ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Anyone who suspects that they have ADHD but hasn't been diagnosed should seek an ADHD assessment. The process can take up to two sessions, and it's best to bring an adult family member or a friend along. The assessment will also include a discussion of the history of mental health as well as the background of the family.
If you reside in England, you can request your GP for an ADHD assessment through Right to Choose. The Psychiatry UK website has useful information on doing this, including template forms and letters for your GP.
Costs
It's important to understand the costs of an adult ADHD evaluation before you commit to a treatment program. If you're in desperate need of an ADHD diagnose, the cost can be worth it. In fact, many people find an ADHD diagnosis to be life-changing. It can help them concentrate on their work and family life and even improve their mental health.
In addition to the costs, you will also have to pay for any medication prescribed by your psychiatrist. These prescriptions are not covered by the NHS therefore you'll have to pay for them yourself. In certain instances you might need to attend follow-up appointments to check your medication. These follow-ups usually occur every three to four weeks until your dosage is stable.
If you have a GP, it's best to ask them if they will sign a shared care agreement with the private Psychiatrist. This will stop you from getting an unofficial diagnosis and transfer to the NHS where your GP is less likely to accept your medication plan. Some GPs won't sign this agreement, which could be frustrating.
A certified healthcare professional will need to conduct a thorough interview and background check before diagnosing ADHD in adults. It's a complex and challenging process, which is why it shouldn't be taken lightly. In fact, NICE guidelines state that an assessment of psychiatric disorders for ADHD is only able to be conducted by an UK licensed psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
There's a shortage ADHD assessors in the NHS which can result in long waiting times. If you're registered with a GP in England you are entitled to the option of choosing your own ADHD assessor - this is known as the 'Right To Choose' route. These independent providers typically have shorter waiting times than the NHS. Some of these independent providers provide online video calls to make appointments. This allows those with mobility issues or other factors to get an ADHD assessment.
Making an accurate diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a challenging and emotional process. Some people might be waiting for years before they can get an assessment via the NHS. Fortunately, there are ways to accelerate the process by choosing to go private. The NHS has a pathway called 'Right to Choice', which permits patients to select their own mental health provider. This can be a faster way to access an ADHD assessment. It is important to talk with your GP about your concerns if contemplating an assessment for a private diagnosis. You may also record your thoughts on why you believe you may have ADHD. This will aid your GP understand why you want an assessment.
The NHS currently has an insufficient number of psychiatrists who can assess adults for ADHD. This is due to the increasing demand for services and a lack of funds. Many people opt to pay for private assessments. Sadly, some clinics claim to give a diagnosis without any evidence. This has been highlighted by the BBC's Panorama program which exposed a number of private clinics offering diagnoses for ADHD without proper assessment.
A person must meet six criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. similar web-site includes inattention and hyperactivity. The symptoms have to be present at different stages of their lives. The diagnostic process includes an interview and a background examination. Psychiatry UK is one of the top providers in England of private ADHD assessments, encourages people to carefully consider the options before deciding to take an assessment online. They also suggest that people should seek a private assessment with a respected psychiatrist.
The diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on your life. It can help you determine the reason you are unable to focus, and how it affects your daily life. It can also help you identify a treatment option that can improve your quality of life. Whether you are struggling to keep up with schoolwork or are having difficulty at work, an ADHD diagnosis can help you be more confident in your abilities to succeed.
Follow-up appointments
The complexities of ADHD mean it can be difficult to manage and can impact on every aspect of your life. It can cause problems at work or at school and can also affect relationships. It can also cause anxiety and depression. A private adult ADHD assessment will help you identify the difficulties you are experiencing and identify a treatment plan. The assessment fee includes a comprehensive diagnostic report as well as medication that is available should it be required.
During the interview, you can discuss your experiences living with ADHD and discuss how symptoms are affecting your daily life. The psychiatrist will then explain the results of your tests and provide the diagnosis. They will also give you information on the risks and benefits of medicines and recommend a plan of treatment. Medication is the first line of treatment, however non-medical management alternatives are also available.
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 not be typical for your age group and must be observed in multiple situations (e.g. at school and at home). These symptoms must also last longer than six months and interfere negatively with your academic, social and professional performance.
You are able to be tested for ADHD by psychologists if you're an undergraduate student. The report can be used to support your claim for reasonable accommodations and the Disabled Student's Allowance. This is particularly useful 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 look for private assessments. While the report suggested that private clinics are proving to be over-diagnosing ADHD however this isn't always the situation. The issue is that waiting times are too long for many adults with ADHD to receive a diagnosis.
In the meantime, many adults are struggling to cope with their problems and some are even missing out on benefits because they've not received an official diagnosis. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and require an accurate diagnosis, a private exam could be the best option. It's also the fastest method to receive treatment.
Medication
ADHD can lead to numerous issues for adults, and many of those suffering from the disorder are seeking treatment. However the NHS is unable to cope with the demand, and patients are turning to private clinics to receive the help they require. Panorama recently revealed that some clinics were prescribing unsuitable medication and misdiagnosing patients. Clinics are also prescribing dangerous drugs that could cause serious side effects and put patients at risk of becoming addicted.
The Panorama program raised questions about the number of adults with ADHD cases being diagnosed and treated by non-specialists. This is particularly true in higher education, where students may not be able afford medication. This can result in poor performance and even depression. This can be dangerous for students suffering from ADHD and might not have the money to pay for 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. The assessment should be performed by a psychiatrist or a specialist mental health nurse, since they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The assessment usually includes a 45-90 minute meeting with a psychiatrist. The discussion should cover your overall mental health as well as your family history and other factors that may influence ADHD symptoms.
The psychiatrist will also want to rule out any other conditions that could be mistaken for ADHD, like anxiety, depression, or thyroid problems. They will also examine your family history as well as your school reports. The process could take a while but it's well worth the long wait.
If you are an GP patient you can select the psychiatrist to assess your ADHD by exercising your Right to Choice. You can ask your GP to refer you to a private doctor who has shared care agreements (which means you only pay the NHS prescription fee) in conjunction with the NHS. These providers offer shorter waiting periods than the NHS and a majority of them provide appointments via video calls.