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ADHD Assessment – Why it's Important to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Anyone who suspects they have ADHD but has not been diagnosed should seek an ADHD assessment. The process can take between 2 and 3 sessions. It is best to bring along a friend or family member. 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 to conduct an ADHD assessment through Right to Choose. The Psychiatry-UK website provides helpful information on making this request, including templates forms and letters to your GP. Costs The cost of an adult ADHD assessment could be costly, and it's important to understand the price before committing to a treatment plan. If you're in desperate need of an ADHD diagnosis, the expense is worth it. Many people find an ADHD diagnosis to be life-changing. It can help them focus on their family and work lives and even lead to better mental health. In addition to the fees 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 them directly. In certain instances, you may need to attend follow-up appointments to check your medication. These follow ups are usually every 3-4 weeks until you're stable on your dosage. Ask your GP whether they'll sign a shared-care contract with the private Psychiatrist. This will stop you from getting a private diagnosis, and later transitioning to the NHS, where your GP is unlikely to accept your medication plan. This can be a problem because some doctors refuse to sign the agreement. The process of diagnosing ADHD as an adult requires a thorough background and interview with a trained healthcare professional. This is a complicated and arduous process, therefore it should not be attempted to rush. NICE guidelines say that a psychiatrist registered in the UK or a specialist ADHD Nurse can only make an psychiatric assessment for ADHD. There's a shortage of ADHD assessors in the NHS which can result in long wait times. However, if you're registered with a GP in England you have the option of choosing your own ADHD assessor – this is called the 'Right to Choose' route. private adhd assessment adults have shorter waiting times than the NHS. Furthermore, some offer appointments online over video call. This makes it much easier to obtain an ADHD assessment for those with limited mobility. Getting an answer to a question A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenging emotional process. Some people might have to wait many years before they get an assessment from the NHS. There are ways to speed this process by going private. The NHS offers a “Right to Choose” procedure that lets patients choose their own mental health provider. This is a faster method to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're considering an assessment for yourself, it is important to discuss your concerns with your GP. It may also be beneficial to note down the reasons why you think that you might have ADHD. This will allow your GP to know why you're seeking an assessment. The NHS currently has an insufficient number of psychiatrists who can assess adults for ADHD. This is due to the growing demand for services and a deficiency of funds. Many people opt to pay for private assessments. Unfortunately, some of these clinics are claiming to provide a diagnosis without any evidence. BBC's Panorama program exposed a number private clinics claiming to diagnose ADHD but without an accurate assessment. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must meet at minimum six of the criteria, including inattention and hyperactivity. The symptoms must have occurred at different times in their life. The process of diagnosing ADHD involves an interview as well as a thorough background examination. Psychiatry-UK, one of the main providers of private ADHD assessments in England suggests that individuals consider their options carefully before making a decision on online assessments. They also suggest that people should get a private assessment with a respected psychiatrist. A diagnosis of ADHD may have a profound impact on your daily life. It can help you to determine the reason you're unable to focus and how your symptoms affect your daily life. It can also help you discover a treatment that will improve your quality of life. Whether you are struggling to keep up with your schoolwork or are having difficulty at work, having an ADHD diagnosis can allow you to be more confident in your ability to achieve. Follow-up appointments The complexities of ADHD make it difficult to manage and can impact on every aspect of your life. It can cause issues at school or work and can impact relationships. It can also lead to depression and anxiety. A private adult ADHD assessment can help you determine the issues you're facing and develop a treatment plan. The assessment fee includes a complete diagnostic report as well as medication that can be prescribed, in the event of need. During the interview, you will be able to talk about your experiences living with ADHD. You will also be able to discuss how your symptoms affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will explain the results of your tests and give an assessment. They will also provide advice on the advantages and dangers of medications and suggest a treatment plan. The first line of treatment is medication, however there are also non-medical options. 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 and are present in more than one environment (eg at home, at school and at school). They must last for longer than 6 months and interfere with your academic, social and professional performance. If you're a student you may be evaluated for ADHD by an educational psychologist. Their report can help support your claim for reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance. This is especially beneficial for students with ADHD and require additional assistance at the university. However, the BBC Panorama investigation highlighted how a lack of NHS capacity is driving many people to seek out private assessments. The report also claimed that private clinics over-diagnosing ADHD, this isn't necessarily the case. The problem is that many people suffering from ADHD are waiting too long to be diagnosed. In the meantime, many adults are struggling with their symptoms and some are even missing out on benefits because they haven't had an official diagnosis. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms and need an accurate diagnosis, a private evaluation may be the best choice. It's also the fastest method to receive treatment. Medication ADHD can cause a host of problems for adults. Many are seeking treatment. The NHS is struggling with the demand, and a lot of patients are turning to private clinics for assistance. In a recent investigation Panorama discovered that a few of these clinics are providing incorrect medication and diagnosing patients falsely. They are also prescribing too much powerful drugs, which can cause serious adverse effects and placing patients at risk of addiction. The Panorama program raised concerns about the amount of adult ADHD cases being treated and diagnosed by non-specialists. This is especially true for higher education, where students may not be able to afford medication. This can result in to a poor performance or even depression. This is a risk for students who have ADHD and might not have the money to pay for the therapy or medication they need. If you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it is important to get a complete diagnosis and discuss treatment options. The assessment should be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist mental health nurse, because they are the sole healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The test is typically an hour-long discussion with psychiatrists. It should cover your medical history, family background and other factors which can influence ADHD symptoms. In addition to assessing your symptoms the psychiatrist will likely be looking to rule out other illnesses that may be misinterpreted as ADHD such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues. They will also examine your family history and school records. The process can take a long time but it's well worth the wait. If you are a patient of a GP you can select the psychiatrist to evaluate your ADHD by exercising your Right to Choice. You can ask your physician for a referral to a private doctor who has shared care agreements (which means that you pay only the NHS prescription fee) with the NHS. These providers offer shorter waiting times than NHS and a majority of them provide appointments via video call.