ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Anyone who suspects that they have ADHD but has not been diagnosed should get an ADHD assessment. The process could take between 2 and 3 sessions. It is recommended to bring along a friend or family member. The examination will also focus on the history of mental health as well as family history.
Right to Choose allows you to request your GP to perform an ADHD assessment if you are in England. The Psychiatry UK website has useful information on doing this, including templates for forms and letters to your GP.
Costs
It's important to understand the costs of an adult ADHD evaluation prior to committing to a treatment program. If you're in desperate need of an ADHD diagnose, the cost can be worth it. Many people discover that an ADHD diagnosis can change their lives. It can help improve their focus as well as their work and family lives, and even help them achieve better mental health.
In addition to the costs, you will also have to pay for any prescriptions given by your Psychiatrist. These prescriptions aren't covered by the NHS, so you'll have to pay for them yourself. In certain instances, you could be required to attend follow-ups to monitor your medication. These follow ups are usually every 3-4 weeks until you're stable on your dosage.
If you have a GP and you are a patient, ask them if they will sign a shared care agreement with the private Psychiatrist. This will prevent you from receiving an unofficial diagnosis and moving to the NHS and your GP will not approve of your medication plan. Some GPs will refuse to sign this agreement, which can be a source of frustration.
A qualified healthcare professional should conduct an extensive interview and background check before diagnosing ADHD in adults. This is a complex and difficult job, therefore it's not something that should be cut or rushed. In fact, NICE guidelines state that the psychiatric evaluation for ADHD is only able to be conducted by an UK registered psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
The NHS is currently in the process of reducing its supply of fully-trained ADHD assessors, which means waiting times can be very long. 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 often have shorter waiting times than the NHS. Some of these independent providers provide online video calls to make appointments. This helps those with limited mobility or other issues to receive an ADHD assessment.
Getting a diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenging emotional process. Some people might have to wait years before they can get an assessment via the NHS. Fortunately, there are ways to speed up the process by opting for private. The NHS has a pathway called 'Right to Choose', which permits patients to select their own psychiatrist. This can be a much quicker method of obtaining an ADHD assessment. It is important to talk with your GP about your concerns if considering a private diagnosis. It can also be helpful to note down the reasons you believe that you might be suffering from ADHD. This will aid your GP to understand the reasons you'd like an assessment.
The NHS is currently facing a shortage of psychiatrists capable of assessing adults for ADHD. This is due to a growing demand for services, and an insufficient funding. In the end, a lot of people are choosing to use private clinics for their examinations. Unfortunately, some clinics claim to provide a diagnosis without any evidence. This has been highlighted by the BBC's Panorama programme, which exposed a number of private clinics advertising that they can diagnose ADHD without proper assessment.
To be considered to have ADHD, a person must meet at least six of the criteria, which include hyperactivity and inattention. The symptoms have to be present at various stages of their lives. The diagnostic process includes an interview and background assessment. Psychiatry-UK, one of the main providers of private ADHD assessments in England, recommends that people take their time before opting for assessments online. They also advise that people should get a private assessment from a reputable psychiatrist.
A diagnosis of ADHD may have a profound impact on your daily life. It will help you understand why you are unable to concentrate and how the symptoms affect your daily life. It can also help to identify a treatment option that can improve your life quality. If you're struggling to keep up with schoolwork or are having difficulty at work or at school, an ADHD diagnosis can allow you be more confident in your abilities to succeed.
Follow-up appointments
ADHD is a multifaceted disorder that is difficult to manage. It can impact every aspect of your daily life. It can cause problems at work or at school and can impact relationships. It can also lead to depression and anxiety. A private adult ADHD assessment will help you identify the issues you're experiencing and determine a plan of treatment. A comprehensive diagnosis report is included in the assessment fee and medications can be prescribed when needed.
During the interview, you can discuss your experiences living with ADHD and discuss how your issues are affecting your daily life. The psychiatrist will explain the results of the tests and provide you with an assessment. They will also provide advice on the dangers and benefits of medication and recommend a course of treatment. Medication is the first line of treatment, however non-medical management options are also available.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is described in the DSM5 manual for diagnosing mental health issues. It's a behavioural condition that is characterised by inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms are not typical for your age group and must be observed in a variety of situations (e.g. at school and at home). They should also last for more than 6 months and affect your social, academic and professional performance.
If you're a student, you could be evaluated for ADHD by an educational psychologist. The results of the assessment can be used to support your claim for reasonable accommodations and Disabled Student's Allowance. This is especially beneficial for students with ADHD and need to access additional assistance at the university.
The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that a lack in NHS capacity has forced many people to look for private assessments. The report also suggested that private clinics are proving to be over-diagnosing ADHD but this isn't the case. The issue is that waiting times are too long for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD to get a diagnosis.
Many adults are still struggling with their symptoms and some have missed out on benefits due to the lack of a diagnosis. If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and need an accurate diagnosis, a private assessment is a good option. It's also the quickest method of receiving treatment.
Medication
ADHD can cause a host of problems for adults. Many of them are seeking treatment. However, the NHS is unable to cope with demand and patients are turning to private clinics for the assistance they require. Panorama recently revealed that some clinics were prescribing unsuitable medication and falsely diagnosing patients. The clinics are also prescribing dangerous drugs that can private adhd assessment cause serious side effects and expose patients to risk for addiction.
Panorama raised concerns about the number adult ADHD cases being treated by with non-specialists. This is particularly true in higher education where students might not be able to afford the cost of medication. This can result in poor performance and even depression. This could be very dangerous for students with ADHD who may not be able to afford the medication and therapy.
If you are an adult who suffers from ADHD, a full diagnosis and discussion of treatment options is essential. This assessment should be performed by a psychiatrist, or a mental health specialist nurse. They are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are qualified to diagnose ADHD. The test is typically a 45-90 minute discussion with psychiatrists. It should address your medical history, family background and other factors which can influence ADHD symptoms.
In addition to assessing your symptoms your psychiatrist may also seek to rule out other illnesses that may be misinterpreted as ADHD like depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. They will also review your family background and school records. The process may take some time but the wait is worth it.
If you are a patient of a GP you can request a psychiatrist to evaluate your ADHD by exercising your Right to Choice. You may also ask your physician to recommend you to a private service who offers shared care agreements with the NHS for ADHD medication, meaning that you will only pay for the NHS prescription fee. These providers have shorter waiting periods than the NHS and a majority of them provide appointments via video call.