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ADHD Assessment in the UK An ADHD assessment is usually a pretty thorough process. A psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms are causing significant impairment, and rule out other conditions like depression or thyroid. They may also request older school reports or other supporting evidence. It is crucial that the person carrying out your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This applies to psychiatrists as well as GPs. Waiting at various times Adults in the UK who need an ADHD diagnosis are left waiting years to see psychiatrists. The condition is acknowledged as a serious mental disorder that has an impact on the lives of people. The situation is worse in some areas, with waiting times up to four years. The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation. The issue is being exacerbated by a growing awareness of the condition, as well as a rise in the demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a large number of patients are choosing to seek treatment from private providers. The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to select private health providers. One such service is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS across the country. It has seen a surge in the number of adults seeking an assessment, and exceeds its capacity at present. People who opt to take the private route are generally much better served, as private psychiatrists are accustomed to dealing with adults and are more familiar with the nuances of the condition. They are also more likely to have experience in managing co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression, which can often be present with ADHD. Many people are still worried about the quality of private assessments and the possibility for them to misdiagnose the condition. BBC Panorama exposed how some private clinics were able to diagnose patients without following the proper process. Some have claimed that the program is propagating stigma and stereotypes about people suffering from ADHD. However the BBC deserves praise for exposing the issue and highlighting the suffering of adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It is a shame that some people who need assistance are required to seek it privately and the NHS needs to work out ways to address the issue. If Iampsychiatry think you may have ADHD, try a free screening with a charity or pay a private psychiatrist to evaluate you. They're typically less expensive than the NHS however they will not issue the prescription for medication. Second opinion It is important to seek a diagnosis if you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. A proper diagnosis will assist you in managing your symptoms and prescribe medication. You could be recommended to a psychiatrist additional therapy. There are numerous private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration treatments. These clinics are typically experienced with the wide range of adults who may have ADHD, including men and women. They are also able to screen for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety. Private ADHD assessments can be expensive however the waiting times for NHS services are significantly longer. The typical cost is the initial assessment, and then schedule follow-up appointments if needed. These appointments are covered by your insurance plan if you have it. These appointments will be performed in a professional manner by nurses who have been trained and have a special interest ADHD. The initial appointment will normally consist of clinical interviews and grading scales. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires and referred for additional tests, like an MRI. A private clinic will cost you between PS500 to PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The price includes assessment time and titration costs. Some private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and this may be less expensive. The process of titration takes longer and requires 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 a diagnosis of ADHD, which was later taken off. This is a problem because it can be extremely stressful for patients to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed, and a few of them were prescribed medications that have negative side effects. In Scotland In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment as well as the titration. The majority of health insurance policies cover these tests. However, it's important to check whether you are covered. Referral to an expert clinic If your GP recommends you to an expert clinic, the specialist will ask you questions and perform an assessment of your clinical needs. They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they meet the diagnostic criteria. They will also check for co-morbidities or other mental health issues. These include depression and anxiety. The doctor will then discuss treatment options with you, including medication if appropriate. During an assessment the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history and current issues at home and at work. They will also ask you about any medications you are taking. They will then conduct an organized interview, and you should bring an adult family member or friend along to provide any additional information. The examination will typically take a few sessions to establish the diagnosis. Some clinics offer an extensive evaluation, whereas others will focus on specific symptoms. Panorama's investigation into the poor treatment of ADHD in the NHS has brought the issue to the fore. The undercover reporter of the show was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics – while his GP insisted that he did not have the condition. The BBC claimed that the story was an instance of “over-diagnosis” by private companies. However, GPs are only allowed to refer patients to further investigation or prescribe medication when they adhere to strict guidelines. Many GPs refuse to sign an agreement for shared treatment with the NHS. This is the only way to transfer the care of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnoses. This is due to the fact that they believe that they're not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. The GP should also be aware that many private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication, which may make it difficult for their patients to get the treatment they need. If your GP hasn't recommended you for an ADHD assessment, ask them to refer you. You should be able to determine the estimated waiting time by calling the local mental health services or by visiting the Right To Choose website. The site lets you select an online ADHD assessment service which will be offered by NHS. Confirmation of diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It aids people in understanding themselves and also their family and friends. In addition, it could aid them in determining a suitable treatment plan. However, obtaining an assessment isn't always straightforward. Particularly in the UK where patients have to wait for a long time for an assessment by the NHS. This can be a problem for many people who are seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD. If you can't wait, you can refer yourself to a specialist psychiatrist for a private assessment. This will save you time and a trip to your GP. This is a lengthy procedure that could take months. However, it will give you an accurate diagnosis than those offered by the NHS. You must make sure that the person who is conducting your assessment is a psychologist or psychiatrist, since they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK who are certified to diagnose ADHD. A private assessment could include a clinical interview conducted by psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your mental health, childhood history and other factors. The doctor will also utilize ratings scales and inquire about your current struggles with work, school, and relationships. They will also address any other symptoms you experience that could indicate the presence of ADHD. The psychiatrist will then send an extensive ADHD report to your GP, with your permission. They will also offer medication if appropriate. They will also assist you in obtaining other types of help, like tutoring and study skills. If you are a student, they will assist you with applying for Disabled Students Allowance. It's not a good idea to cut corners, but the NHS is overburdened and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners using online assessments or private clinics with fast appointments but with little or no medical expertise. These methods should be avoided, however there's no reason to think that those suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment if they are able to afford it.