP and the psychiatrist who conducted the appointment is created. This will ensure that if you need to continue taking medication your costs will be limited to the NHS prescription cost rate and not a greater pharmacy cost. A reputable Psychiatrist who's completed specialised training in adult ADHD can provide you with a thorough medical report and a treatment plan. This will include a strategy of steady titration, stabilisation, and adjustments to dosages for medication. There are a variety of telehealth services that provide adult ADHD assessments and therapy-based treatment. These include Talkspace, Amwell, Little Otter and Teen Counseling. Telehealth companies offer various services, including messaging and live sessions. It is crucial to look for a provider that has the therapy type that you require and is able to work with your insurance plan. Aftercare Recent BBC investigation found that people seeking private diagnosis of ADHD were billed huge sums for online, flimsy assessments as well as powerful treatment. The increase in awareness of ADHD is largely due to the fact that the NHS is struggling with the growing demand for services and the lack of funds. The number of people who are undiagnosed with ADHD is likely to continue to increase and a lot of people are likely to be lured by private clinics promising to reduce waiting times. If you suspect that you have a problem with ADHD then you must visit your GP to get an initial assessment. They will be able to assess your symptoms, and then refer you to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. If they feel you need it, your GP can refer you to specialists such as psychotherapists for children or child psychiatrists. If you've been recommended for an appointment with a mental health professional, you'll need to provide some background information. This could include a family history, as well as reviews of any other relevant documents, like old school reports. Adults with ADHD are only diagnosed if they've experienced symptoms since childhood and if the symptoms are present in multiple areas of their lives. Once you've been formally diagnosed with ADHD the mental health professional will recommend an appropriate treatment plan to address your individual needs. Medication is often used to treat the symptoms of ADHD and can help you focus and remain calm. In certain instances, medication can be combined with therapy-based treatments to help overcome behavioral problems. Aftercare is an integral part of any ADHD treatment program. These services can help you manage your symptoms and keep you sober even after you have completed the residential treatment program. Aftercare programs can also include individual or group therapy, 12-step programs and other treatment options. If you suffer with ADD/ADHD, there's hope for you. Despite the long wait times and the underfunded NHS, you can find the treatment you require in an alternative setting. With an experienced team of professionals, private facilities can treat both adolescents and adults with a variety of conditions, including addiction and dual diagnosis.