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ADHD Assessment in the UK A thorough ADHD assessment is generally a fairly comprehensive process. A psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment and rule out other medical conditions such as thyroid or depression. They can also request old school records and other supporting evidence. It is crucial that the person who is conducting your assessment is a specialist in ADHD. This is the case for GP's as well as consultant psychiatrists too. Waiting at various times Adults in the UK who require ADHD diagnosis are forced to wait for years to see psychiatrists for years. The condition is acknowledged as a serious mental disorder that can have an enormous impact on the daily lives of people. In certain areas, waiting times can last as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent action to help improve the situation. The problem is made worse by the growing awareness of the condition and the rising demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep up with the demand, and a lot of patients are choosing to seek treatment through private clinics. 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. The number of adults seeking an assessment has exploded and is currently over the capacity of the service. Those who choose to go the private route are usually much better off, as private psychiatrists are more adept at dealing with adults and are more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. They are also more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety that are frequently present with ADHD. Many people are still concerned about the quality of private assessments and the possibility for them to overdiagnose a illness. The issue came to the attention of the public when an BBC Panorama investigation exposed the ways in which private clinics were giving diagnoses without proper procedure. Some have accused the program of inciting stigma and stereotyping against people who suffer from ADHD. The BBC should be commended however, for exposing the problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's unfortunate that some of those who need this assistance are being required to seek it privately and the NHS needs to work out ways to address the situation. In the meantime, if you might be suffering from ADHD You can try an assessment for free with a charity or pay for an assessment from private psychiatrists. These are typically less expensive than the NHS but do not include a prescription. Second opinion It is crucial to seek a diagnosis if you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD. A correct diagnosis will aid in managing your symptoms and take medication. You could be advised to a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. There are a variety of private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration treatments. These clinics are usually very adept with the various types of adults who may have ADHD which includes men and women. They can also screen for co-morbidities like depression and anxiety. Private ADHD assessments are costly however the waiting time for NHS services are significantly longer. Typically, you pay for a first assessment and then be able to schedule follow-up appointments if needed. These appointments will be covered by your insurance plan if you have it. These appointments are conducted by trained nurses who have a special interest in ADHD and are certified to assess the condition. Initial appointments usually include clinical interviews as well as rating systems. You may also be asked to answer questionnaires, and you could be referred for further tests such as an MRI or EEG. A private clinic will charge you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment. The price includes assessment time as well as titration costs. Some private ADHD assessments offer titration apart from diagnosis and are cheaper. However, the process of titration takes longer and requires a number of appointments. The quality of private ADHD assessments has been questioned after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before deciding to go to a private clinic to try and find. The BBC investigation exposed a variety of cases where patients were diagnosed of ADHD which was later removed. This is a problem because it can be extremely distressing for people to have their symptoms incorrectly diagnosed, and some patients have been given medication that causes negative side effects. In Scotland the Scottish government, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 that includes the initial assessment as well as the titration. Most health insurance plans cover these assessments however it is worthwhile to inquire with your insurance company to determine if the policy you have does. Referral to an expert clinic If your GP recommends a specialist clinic the clinician will ask 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 criteria for diagnosing. They will also check for co-morbidities, or any other mental health issues. These are often depression and anxiety. The doctor will then discuss possible treatment options with you including medication if appropriate. During an assessment, the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at home and work. They will also inquire about any medications you are taking. The interview will be organized and you may bring your family member or friend to help you with the information. It usually takes a few sessions to arrive at the diagnosis. Some clinics provide a full assessment, and others will only look for specific symptoms. Panorama's investigation into the poor service offered to patients with ADHD in the NHS has brought it to the fore. The reporter on the programme was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics – but his GP insisted that he didn't have the condition. The BBC claimed that the story was a case of “over-diagnosis” by private firms. However doctors are only permitted to refer patients to further investigation or prescribe medication if they follow strict guidelines. Many doctors are reluctant to sign an agreement for shared care with the NHS. This is the only way for them to transfer the care of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnoses. They feel that they are not experts on ADHD or psychiatry. GPs should also note that a lot of private psychiatrists will not prescribe medications, which could make it difficult for patients to get the care they require. Request your GP to refer you to an ADHD assessment in the event that they haven't yet. You can determine your estimated waiting time either by calling the local mental health clinic or using the Right To Choose site. The site allows you to choose an online ADHD assessment service, which will be offered by the NHS. Confirmation of diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. Not only does it help individuals better understand themselves, but it also helps them and their friends and family better assist them. It also helps them identify the right treatment plan. However, obtaining an accurate diagnosis isn't always easy. In the UK, people have to wait for a long period of time for an NHS assessment. This can be frustrating for many who are trying to determine if they are having ADHD. If you cannot wait, you can self-refer to a specialist psychiatrist for a private assessment. This can save you time and also a visit to your GP. This is not a quick procedure and could take months however, it will give you an accurate diagnosis than the NHS one. It is essential to ensure that the person who conducts the test is a psychiatrist or psychologist since they are the only healthcare professionals qualified to assess ADHD in the UK. A private assessment will likely consist of a medical interview with a psychiatrist, which will include questions regarding your mental health and childhood history. The doctor will employ rating scales to inquire about your current challenges at work, at school, or in relationships. Read This method will also address any other signs you may have that could indicate the presence of ADHD. This will produce a comprehensive ADHD assessment report, which the psychiatrist will forward to your GP with your consent. They will also offer medication if needed. They can also assist you in obtaining other forms of support, including studying skills and mentoring. They will also help with applying for Disabled Student Allowance if are a student at a university. While it is not ideal to cut corners however, the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners by using online assessments or private clinics with fast appointments but with little or no medical expertise. These methods should be avoided, but there's no reason to think that people suffering from ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment if they are able to afford it.