ADHD Private Assessment in the UK There are many options available to assess and diagnose ADHD. Private psychiatric assessments are usually faster and psychiatrists are more familiar with the range of adult ADHD symptoms. They can also test for co-morbidities like anxiety and depression. A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your behavior, perspective, and plans. Many people struggle to get an ADHD diagnosis due to the long NHS waiting list. Waiting times Numerous studies have proven that people with ADHD are more likely to experience difficult time in the workplace and at school, and suffer from problems such as depression and anxiety. This could be because these disorders make it difficult for people to control their thoughts and pay attention. It is crucial that people seek diagnosis and treatment. However, the NHS is struggling to cope with demand for ADHD tests and the waiting times are lengthy. In some cases, patients have to wait longer than a year to get an appointment. This is because of an increase in the demand for services and changes in the way ADHD has been diagnosed. In England, adults can now get an ADHD assessment through the NHS Right to Choose route. The GP can decide whether to use this option or not, but it is important that they are aware of the procedure. They should also consult their local CCG regarding what the waiting time is. In the UK waiting times are lengthy for ADHD diagnoses. Some patients have to wait more than an entire year. This is a serious concern and the government should set a target for reducing waiting times. It's similar to the three-month goal for autism assessments, which has been a success in other countries. Many people opt to go private for their ADHD assessment However, this can be costly and doesn't always prove reliable. BBC Panorama found, for instance, that some private clinics gave incorrect diagnoses or prescribed strong medications. This is something that needs to be addressed as it could cause serious side effects. Another issue is that the NHS does not gather accurate data on ADHD assessment waiting durations. This makes it difficult to determine how many adults are struggling to access services. A man from Manchester was told by his GP that he might be waiting between 12 and 18 months to get prescriptions for the ADHD medication Xaggatin. He has an insurance policy for private medical care and claims that this is unfair. Treatment options In the UK, many people are waiting for years to get an assessment for ADHD. Fortunately, there are ways to speed up the process and avoid lengthy waits. One option is to go to an individual ADHD clinic. These clinics offer a quick diagnosis, but they do not prescribe medication. However, they can provide other services to help with managing your symptoms. You'll meet with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nursing professional for a private ADHD assessment. They will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine if you have ADHD. They may also be looking for co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety or depression. They will also look at the impact of your symptoms on your daily life. The psychiatric professional will use DSM V criteria to make the diagnosis. They'll also take into consideration the way your symptoms have impacted your life since your childhood. They may also ask your family members to complete forms regarding your childhood and also to attend your diagnosis appointment. It can be a hassle to have to deal with this kind of request, especially when you're dealing older family member who is forgetful or disinclined to label their grown-up children. Following your diagnosis you will be able to decide on the steps to take. You'll need to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP if you want to start taking medication. The GP will not sign this document until they have been properly titrated to an appropriate dosage. However you can try to convince your GP to sign this document if it will enhance your treatment and improve the quality of life. If you're a student, you can ask your university to arrange for an educational psychologist to examine your ADHD. They can give you a report that will be enough to access reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). They can also refer you to an ADHD specialist who can prescribe medication. Private healthcare professionals must still adhere to the same guidelines based on evidence that are followed by the NHS. This means that they are able to only diagnose ADHD when a properly trained and licensed health professional is involved. However, if your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist, it could be a good idea to look for a GP who will. Costs Some people may find the cost of an ADHD evaluation to be prohibitive. However, there are ways to reduce the costs associated with an ADHD assessment. For example, some private companies let patients pay for their assessments in installments. This can help people manage their finances, and reduce financial stress. It is important to remember that the cost of an ADHD assessment does NOT include any treatment. The poor provision of NHS ADHD services has been exposed by a BBC Panorama investigation which claimed that some private clinics were systematically over-diagnosing the condition. The investigation also highlighted the fact that NHS waiting lists for ADHD assessments are logjammed and that a lot of people will have to pay out of pocket to get an assessment. It is essential to remember that the diagnosis of ADHD must only be made by an expert in healthcare who is trained in ADHD. This includes GPs, consultants psychologists and psychiatrists that specialize in ADHD. It is crucial to note that a specialist diagnosis should be made by a professional who has the skills and knowledge to do so. For adults, the most effective way to identify ADHD is by seeing a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist. This is because they are the only healthcare professionals qualified to prescribe medications for ADHD. They also provide advice and assistance. During the ADHD evaluation Your psychiatrist will evaluate any other conditions that you might be suffering from. They will also assess whether you have a family history of ADHD. The test can last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, and can be done in person or via phone. The cost of an ADHD assessment varies based on the kind of service you select. Some providers require a referral letter from your GP, while others do not. Some providers will also sign an "shared care agreement" with your GP to allow you to make use of the NHS prescription fee. It is important to check the terms and conditions of your chosen provider before scheduling your appointment. Some providers will refund you for your appointment if it is canceled. Insurance Most health insurance companies do not provide private ADHD assessments. However there are some that do and the best way to find out is to study the terms and conditions attentively. For instance, Aviva's terms and conditions state that they do not pay for treatment of mental health disorders that are chronic which means that they don't cover an assessment of ADHD. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment , such as Bupa, do pay for assessments of ADHD. It's worth looking into this prior to scheduling an appointment. A comprehensive ADHD assessment includes a consultation with a psychiatrist consultant who will discuss your background and conduct a full examination. The specialist will prepare an extensive assessment that can be sent to an GP or an outside party, such as if you are applying to graduate school or an employer. The specialist will also recommend methods of coping to help manage your symptoms. Some companies provide additional services, such as telephone support and lifestyle or diet advice and follow-up appointments with the same specialist. These services, regardless of whether or not you choose an online clinic or a face-toface one, can aid you in managing ADHD and improve your quality of life. They are not suitable to everyone. Some individuals may find the experience uncomfortable and stressful. If you have depression or anxiety you might need to take antidepressants and other medications to alleviate the symptoms. Parents and adults who seek an ADHD diagnosis can spend years on NHS waiting lists. A private diagnosis can allow your family to receive better treatment quicker and simplify your life. A private ADHD assessment usually involves a 45-90 minute session with a psychiatric who will inquire about your symptoms and your medical history. The psychiatrist will examine you and run tests to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Based on the results of these tests your psychiatrist will suggest treatment options. They might prescribe medications or a combination of them, such as therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Some children may require stimulants to control hyperactivity or impulsiveness. However, they must be monitored for side effects and weighed against the benefits of taking these drugs.