ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Anyone who believes they may have ADHD but hasn't been diagnosed should get an ADHD assessment. The process can take up to two sessions and it is recommended to bring a family member or friend along. The assessment will also concentrate on the history of mental health and family history. If you live in England you can request your GP to conduct an ADHD assessment through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers helpful information on how to do this including samples of letters and forms for your GP. Costs It's crucial to know the cost of an adult ADHD evaluation before you commit to a treatment plan. If you're in desperate need of an ADHD diagnosis, the expense could be worth it. Many people discover that an ADHD diagnosis can transform their lives. It can help them focus in their work and personal lives, and may even help them achieve better mental health. In addition to the costs in addition, you'll also need 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 may have to attend follow-up appointments to check your medication. These follow-ups typically occur every three to four weeks until your dosage is stable. Ask your GP if they'll sign a shared-care arrangement with your private Psychiatrist. This will stop you from getting a diagnosis privately and then moving on to the NHS where your GP might not be supportive of your medication plan. This can be a problem because some GPs refuse to sign the agreement. The process of determining ADHD as an adult requires a thorough background study and interview with a qualified healthcare professional. This is a complicated and difficult process, so it shouldn't be taken lightly. In fact, NICE guidelines state that a psychiatric assessment for ADHD can only be made by a UK registered psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse. There's a shortage ADHD assessors in the NHS which can lead to lengthy waiting times. If you're registered with an GP and you are able to choose your own ADHD Assessor. This is known as the "Right to choose" option. These independent providers often have shorter waiting times than the NHS. Some of these independent providers provide online video calls for appointments. This allows those with limited mobility or other reasons to obtain an ADHD assessment. Getting a diagnosis The process of getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a stressful and emotional process. It may take a long time before individuals are able to receive an assessment through the NHS. There are ways to speed this process up by going private. The NHS has a pathway known as 'Right of Choice that allows patients to select their own mental health provider. This is a faster method of getting an ADHD assessment. If you are thinking of getting an assessment for yourself, it is important to discuss your concerns with your GP. You can also record your thoughts on the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. This will help your GP understand why you want an assessment. The NHS is currently facing a shortage of psychiatrists capable of testing adults for ADHD. This is due to an increased demand for services and the lack of funding. In the end, a lot of people are choosing to go private for their assessments. Unfortunately, some of these clinics are claiming to provide a diagnosis without any evidence. This was exposed by the BBC's Panorama program which exposed a number of private clinics that are offering diagnoses for ADHD without a proper assessment. To be considered to have ADHD an individual must meet at least six of the criteria, including inattention and hyperactivity. The symptoms must be evident at various stages of their lives. The diagnostic process involves an interview as well as a thorough background check. Psychiatry UK is one of the top providers in England of private ADHD assessments, encourages people to consider the options before deciding to take an online assessment. They also suggest that people should seek a personal assessment with a respected psychiatrist. Being diagnosed with ADHD can have a significant effect on your life. It can help you understand the reason you are unable to concentrate and how the symptoms affect your daily life. It can also assist you to identify a treatment option that can improve your life quality. If you're having difficulty keeping up with your studies or at work, an ADHD diagnose can make you feel 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. For example, it may cause problems at work or school as well as affect relationships. It can also result in anxiety and depression. A private adult ADHD assessment can help you comprehend the difficulties you are experiencing and help you develop a treatment plan. A comprehensive diagnosis report is included in the assessment cost and medication can be prescribed when needed. During the consultation during the interview, you will be able to discuss your experiences of living with ADHD and discuss how symptoms are impacting your daily life. The psychiatrist will present the results of the tests and give you a diagnosis. They will also give you advice on the risks and benefits of medication and recommend a course of treatment. Medication is the first line of treatment, but non-medical options are also possible. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder described in the DSM5 manual for mental health diagnosis. It's a behavioural condition that is characterised by inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment must be uncharacteristic for your age group and are present in a variety of settings (eg at home, at school and at school). They should also last for more than 6 months and affect your academic, social and professional performance. If you're a student, you may be evaluated for ADHD by an educational psychologist. The results of the assessment can be used to support your claim for reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance. This is especially useful for students who have ADHD and require additional support at university. However, the BBC Panorama investigation highlighted how the lack of NHS capacity is driving many people to seek out private assessments. While the report stated that private clinics are proving to be over-diagnosing ADHD, this isn't necessarily the case. The issue is that many adults with ADHD are waiting too long to be diagnosed. In the meantime many adults are struggling with their symptoms and some are missing benefits since they haven't had an official diagnosis. If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms and require an accurate diagnosis, a private exam could be the best option. It's also the most efficient method to receive medication. 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 demand and patients are going to private clinics to get the help they need. Panorama recently revealed that certain clinics were prescribing the wrong medication and falsely diagnosing patients. Clinics are also prescribing dangerous drugs that can cause serious side effects, and put patients at risk of developing addiction. The Panorama programme raised questions about the amount of adults with ADHD cases being diagnosed and treated by non-specialists. This is particularly the case in higher education where students may not be able to afford medication. This can result in low performance and depression. This could be dangerous for students with ADHD and might not be able to afford the medication or therapy they require. If you suffer from ADHD as an adult, it is essential to receive a thorough diagnosis and discuss treatment options. The assessment should be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse in mental health. They are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are certified to diagnose ADHD. The typical assessment takes between 45 and 90 minutes of meeting with a psychiatrist. The discussion should include your mental health as well as your family history and other factors that can influence ADHD symptoms. In addition to evaluating your symptoms, the psychiatrist will likely want to rule out any other conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. They will also examine your family history as well as your school reports. The process can take a long time but it's well worth the long wait. If you are a patient of a GP in England you are able to use your Right to Choose to choose the psychiatrist who will evaluate your condition for ADHD. 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, which means you will only pay the NHS prescription cost. These providers typically have shorter waiting times than the NHS, and most offer appointments online via video calls.