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https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking advice assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across a network gatekeepers It is evident that many of these gatekeepers particularly in NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics arent properly controlled This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS How do I obtain an medical diagnosis ADHD is a mental health issue meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge This includes psychologists and psychiatrists who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time This means that they feel stuck in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life However the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking diagnosis It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and could refer you to an expert for an assessment However you may have to wait until the specialist is available To assess your ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past and your family history They will also observe you in various situations such as at home at school or at work to assess your behaviour You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life They may ask you about your social life your relationships and other activities you engage in regularly A doctor will take into consideration all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time having a shortterm memory or difficulty focusing having difficulty keeping up at school or at work not finishing tasks and being extremely energetic The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there is a distinct pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years In the last few months there has been a rise in the number of wellknown individuals who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing What happens during the assessment Whether you selfrefer or are referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life For instance What problems do experience at home How does your symptoms affect your work Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD You may be required to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment depending on where you are going for your evaluation It is crucial to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment wont be delayed It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions NICE guidelines The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medication Its worth remembering that GPs nurses and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment wwwiampsychiatrycom will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them Youll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways from your work to your relationships and then over time There may be tests taken as part of the assessment for example a blood test to check for any allergies If you suffer from any other medical problems Your therapist may suggest additional tests to test for these too If you selfrefer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme it is important to understand that although you pay for your private evaluation however you must wait for NHS approved appointments And this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another What happens if I do not receive an appointment You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of factors in your favor Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed For example when they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or bipolar disorder If youre having trouble getting a diagnosis talk to your GP and ask for an appointment It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD tests They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms for example depression anxiety or thyroid problems Its a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require Its also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment If they believe you do not meet the criteria theyll tell you the reason In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have been diagnosed with ADHD You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on your local area You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long time periods of titration It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD both in person and on the internet They can be helpful and reassuring It can also help to share your story with others who understand How do I receive treatment Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service However there are many NHS health providers arent able to accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHSs inability to invest in this area Private clinics provide a more accurate professional and faster diagnosis They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1200 Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD differs from person to person The majority of people are treated with medications It could be methylphenidates like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms However the evidence for these therapies isnt as strong It is inexcusable that so many adults with ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS This issue must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law To meet this demand it is essential to plan for longterm funding and to provide health social care and judicial services in tandem The current situation isnt sustainable and the impact on individuals families and society is hugely damaging It is time to invest in this area