How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition that can affect people in a variety of ways. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis to ensure you can receive the appropriate treatment.
NHS services for adult ADHD are often underfunded, and waiting times can be long. Doctors can refer you directly to private providers through their 'Right of Choice'.
How much will a private ADHD diagnosis cost?
If you're concerned that you may be suffering from ADHD as an adult you should consult your GP for a full mental health examination. They will want an open and honest conversation so that you can discuss the specific issues you have. In the end, your GP will refer you to NHS ADHD assessment if appropriate.
This can be a long process, and the initial step in this is often to seek out a private psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. They will have a good understanding of the condition and will screen for comorbidities like depression or anxiety which are common in ADHD.
They will also consider your medical history and take a detailed note of any symptoms you've been able to report. They will also inquire when you began experiencing these symptoms since it is essential to establish the diagnosis.
A Psychiatrist then decides whether you require further assessment or if you are able to be treated in light of your current health. If you require medication, they will draft a shared care agreement letter to your GP. This will permit you to pay for the NHS prescription fee for your medication. This will save you money in the long run.
Do I need a GP referral?
ADHD is diagnosed by psychiatrists. There are also clinics that offer private diagnoses for adults. They are very familiar with the symptoms and atypical presentation of adults (including highly intelligent and successful people) and are able to examine for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression. More hints aid with medication titration as well as prescribe medications to be used on the NHS.
Unfortunately, some doctors do not support referring a patient for an ADHD evaluation, and some may even refuse to do so. If you have a GP who won't support you think about switching doctors or seeking an additional opinion from a different practice.
The process of diagnosing will involve a thorough examination and evaluation by a psychiatrist, using interviews with patients, rating scales and information from other sources, like school reports. The psychiatrist will assess your symptoms, the degree of impairment and if they are linked to other medical conditions, such as thyroid problems. They will also seek the evidence of relatives if required.
Do I require to be referred to my GP?
The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service that is in line with NICE guidelines. However, there can be long waits for an appointment and it isn't always easy to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS process. This is because medical staff tend to have preconceived notions about who is likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and this can cause discrimination against adults of colour, non-white women and those from a non-English speaking background.
Your GP should be concerned about your potential ADHD and recommend you to an expert for evaluation. They will also ask about your family history and your mental health condition, but are not qualified to determine if you have ADHD.
A private assessment is the most efficient way to receive a diagnosis. Private practitioners are familiar with the vast majority of adults with ADHD and will usually examine co-morbidities, such as anxiety or depression, in addition to assessing for ADHD. They will often give you the prescription for medication following an online video-based assessment.
Do I need to see a psychiatrist?
ADHD can be a difficult disorder, particularly for adults. The symptoms can have significant impacts on people's work as well as their family and social lives. However, there are numerous treatment options available which include psychotherapy and medication. The process of obtaining a diagnosis is crucial however, it can be a challenge for some people. Some people are denied an ADHD diagnosis because of a lack of understanding or prejudice by mental health professionals.
The NHS is under pressure and waiting times for patients needing an assessment are often too long. Private alternatives offer faster assessments and diagnoses. RTN Mental Health Solutions, which offers gold standard ADHD and Autism assessment that meets NICE guidelines is one of these companies. A deposit is required for booking the assessment, and the balance can be paid in five or three instalments invoiced by RTN.
The psychiatrist will inform your GP of the diagnosis. You can decide to continue private care with your doctor or share treatment with your GP or be discharged back to the NHS.
Do I require a psychologist?
A psychiatrist will examine your condition when diagnosing ADHD among adults. They will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they're impacting your life in a significant way. They will also want to confirm that the symptoms have been present since childhood. So old school reports may be required.
Psychiatrists are experienced in assessing adults suffering from ADHD and can work with you to find the best treatment option for your needs. They can assess whether you have any comorbidities and can refer you to other specialists if needed.
The quality of NHS ADHD clinics has been in the spotlight in the wake of an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation that showed lengthy wait times for patients to see the NHS for assessments and medications. The Psychiatry-UK private adult ADHD assessment and medication service that is available through the Right to Choose scheme across England. This is a comprehensive assessment and titration package which includes follow-up appointments, a letter to the your GP, and a shared care agreement with CAMHS.
Do I require a clinical psychologist?
Some private assessment companies require a patient to present a GP referral letter, whereas others don't. It's essential to confirm with the provider you've chosen prior to scheduling an appointment to make sure this is the situation.
A psychiatric evaluation of ADHD is often the first step adults need to take to get help. A comprehensive adult ADHD diagnosis will require the consultation of a psychiatrist who will examine your mental health history as well as any current problems you're having. They'll also take into consideration any other mental conditions you may have and any family history of depression or mental illness.
Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating ADHD and will be in a position to provide you with a full report that can then be sent to your GP. They'll also recommend treatment options, including medication, which is difficult to locate on the NHS. You can also find online or in-person support groups for people with ADHD and can provide advice and reassurance.
Do I need to consult a child psychiatrist or adolescent psychologist?
Children psychiatrists are trained in treating adults and children, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD. This is one of the reasons why many people are seeking out private clinics for their ADHD evaluation. They can offer a more thorough diagnosis and will also take into account factors that may contribute to your symptoms. This could be due to other mental disorders or medical conditions like thyroid issues or lifestyle-related factors.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss the treatment options with you, including whether or not you would prefer to take medication. They will ask you about family history and the effects of your symptoms your life. They will also want to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood - this could mean seeking support from your parents or pulling out old school reports from the back of the cupboard!
If you are an adult and are waiting to be tested for ADHD by your local NHS service you can speed up the process by using Right To Choose. This is a legal method to receive a NHS-funded ADHD diagnosis without waiting for years.
Do I have to see a child or adolescent psychologist?
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult isn't an easy task. It can be hard to be diagnosed by your GP due to the stigma attached to the condition. Finding the right treatment can be a struggle.
The first step is to speak with a psychiatrist with ADHD expertise. This could be in person or via video calls. The assessment will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms and how they impact on you. The assessment will also include an interview with psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will then utilize this information to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
Currently, the NHS has a policy called 'Right to Choose' which allows patients to choose their own mental health care provider. This means that you can get your ADHD assessment privately instead of waiting on the NHS. This option is open to anyone living in England and is a great method to avoid waiting. You can learn more about the procedure by visiting the website of Psychiatry UK.