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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 hasn't been diagnosed with it should undergo an ADHD assessment. The process could take up to two sessions, and it's recommended to bring an adult family member or a acquaintance along. The assessment will also focus 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 has helpful information about doing this, including templates for forms and letters for your GP. Costs The cost of an adult ADHD assessment can be expensive, and it's important to make sure you understand the price before committing to a treatment plan. However, if you're in urgent need of an ADHD diagnosis, the cost could be worth it. Many people find an ADHD diagnosis to be life-changing. It can help them concentrate on their family and work lives and even improve their mental health. In addition to the charges, you will also have to pay for any prescriptions given by your Psychiatrist. These prescriptions will not be covered by the NHS so you will have to pay them directly. In certain instances, you may need to attend follow-up appointments to keep track of your medication. These follow-ups usually occur every three to four weeks until you are able to maintain your dosage. Ask your GP if they'll sign a shared-care contract with the private Psychiatrist. This will prevent you from getting a diagnosis privately, and then going to the NHS where your GP may not approve of your medication plan. mouse click the next article can be frustrating because certain doctors are not willing to sign the agreement. The process of determining ADHD as an adult requires a thorough background check and interview with a qualified healthcare professional. It's a complex and challenging process, which is why it shouldn't be taken lightly. NICE guidelines stipulate that a psychiatrist licensed in the UK or a specialist ADHD Nurse is able to conduct an psychiatric assessment for ADHD. The NHS currently has a shortage of fully-trained ADHD assessors, meaning that waiting times can be very long. If you're registered with an GP and you are able to choose your own ADHD Assessor. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose” route. These independent providers often have much shorter waiting times than the NHS. Some of these independent providers provide online video calls for appointments. This allows people with limited mobility or other issues to receive an ADHD assessment. Making an accurate diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a difficult and emotional process. It can take years before patients are able to obtain an assessment through the NHS. Fortunately, there are ways to speed up the process by going private. The NHS provides a “Right to Choose” procedure that lets patients choose their own mental health care provider. This is a speedier method to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are thinking of getting a private diagnosis it is crucial to discuss your concerns with your GP. It is also helpful to record the reasons that you believe that you might have ADHD. This will help your GP to understand the reasons you'd like an assessment. The NHS is currently facing an acute shortage of psychiatrists capable of conducting assessments of 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 evaluations. However, some of these clinics are claiming to diagnose a patient without any evidence. BBC's Panorama program exposed a number of private clinics claiming to diagnose ADHD, but without an accurate evaluation. To be considered to have ADHD, a person must meet at minimum six of the criteria, including inattention and hyperactivity. The symptoms have to be present at different times in their lives. The diagnostic process involves an interview and background assessment. Psychiatry UK, one of the top providers in England of private ADHD assessments, advises individuals to carefully consider their options prior to deciding on an assessment online. They also suggest that individuals take a private assessment from a reputable psychiatrist. A diagnosis of ADHD could have a significant impact on your daily life. It will help you understand why you are unable to concentrate and how the symptoms affect your daily life. It can also help you to find a treatment that can improve your life. If you're having trouble keeping up with your studies or at work, an ADHD diagnosis can give you confidence about your capability 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 instance, it could cause difficulties at school or at work, affect relationships and can lead to depression and anxiety. A private adult ADHD assessment can help you understand the issues you're experiencing and identify a treatment plan. A comprehensive diagnostic report is included in the assessment fee and medication can be prescribed in the event of need. During the interview you will be able to talk about your experience of living with ADHD. You can also talk about how your symptoms impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will explain the results of your tests and give the diagnosis. They will also give advice on the advantages and dangers of medications and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. The first option for treatment is medication, but there are alternatives to medical treatment. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder 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 should not be typical for your age and occur in more than one environment (eg, at home and at school). These symptoms should last for longer than six months, and interfere negatively with 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 accommodations and Disabled Student's Allowance. This is particularly helpful for students suffering from ADHD who require additional assistance at university. The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that the lack of NHS capacity is causing many to take advantage of private assessments. The report also stated that private clinics are proving to be over-diagnosing ADHD but this isn't the case. The problem is that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are waiting too long to be diagnosed. In the meantime many adults are struggling to cope with their issues and some are missing out on benefits because they don't have an official diagnosis. If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms and need an accurate diagnosis, a private assessment could be the best option. This is also the fastest method to receive treatment. Medication ADHD can cause a wide range of problems for adults, and a large number of those suffering from the disorder are seeking treatment. The NHS is struggling with the demand, and a lot of patients are turning to private clinics to seek assistance. In a recent investigation Panorama found that some of these clinics are providing inappropriate medication and diagnosing people falsely. Clinics are also prescribing strong drugs that can have serious side effects and put patients at risk of becoming addicted. The Panorama program raised concerns about the number of adults with ADHD cases being diagnosed and treated by non-specialists. This is especially true in higher education where some students may not be able afford medication. This can lead to lower performance and even depression. This could be very dangerous for students with ADHD who might not be able afford the necessary treatment and medication. If you are an adult with ADHD an accurate diagnosis and discussion of treatment options is necessary. 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 able to diagnose ADHD. The typical assessment involves a 45 to 90-minute discussion with the psychiatrist and will cover your general 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 misinterpreted as ADHD such as thyroid, anxiety, depression or issues. They will also examine your family background and school records. The process may take a long time however, it's worth the wait. If you are a patient of a GP, you can choose the psychiatrist to evaluate your ADHD using your Right to Choice. You can ask your GP to refer you to a private provider that has shared care agreements (which means you only pay the NHS prescription fee) together with the NHS. These providers typically have shorter waiting times than the NHS and many are now offering appointments via video chat.