ADHD Assessment in the UK A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually an extensive process A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms cause significant impairment, and will rule out other conditions such as depression or thyroid They may also request older school reports or other supporting evidence It is essential that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD specialist This applies to psychiatrists as well as GPs Waiting times Adults in the UK who require ADHD diagnosis are left waiting years to consult psychiatrists The condition is recognized as a serious mental disorder with an enormous impact on people's daily lives The situation is worse in certain areas, with waiting times as high as four years The charity ADHD UK has called for urgent action to improve the situation The problem is exacerbated by the growing awareness of this condition as well as the increasing 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 healthcare providers The Right to Choose scheme has made it easier for patients to pick private healthcare providers Psychiatry UK is one such service that offers an online ADHD assessment and medication for the NHS https//wwwbetsybriggstop/health/5-reasons-why-getting-a-private-adhd-assessment-is-the-best-choice/ has seen an explosion in the number of adults seeking an assessment, which exceeds its capacity at present If you choose to go the private route are generally more successful, since private psychiatrists are accustomed to dealing with adults and are more familiar with the nuances of the condition They are more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiousness that are often associated with ADHD However, many people are still worried about the assessment of private patients and the potential for them to over-diagnose the disease The issue came to the public's attention after an BBC Panorama investigation exposed the method by which some private clinics were awarding diagnoses without proper procedure Some have accused the program of propagating stigma and stereotypes about people with ADHD The BBC should be commended, however, for exposing the issue and highlighting those who require an ADHD diagnosis It is a shame that some people who require this assistance are being forced to seek it out privately and the NHS must come up with ways to deal with the issue In the meantime, if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD, you can try a free screening with a charity or request an assessment from private psychiatrists They are generally less expensive than the NHS but do not include prescriptions Second opinion It is important to seek a diagnosis if you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD A proper diagnosis will help you manage your symptoms and prescribe medication You may be referred to see a psychiatrist as part of your treatment Many private clinics offer diagnosis and adjustment These clinics have plenty of experience with a wide spectrum of adults, including women and men who might suffer from ADHD They can also screen for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety Private ADHD assessments can be expensive, but the wait time for NHS services are significantly longer You typically pay for the initial assessment, and then make subsequent appointments if required If you are insured and coverage, it will cover these appointments These appointments will be handled in a professional way by nurses who are certified and have a particular interest in ADHD Initial appointments typically include clinical interviews as well as rating systems You could be required to complete questionnaires and referred for additional tests, for example, an MRI A private clinic will charge you between PS500 and PS1,200 for an ADHD assessment The cost includes both the assessment time and titration fees Certain private ADHD assessments offer titration apart from diagnosis and are cheaper However, the process of titration can be longer and requires additional appointments The quality of private ADHD assessments has been questioned after the BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that one patient had spent three years waiting for an NHS assessment before deciding to go to a private clinic to try and find The BBC investigation revealed a variety of instances in which patients received an assessment of ADHD, which was later withdrawn This is a problem because it can be extremely depressing for people to be incorrectly diagnosed, and some of them have been prescribed medication that has adverse side effects In Scotland, the cost of an ADHD assessment is PS1,335 and covers the initial assessment and 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 will cover it Referral to an expert clinic If your GP refers to a specialist clinic, the doctor will ask questions and conduct an assessment of your clinical needs They will determine if your symptoms are indicative of ADHD, and if they are in line with the diagnostic criteria They will also look for any co-morbidities other mental health conditions that might be present These are often depression and anxiety The doctor will then discuss treatment options with you, including medication, if necessary During an assessment the psychiatrist will inquire you about your family history as well as current issues at home and at work They will also inquire about any medications you are taking They will then conduct a structured interview, and you must bring a trusted friend or relative with you to provide any additional information The test will typically require a few sessions to determine the diagnosis Some clinics offer a comprehensive assessment, and others will only look for specific symptoms The ineffectiveness of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny after an Panorama investigation The reporter on the programme was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his doctor insisted that he was not suffering from the condition The BBC said that the report was an instance of "over-diagnosing" by private companies, while GPs can only recommend patients for further investigation or prescribe medication under strict guidelines Many doctors are reluctant to sign an agreement for shared healthcare with the NHS This is the only way they can transfer the treatment of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnoses This is due to the fact that they believe that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry GPs should also note that many private psychiatrists will not prescribe medication, which could make it difficult for their patients to get the treatment they require If your GP hasn't yet referred you to an ADHD assessment, ask for it You can find out the estimated waiting time by calling your local mental health clinic, or by using the Right To Choose website The site allows you select an online ADHD assessment service that is provided by NHS Confirmation of diagnosis Having an ADHD diagnosis can change your life forever It can help people understand themselves and also their family and friends It also assists them to find the right treatment strategy However, obtaining an assessment isn't always straightforward Especially in the UK where people have to wait for a long time for an assessment by the NHS This can cause frustration for many who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD If you can't wait, you can self-refer to a specialist psychiatrist for a private evaluation This will save you time and also a visit to your GP This isn't a fast process and can take months however, it will provide you with a more accurate diagnosis than the NHS one It is crucial to ensure that the person who conducts the test is a psychiatrist or psychologist, as these are the only healthcare professionals competent to assess ADHD in the UK A private assessment may include an interview with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrists The doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, childhood experiences and other factors The doctor will utilize rating scales to inquire about your current challenges at work, at school, or in relationships They will also discuss any other symptoms you experience that might indicate the presence of ADHD The psychiatrist will then send a comprehensive ADHD report to your GP with your consent If necessary, they'll prescribe medication They can also help with other forms of assistance, such as studying skills and mentoring If you are an undergraduate student, they can also help you apply for Disabled Students Allowance While it's not ideal to cut corners, the reality is that NHS services are crowded and underfunded In the end, there are those who attempt to cut the line by using online assessments and private clinics that provide quick appointments but with no clinical expertise These methods are not recommended, but there is no reason why those suffering from ADHD should not seek a diagnosis appointment when they can afford it