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ADHD Assessment – Why it's Important to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Anyone who suspects they be suffering from ADHD but has not been diagnosed should get an ADHD assessment. The process can take between 2 and 3 sessions. It is recommended to bring along a friend or a family member. The assessment will also concentrate on the history of mental health as well as family history. If you are in England, you can request your GP to perform an ADHD assessment through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK has useful details on how to go about this including examples of letters and forms to your GP. Costs The cost of an adult ADHD assessment could be costly, and it's important to make sure you understand the price before committing to a treatment program. However, if you're urgent need of an ADHD diagnosis, the expense could be worth it. Many people find an ADHD diagnosis to be life-changing. private adhd assessment adults can help them concentrate as well as improve their family and work lives, and even lead to better mental health. You'll also be responsible for paying for any medications prescribed by your Psychiatrist. These prescriptions will not be covered by the NHS therefore you will need to pay directly. In some cases you may have to attend follow-up appointments to keep track of your medication. These follow-ups are usually every three to four weeks until your dosage is stable. Ask your GP whether they'll sign a shared-care arrangement with the private Psychiatrist. This will stop you from receiving an unofficial diagnosis and transitioning to the NHS where your GP will not be able to approve of your treatment plan. Some GPs will refuse to sign this agreement, which can be frustrating. The process of diagnosing ADHD as an adult requires a thorough background study and interview with a qualified healthcare professional. It's a complex and difficult process, so it can't be rushed. In fact, NICE guidelines state that the psychiatric evaluation for ADHD can only be made by a UK registered psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse. The NHS is currently in the process of reducing its supply of fully-trained ADHD assessors, which means waiting times can be extremely long. If you're registered with a GP and you are able to choose your own ADHD Assessor. This is referred to as the “Right to Choose” route. These independent providers have less waiting times than NHS. Some of these independent providers provide online video calls to make appointments. This allows people with limited mobility or other factors to get an ADHD assessment. Making an accurate diagnosis The process of getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be a stressful and emotional process. Some people might need to wait for several years before receiving an assessment via the NHS. There are, however, ways to speed up the process by going private. The NHS has a pathway known as 'Right of Choice that allows patients to select their own psychiatrist. This is a quicker method of obtaining an ADHD assessment. It is important to talk with your GP about your concerns if contemplating the possibility of a private diagnosis. It may also be beneficial to record the reasons that you believe that you might have ADHD. This will help your GP understand why you want an assessment. The NHS is currently facing an acute shortage of psychiatrists capable of testing adults for ADHD. This is due to the growing demand for services and a lack of funding. As a result, many people are choosing to go private for their examinations. Unfortunately, some of these clinics claim to be able to provide a diagnose without any evidence. This was highlighted by the BBC's Panorama programme that exposed a variety of private clinics that are claiming to diagnose ADHD without a proper evaluation. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must meet at least six of the criteria, which include inattention and hyperactivity. The symptoms must be evident at different stages of their lives. The diagnostic process includes an interview and background assessment. Psychiatry-UK, one of the main providers of private ADHD assessments in England suggests that individuals think about their options before opting for online assessments. They also recommend that individuals should get a private assessment from a reputable psychiatrist. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can have a significant impact on your daily life. It can help you discover the reasons you're unable to focus, and how your symptoms affect your everyday life. It can also help you find a solution 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 feel more confident in your ability to succeed. Follow-up appointments The complexities of ADHD means that it can be challenging to manage and it can affect every aspect of your life. It can cause issues at work or school and can impact relationships. It can also lead to depression and anxiety. A private adult ADHD assessment can help to identify the issues you're having and formulate a plan of treatment. A comprehensive diagnosis report is included in the assessment fee and prescription medications are available if required. During the interview you can discuss your experiences living with ADHD. You can also talk about how your symptoms affect your daily life. The psychiatrist will then explain the results of your tests and offer the diagnosis. They will also give you advice on the risks and benefits of medicines, and suggest a plan of treatment. Medication is the first line of treatment but non-medical management alternatives are also available. 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 must not be typical for your age and should be present in a variety of situations (e.g. at home and school). These symptoms must last more than six months and negatively impact your academic, social, and professional performance. You can be assessed for ADHD by psychologists if you're an undergraduate student. The results of the assessment can be used to support your claim for reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student allowance. This is especially beneficial for students with ADHD and require additional support at university. However, the BBC Panorama investigation highlighted how the lack of NHS capacity is driving many patients to seek private assessments. Although the report claimed that private clinics are over-diagnosing ADHD but this isn't the case. The problem is that waiting times are too long for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed. Many adults are still struggling with their symptoms and some have been denied benefits because of the absence of a formal diagnosis. A private assessment can be the best option for those struggling with ADHD and need a quick diagnosis. It's also the fastest method to receive medication. Medication ADHD can lead to a variety of issues for adults. Many of them are seeking treatment. However the NHS is struggling to cope with the demand and patients are seeking private clinics to get the help they need. In a recent study, Panorama revealed that some clinics are offering incorrect medication and diagnosing patients falsely. They also prescribe too much powerful drugs, causing serious adverse effects and putting 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 especially true in higher education where some students might not be able to afford the cost of medications. This can result in to a poor performance or even depression. This can be dangerous for students with ADHD and may not be able afford the medication or therapy they require. If you suffer from ADHD as an adult, it's crucial to obtain a full 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 who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The test typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes of meeting with a psychiatrist. The discussion should include your mental health, family history, and other factors that may affect ADHD symptoms. The psychiatrist will also want to rule out any other conditions that could be mistaken for ADHD, like 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 waiting. If you are an GP patient you can request a psychiatrist to assess your ADHD using your Right to Choice. You can also ask your doctor to recommend you to a private practitioner that has a shared care agreement with the NHS for ADHD medication, which means you will only pay the NHS prescription cost. These providers offer shorter waiting times than NHS and a majority of them provide appointments via video calls.