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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis ADHD can be a complex condition and can impact people in different ways. It's crucial to get a correct diagnosis so that you can receive the most effective treatment. NHS services for adult ADHD are infamously underfunded, and wait times can be long. Doctors can refer you directly to private providers, by exercising their 'Right of Choice'. How much does a private ADHD diagnosis cost? If you're concerned that you may have ADHD as an adult you should see your GP to get a complete mental health assessment. You will be asked to have an open and honest discussion about the specific issues you are facing. Ultimately the GP will refer you to NHS ADHD assessment if appropriate. However, it can be a lengthy process, and typically, the first step is to consult a private psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. These specialists are likely be knowledgeable about ADHD and will test for comorbidities such as anxiety or depression that are frequent in ADHD. They will also consider your personal history, and make a detailed note about any symptoms that you've mentioned. They will inquire about the time you first started experiencing the symptoms, as this is essential for the diagnosis. A Psychiatrist then decides whether you require further assessment or if you can 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 allow you to avoid paying the NHS prescription fee for your medication, thereby saving you money over the course of time. Do I need a referral from my GP? ADHD is usually diagnosed by psychiatrists, and there are many clinics that offer private diagnosis for adults. They typically have a lot of experience with the variety of symptoms and atypical presentation in adults (including highly intelligent, successful people) and can test for co-morbidities, including depression and anxiety. They also aid in the titration process of medications and also prescribe prescriptions for NHS use. Unfortunately, a lot of GPs aren't supportive of making referrals for an ADHD assessment and may even be reluctant to do so. If you're seeing a doctor who isn't supportive think about changing doctors or requesting a second opinion at another practice. The psychiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation and examination using rating scales, clinical interviews and other information from outside sources, like school reports. The psychiatrist will assess the severity of your symptoms and the degree of impairment, as well as whether they are linked to any other medical issues like thyroid diseases for instance. They will also request supporting evidence from family members if necessary. Do I need to be referred to my GP? The NHS offers a service for adults ADHD tests that adheres to NICE guidelines. There are usually long wait times for appointments and it can be difficult to get a clear diagnosis via the NHS. Medical staff have preconceived notions about who should be diagnosed with ADHD, which can result in discrimination against individuals of color, women who are not white, and people from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Your GP should take your concerns regarding the possibility of ADHD seriously and refer you to an assessment. They should also inquire about your mental health history as well as family history, but they are not qualified to tell you whether you are definitely suffering from ADHD. A private assessment is the quickest method to obtain a diagnosis. Private providers are knowledgeable about the vast majority of adults who might have ADHD and are able to examine co-morbidities, such as anxiety or depression as well as assessing for ADHD. After a video conference via the internet they will often prescribe medications. Do I require a psychiatrist? ADHD can be a challenging disorder to live with particularly as an adult. iampsychiatry can have serious implications for people's work or family lives. There are a myriad of treatments, including medication and therapy. It isn't easy for some people to be diagnosed. Some people are denied an ADHD diagnosis due to a lack awareness or a lack of understanding by mental health professionals. The NHS is under pressure and waiting times are often too long for those who require an appointment. Private options provide faster assessments and diagnoses. RTN Mental Health Solutions, an organization that provides the gold standard ADHD and Autism assessment that is in line with NICE guidelines is one of these companies. Booking requires a deposit, and the balance of the assessment can be paid by RTN in three or five invoiced instalments. The psychiatrist will inform your GP of the diagnosis. You may choose to continue private treatment with your doctor or share your care with your GP or be discharged to the NHS. Do I need to consult with a psychologist? A psychiatrist will evaluate your situation 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 determine whether symptoms have been present since childhood. Old school reports could be needed. Psychiatrists have years of experience in assessing adults with ADHD and can assist you to determine the most effective treatment option for your needs. They can assess whether you have co-morbid conditions, and will refer you to other services from specialists if needed. The quality of NHS ADHD clinics has been in the spotlight after an recent BBC Panorama investigation that showed long wait times for patients to be seen on the NHS for assessment and medication. Psychiatry-UK offer a 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 need to see a clinical psychologist for my problem? Some private assessment companies require a patient to present a GP referral letter while others don't. It is best to check with the company you choose before booking an appointment. A psychiatric examination of ADHD is usually the first step that adults need to take in order to receive help. A comprehensive adult ADHD assessment will require an appointment with a psychiatrist. He will review your mental health history as well as any current problems that you're suffering from. They'll also take into consideration any other mental health conditions you might have, as well as any family history of depression or other mental illnesses. Psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD. They will be able to provide an exhaustive report that can be sent to your GP. They can also recommend medication and other treatments that aren't easy to access on the NHS. You can also find support groups on the internet or in person for people with ADHD who can provide advice and reassurance. Do I need to consult a child psychiatrist or an adolescent psychologist? Child psychiatrists are trained to treat adults and children however, they are not qualified to assess for ADHD. This is why so many patients seek out private clinics to evaluate their ADHD. They can offer a more thorough assessment and also look at the factors that contribute to the symptoms. This could include other mental health issues and medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or lifestyle-related factors. If you're diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will discuss treatment options with you, including whether or not you'd like to consider medication. They will ask you questions about family history and the impact of your symptoms on your life. They will also ask you to confirm that the symptoms have been with you since childhood. This could involve asking your parents for help or digging up old school reports in the back of the closet! Right To Choose can help reduce the waiting time for adults who are waiting to have their ADHD evaluated by their local NHS service. This is a legal way to receive a NHS-funded ADHD diagnosis without waiting years. Do I need to see a child and adolescent psychologist? It is not easy to diagnose ADHD in an adult. It can be difficult to get a diagnosis by your GP because of the stigma that surrounds the condition. Finding the right treatment may be a challenge. The first step is to consult an experienced psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD. This can be done in person or via video calls. The examination will include a series of questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The assessment will also include an interview with psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will then utilize this information to determine whether or not you have ADHD. The NHS currently has a policy dubbed 'Right to Choose,' which allows patients to select their own mental health care provider. This means that you can have your ADHD evaluation done privately instead of waiting on the NHS. This option is open to anyone who lives in England and is a great option to avoid long wait times. You can learn more about the procedure by visiting the website of Psychiatry UK.