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 up to two hours, and it's best to bring someone from the family or a close acquaintance along. The assessment will also focus on the history of mental health as well as family history.
If you live 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 is important to know the costs of an adult ADHD assessment before committing to a treatment program. However, if you're urgent need of an ADHD diagnosis, the expense could be worth it. Many people have found that an ADHD diagnosis can transform their lives. It can help them concentrate on their family and work lives, and even improve their mental health.
You'll also be accountable to pay for any prescriptions prescribed by your psychiatrist. These prescriptions aren't 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 monitor your medication. These follow-ups are usually every three to four weeks until your dosage is stable.
If you have a GP, it's best to inquire if they'll sign a shared care agreement with the private Psychiatrist. This will stop you from receiving a diagnosis privately, and then going to the NHS where your doctor may not approve of your medication plan. This can be a problem because some GPs refuse to sign the agreement.
A licensed healthcare professional will need to conduct a thorough interview and background check before diagnosing ADHD in adults. This is a complicated and difficult process, so it can't be rushed. In fact, NICE guidelines state that an assessment of psychiatric disorders for ADHD must be done by a UK registered psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse.
There is a shortage of ADHD assessors in the NHS, which can cause lengthy waiting times. If you're registered with a GP in England you have the right to choose your own ADHD assessor - this is called the 'Right to Choose' pathway. These independent providers have less waiting times than NHS. Some of these independent providers offer online video calls for appointments. This allows those with limited mobility or other issues to receive an ADHD assessment.
Finding a diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful and emotional process. It can take years before people are able to get an assessment through the NHS. There are ways to speed this process by going private. The NHS provides a "Right to Choose" procedure that lets patients choose their own mental health care provider. This can be a much quicker way to get an ADHD assessment. It is essential to speak with your GP about your concerns if you are contemplating a private diagnosis. It is also helpful to record the reasons you believe that you might have ADHD. This will help your GP to know why you're seeking an assessment.
The NHS is currently experiencing a shortage of psychiatrists who are able to assess adults for ADHD. This is due to a growing demand for services, as well as a lack in funding. Many people opt to pay for private assessments. However, some clinics claim to provide a diagnosis without any evidence. BBC's Panorama program exposed a number of private clinics claiming to diagnose ADHD, but without the proper assessment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must meet at least six of the criteria, which include inattention and hyperactivity. The symptoms must have been evident at various stages in their life. The diagnostic process includes an interview and background assessment. Psychiatry UK is one of the major providers of private ADHD assessments in England, recommends that people take their time before making a decision on assessments online. They also suggest that people should get a private assessment with a respected psychiatrist.
A diagnosis of ADHD can have a significant impact on your daily life. It will help you understand why you can't focus and how your symptoms impact your daily life. It can also assist you find a treatment that will enhance your quality of life. If you're struggling to keep up with your schoolwork or are having difficulty at work or at school, having an ADHD diagnosis can help you to be more confident in your ability to succeed.
Follow-up appointments
ADHD is a multifaceted disorder that is difficult to manage. It can impact every aspect of your life. For example, it may cause difficulties at school or at work as well as affect relationships. It can also result in anxiety and depression. A private adult ADHD assessment can help you identify the difficulties you're experiencing and formulate a plan of treatment. A comprehensive diagnostic report is included in the assessment cost and medication can be prescribed in the event of need.
During the interview you will be able to discuss your experiences with ADHD. You will also discuss how your symptoms impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then discuss the results of your tests and provide an assessment. They will also give advice on the benefits and risks of medication and recommend the best treatment strategy. The first line of treatment is medication, however there are other options that are not medical.
ADHD is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders that are defined in the DSM5 manual of mental health diagnosis. It's a behavioural condition that is characterised by inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity. These symptoms are not typical for your age group and must occur in multiple settings (e.g. at home and school). These symptoms should last for longer than six months and affect negatively your social, academic, and professional performance.
You could be assessed for ADHD by a psychologist if you are an undergraduate student. The results of the assessment can be used to justify your claim for reasonable accommodations and Disabled Student's Allowance. This is especially helpful for students suffering from ADHD who require additional assistance at university.
The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that the lack of NHS capacity is forcing many people to seek out private assessments. The report suggested that private clinics are able to over-diagnose ADHD. However this isn't necessarily the case. The problem is that waiting times aren't enough for many adults with ADHD to get a diagnosis.
In the meantime, many adults are struggling to cope with their symptoms and some are even missing out on benefits due to the fact that they've not received an official diagnosis. A private assessment could be the best option for those struggling with ADHD and require a speedy diagnosis. It's also the fastest route to receiving medication.
Medication
ADHD can cause many issues for adults, and many of those with the disorder are seeking treatment. However, the NHS is struggling to cope with the demand and patients are seeking private clinics for the assistance they require. In a recent investigation Panorama discovered that a few of these clinics are providing inappropriate medication and diagnosing people falsely. Clinics are also prescribing powerful 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 true in higher education, where people might not be able to afford medications. This can lead to a poor performance or even depression. This can be extremely dangerous for students suffering from ADHD who might not be able afford the treatment and medication.
If you private adhd assessment suffer from ADHD as an adult, it is important to get a complete diagnosis and discuss the treatment options. This assessment should be carried out by a psychiatrist, or a specialist mental health nurse, because they are the sole healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The test usually involves an interview lasting between 45 and 90 minutes with a psychiatrist. It should cover your mental health, family history and other factors that can influence ADHD symptoms.
In addition to assessing your symptoms your psychiatrist may also be looking to rule out any other conditions that could be mistaken for ADHD like depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. They will also look at your family history and school records. The process can take some time but the wait is worth it.
If you have a doctor in England you are able to use your Right to Choose to select the psychiatrist who will test you for ADHD. You may also ask your physician to recommend you to a private service that has agreements for shared care with the NHS for ADHD medication, meaning that you only pay the NHS prescription cost. These providers have shorter waiting times than the NHS and a majority of them provide appointments via video chat.