ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Anyone who suspects they have ADHD but has not been diagnosed should get an ADHD assessment. The process could take up to two sessions and it's recommended to bring a family member or friend along. The examination will also focus on the history of mental health as well as family history.
If you live in England, you can request your GP to conduct an ADHD assessment through Right to Choose. The Psychiatry UK website has useful information on making this request, including templates forms and letters to your GP.
Costs
It is important to know the cost of an adult ADHD evaluation before you commit to a treatment program. If you're in urgent need of an ADHD diagnosis, the price can be worth it. Many people find an ADHD diagnosis to be life-changing. It can help them focus, improve their work and family life, and even improve their mental health.
You will also be responsible to pay for any prescriptions prescribed by your psychiatrist. These prescriptions are not covered by the NHS therefore you will need to pay for them directly. In some instances, you might be required to attend follow-up visits to monitor your medication. These follow-up appointments are typically every 3-4 weeks until you're stable on your dosage.
If IamPsychiatry 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 a diagnosis privately and then moving on to the NHS where your doctor may not be supportive of your medication plan. This can be frustrating as some GPs refuse to sign the agreement.
A licensed healthcare professional should conduct a thorough interview and background check prior to diagnosing ADHD in adults. This is a complex and challenging process, which is why it should not be attempted to rush. In fact, NICE guidelines state that a psychiatric assessment for ADHD is only able to be conducted by an UK registered psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse.
There is a shortage of ADHD assessors in the NHS, which can cause lengthy waiting times. If you're registered with an GP, you can choose your own ADHD Assessor. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose" pathway. These independent providers often have much shorter waiting times than the NHS. Some of these independent providers provide online video calls for appointments. This makes it much easier to obtain an ADHD assessment for those with restricted mobility.
Finding an answer to a question
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is a challenging 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 choosing to go private. The NHS offers a "Right to Choose" pathway which allows patients to choose their own mental health professional. This can be a faster way to access an ADHD assessment. If you are considering getting an assessment for yourself it is essential to discuss your concerns with your GP. You may also record your thoughts on the reasons you believe you may have ADHD. This will aid your GP understand why you want an assessment.
The NHS currently has a shortage of psychiatrists who can assess adults for ADHD. This is due to the increasing demand for services and a deficiency of funding. This is why a lot of people are choosing to use private clinics for their assessments. Sadly, some clinics claim to provide a diagnose without any evidence. BBC's Panorama program exposed a variety of private clinics that claim to diagnose ADHD but without an accurate evaluation.
To be diagnosed with ADHD an individual must meet at least six of the criteria, which include hyperactivity and inattention. The symptoms must have been evident at different times in their lives. The diagnostic process consists of an interview as well as a background assessment. Psychiatry UK is one of the top providers in England of private ADHD assessments, advises people to think carefully about the options before deciding to take an online assessment. They also suggest that people should get a private assessment with a trusted psychiatrist.
A diagnosis of ADHD could have a significant impact on your life. It can help you to determine the reason you are unable to focus and how the symptoms impact your daily activities. It can also help you identify a treatment option that can enhance your quality of life. Whether you are struggling to keep up with schoolwork, or have difficulty working or at school, having an ADHD diagnosis can help you feel more confident about your ability to achieve.
Follow-up appointments
The complexity of ADHD make it difficult to manage and can affect every aspect of your life. For example, it may cause problems at work or school, affect relationships and can result in anxiety and depression. A private adult ADHD assessment can help you determine the issues you're facing and formulate a plan of treatment. A comprehensive diagnostic report is included in the assessment fee and prescription medications are available if required.
During the consultation you can share your experiences with ADHD and talk through what symptoms are affecting your daily life. The psychiatrist will then discuss the results of your tests and provide an assessment. They will also advise on the advantages and dangers of medications and suggest a treatment strategy. Medicine is the first line of treatment, however non-medical management options are also possible.
ADHD is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders defined in the DSM5 manual of mental health diagnoses. It's a behavioural condition that is characterised by inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms must be uncharacteristic for your developmental age and are present in a variety of settings (eg at home, at school and at school). These symptoms should last for longer than six months and negatively impact your academic, social and professional performance.
You are able to be tested for ADHD by psychologists if you're in school. The results of the assessment can be used to support your claim for reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance. This is particularly useful for students suffering from ADHD who require additional help at university.
The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that a lack in NHS capacity is causing many to look for private assessments. The report stated that private clinics over-diagnose ADHD. However 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 to cope with their problems and some are even missing out on benefits due to the fact that they haven't had an official diagnosis. A private assessment could be the best option if you're struggling with ADHD and need a fast-tracked diagnosis. It's also the quickest way to receive medication.
Medication
ADHD can cause a host of problems for adults. Many are seeking treatment. However the NHS is unable to cope with demand and patients are seeking private clinics to receive the assistance they require. Panorama recently revealed that some clinics were prescribing inappropriate medication and misdiagnosing patients. The clinics are also prescribing dangerous drugs that can have serious side effects, and put patients at risk of becoming addicted.
Panorama raised concerns about the number adult ADHD cases that are being treated by with non-specialists. This is particularly the case in higher education where students may not be able afford medications. This can lead to poor performance and even depression. This is a risk for students with ADHD and might not have the money to pay for the medication or therapy they need.
If you are an adult suffering from ADHD, a full diagnosis and discussion of treatment options is crucial. 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 test usually involves a 45-90 minute discussion with a psychiatrist. It should cover your mental health, family background and other aspects that could affect ADHD symptoms.
In addition to evaluating your symptoms, the psychiatrist is likely to want to rule out other illnesses that may be misinterpreted as ADHD such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. They will also review your family history and school records. The process could take a while but it's well worth the long wait.
If you are a patient of a GP you can request a psychiatrist to assess your ADHD through your Right to Choice. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a private service who offers shared care agreements with the NHS for ADHD medication, which means you only pay the NHS prescription charge. These providers typically have lower waiting times than the NHS, and most are now offering appointments via video chat.