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ADHD Assessment in the UK A thorough ADHD assessment is generally an extremely thorough process. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment, and rule out other conditions such as depression or thyroid. They may also request old school records as well as other evidence. It is important that the person carrying out your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This applies to GP's and consultant psychiatrists alike. Waiting times Adults in the UK who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting years to see psychiatrists. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder with an enormous impact on the lives of people. In certain areas, waiting times can be as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to help improve the situation. The issue is amplified by the increasing awareness of the condition and an increase in the demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to meet demand, and many patients opt to seek treatment from private providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to pick private health providers. One of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS across the country. The number of adults who want an assessment has exploded, and is currently exceeding the capacity of the service. Those who choose to go the private route are typically much better off, as private psychiatrists are more adept at dealing with adults and will be more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. private adhd assessment london are more likely to have experience managing co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression that are often associated with ADHD. However, many people are concerned about the quality of private assessments and the potential for them to over-diagnose the illness. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics have made diagnoses without following due process. Some have claimed that the program is propagating stigma and stereotypes about those with ADHD. The BBC deserves to be praised, for exposing the issue and highlighting those who require an ADHD diagnosis. It is a shame that some people who require this help are being forced to seek it out privately, and the NHS should come up with ways to deal with the issue. In the meantime, if you may have ADHD, you can try an assessment for free with an organization, or request an assessment from private psychiatrists. These are usually cheaper than the NHS but they do not come with a prescription. Second opinion It is essential to seek a diagnosis when you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. An accurate diagnosis will allow you to take steps to manage your symptoms, which includes medication. You could be referred to a psychiatrist for additional therapy. There are many private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration treatments. These clinics have a lot of experience dealing with a diverse range of adults, both women and men, who may suffer from ADHD. They are also able to look for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety. Private ADHD assessments can be costly however, they are generally significantly faster than NHS waiting times. You typically pay for the initial assessment, and then schedule subsequent appointments if required. These appointments will be covered by your insurance if you have it. These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who have been trained and have a specific interest in ADHD. The initial appointment will normally include clinical interviews and rating scales. You could also be required to complete questionnaires, and then referred for further tests, such as an MRI. It is possible to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 at a private facility for an ADHD assessment. The cost includes the assessment time and titration costs. Certain private ADHD assessments provide titration that is separate from diagnosis, and may be less expensive. The process of titration can take longer and requires additional appointments. The quality of private ADHD assessments has come under scrutiny after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient had spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before turning to an unofficial clinic in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a variety of instances in which patients received the diagnosis of ADHD but were later removed. This is a problem since it can be extremely depressing for people to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed, and some of them were prescribed medications that have negative side effects. In Scotland, the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as the titration. Most health insurers offer these tests but it's important to check with your insurance provider to determine if your policy will cover it. Referral to a specialist clinic If your GP suggests a specialist clinic the clinician will ask you questions and perform an evaluation of your clinical condition. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD, and if they are in line with the diagnostic criteria. They will also look for any co-morbidities (other mental health issues) that may be present. They are typically depression and anxiety. The doctor will go over with you the treatment options and medications if needed. During an assessment the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history and current issues at work and home. They will also ask about any medications you're taking. The interview will be structured and you can bring an adult or a relative to assist you through the process. It usually takes a few visits to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics provide a full examination, while others only look for specific symptoms. Panorama's investigation into the inadequate provision of ADHD services in the NHS has brought it to the fore. Undercover reporter for the programme was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics while his GP said that he didn't suffer from it. The BBC claimed that the report was an instance of “over-diagnosis” by private firms. However doctors are only permitted to refer patients for further examination or prescribe medications when they adhere to strict guidelines. Many doctors are reluctant to sign a contract for shared care with the NHS. This is the only way they can transfer the treatment of their patients to the NHS following a private diagnosis. They believe that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. The GP should also be aware that a lot of private psychiatrists will not prescribe medications, which could make it difficult for patients to receive the care they require. Request your GP to refer you for an ADHD evaluation If they haven't done so already. You can determine your estimated waiting time by calling your local mental health service or using the Right To Choose site. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service that will be provided by the NHS. Confirmation of diagnosis Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can have a profound impact on your life. It helps people better understand their own behavior and that of their family and friends. It also assists them to find the right treatment strategy. It is not always simple to obtain a diagnosis. In the UK, people have to wait for a long time to receive an NHS assessment. This can be frustrating for those seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD. If you are unable to wait, it's possible to request a private assessment with an experienced specialist psychiatrist. You'll reduce time and avoid having to go to your GP. This is not a quick procedure and could take months but it will provide you with more precise diagnosis than the NHS one. It is important to ensure that the person conducting your assessment is either a psychologist or psychiatrist, since they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are qualified to determine ADHD. A private assessment could include an interview with a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. Questions will be asked about your mental health, childhood history and other aspects. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your current struggles at school, at work, or in relationships. They will also address any other symptoms you experience that could indicate the presence of ADHD. The result will be an extensive ADHD assessment report that the psychiatrist will send to your GP with your consent. If appropriate, they will also prescribe medication. They can also assist you to find other ways of support, including tutoring and support for your study skills. They can also assist with applying for Disabled Student Allowance if you are a university student. While it's not the best idea to take short cuts, the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners by using online assessments or private clinics with quick appointments and little or no expert clinical knowledge. These shortcuts should be avoided, but there's no reason why people suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnostic appointment when they can afford it.