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ADHD Assessment – NHS Or Private? If you think you may be suffering from ADHD is important to consult your GP and discuss your concerns. During the conversation it is important to be honest and open about your issues. You should also familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. If you have a physician that is willing to refer you, you can take advantage of the NHS Right to Choose pathway. This will let you avoid long waiting times. Waiting times If you exhibit symptoms of ADHD, you may be unable to access NHS treatment and assistance. In England, there is an obligation to select where you receive your mental health care and you can make use of this to get private health services, such as an ADHD assessment. Making an appointment at an independent hospital or wellness center is a good way to avoid lengthy waiting periods. You can book an appointment with a specialist in a private hospital or wellbeing centre by making contact with them directly or by requesting a GP referral. You can also request your GP for assistance in paying for a private ADHD assessment. This is an excellent option for those with a tight budget who wish to avoid long NHS waiting times. The private ADHD assessment procedure is similar to a psychiatric assessment and the doctor will discuss your issues with you and examine your performance in various social situations. They will also examine any prior history of mental illness in your family. GPs may be reluctant to refer patients for an ADHD evaluation because they don't have the time or expertise to diagnose the condition. Many NHS trusts have rules preventing doctors from screening their patients, which can result in a rejection of ADHD referrals. According to a Freedom of Information Request from the BBC trusts have been known to reject as much as 8.7% of adult ADHD referrals. This is because doctors have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like and how it impacts a person's life. The NHS also has strict guidelines for the evaluation of ADHD that can cause lengthy wait for diagnosis and treatment. If you feel that your GP isn't prescribing you for the right reason Ask them to explain their reasons. You may be told your doctor doesn't believe you are suffering from ADHD or that another diagnosis is more appropriate. If you disagree with the conclusion, you may look for a private ADHD service. Having website recognised diagnosis is crucial, as it allows you to access workplace protections as well as access to psychological therapy. A diagnosis can be obtained from any of these: a psychologist, psychiatrist or nurse. But it is crucial to ensure that the individual you see is registered with the General Medical Council and is an expert in the field of mental health. Cost The cost of private ADHD assessments vary based on the provider. In general assessments for private ADHD are more than NHS assessments. Private assessments are usually quicker and more efficient, which is something that can be important for certain people. Some private companies also offer additional services such as counseling that could be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. During an ADHD evaluation The psychiatrist will ask you questions about your early years and later to determine if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms. You will be asked to give examples of how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will spend two or more hours evaluating you and it is suggested to bring a person who can help to the appointment, but it is not required. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor will prescribe medication to manage your symptoms. The doctor will also suggest the treatment plan. Most often, this will comprise therapy and medications. However, some people might not be able to take medication or are uncomfortable with taking medications. In these cases the doctor might suggest alternative treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In the UK In the UK, you can get an ADHD assessment through your GP. The NHS will then send you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who can diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrists can prescribe medication while psychologists are not. The doctor will evaluate your condition in person or via video calls and will look at your overall health and family history. Psychologists can also assist with other disorders, such as anxiety and depression. They can also offer medication and advice for coping with ADHD symptoms. They can even prepare an official letter to give to your employer or college to help you get Disabled Students Allowance. The NHS has a long waiting time for adults seeking an ADHD assessment. In Bristol, it can take up to two years for an assessment of ADHD. This is the reason why many choose to have an individual ADHD assessment. This can save money and ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis in a short time. Accuracy in diagnosing It is essential to make sure that the diagnosis of ADHD is correct, regardless of whether you choose an individual or NHS assessment. Although it is difficult to determine if a person has ADHD by simply looking at their symptoms however, it is possible to make an objective evaluation by asking a series of questions and interviews with a clinical psychologist. A thorough history is also important, as it can help identify and rule other mental health issues that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Even the most accurate diagnosis can be wrong. If a patient has a typical history of ADHD and there are no indications of alternative pathology or a positive reaction to stimulant medication, it is likely that they have the condition. It is harder to determine when you have a complex history, such as being diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Certain symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for other conditions, like lazyness and lack of motivation. It is crucial to talk to a qualified professional about the symptoms of ADHD and discuss how they affect your life. In the majority of cases the GP will consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. If they don't, you can request an appointment from a different GP or a specialist nurse. Once you've been referred for an evaluation the next step is to make your appointment with your doctor. The first portion of the session will comprise an assessment questionnaire, a clinical interview and tests to assess your symptoms. During this meeting, you will be asked about your family history and your symptoms. Then, you'll be evaluated using the DSM V criteria. A diagnosis is only given if you've at least six characteristics (symptoms). You'll also be able to talk about whether you want to look into medications for ADHD. If so, specialist psychiatrists will prescribe them to you. You can also obtain a letter of shared care agreement to present to your GP. Options for medication In addition to therapies, there are several medication options available for adults suffering from ADHD. These medications can help you feel more calm and increase your concentration. But, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking any medication. Some people may have side effects, however others don't. In most cases the medication is taken for a short time and then stopped. When someone is diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, they usually find it difficult to adjust. This could be due to a variety of factors such as how they are perceived by other people. People with untreated ADHD can have trouble in their relationships, work and overall wellbeing. They may also suffer from anxiety and depression, but they aren't the primary causes of their problems. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD should look like. If you are a person of colour or an assigned female at birth, it may be more difficult to get an assessment. Some healthcare professionals do not recognize that they are biased, and can make mistakes in their assessment of patients. To determine if you are suffering from ADHD it is best to first schedule an appointment with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert. These are the only people who can diagnose ADHD for adults in the UK. It is important to tell your doctor that you have an family history of mental illness in your family. This will allow the doctor to comprehend the impact of your symptoms on your life. The doctor will look into your symptoms in conjunction with a psychiatric evaluation and recommend possible treatment options. These treatments include medication as well as CBT therapy. Based on your symptoms the doctor might suggest that you take medications to manage your ADHD. There are two types of ADHD medications: stimulants and non-stimulants. These medications increase the amount of dopamine in the frontal lobes of the brain. The most effective medicines are typically stimulants, however some adults respond better to non-stimulant medications. It is important to know that you'll be responsible for paying the NHS prescription fee if your clinician prescribes medication. You can reduce the cost by negotiating a shared-care arrangement with your GP.