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How to Speed Up the Process of Getting a Private ADHD Diagnosis Many adults with ADHD struggle to manage their work and social obligations. Classes and therapy can help to manage the symptoms of the condition. According to Nice guidelines, people may be evaluated informally for ADHD by psychiatrists or an expert ADHD nurse. This includes GPs and Specialist Psychiatrists. Psychiatry is trying to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness by reducing stigma. However, there is still the perception that ADHD exists on the spectrum of normality: “everyone loses their concentration and everyone forgets things'. Waiting several times Waiting times for treatment by a private adhd specialist can be lengthy. Patients must first undergo an assessment process with their GP before they are sent to a psychiatrist for an assessment. This could take an extended time, particularly when your GP is reluctant. There are ways to speed the process up. Private providers provide, for instance, online diagnostic services. This is a great method to cut down on wait times and help the GP to decide whether or not to refer. It is essential to find a doctor who can treat ADHD as a multi-faceted disorder. The best providers will not overdiagnose patients. They will also take into consideration the patient's previous and current symptoms. BBC Panorama reported recently that some private ADHD clinics incorrectly diagnosed patients. This is a serious issue that should be taken very seriously. Although I'm not sure that it's accurate to claim that this doesn't happen (humans are incredibly nebulous creatures and psychiatry isn't even a valid field as a science) I do think this is a matter worth highlighting. The NHS has made progress in improving ADHD assessment and treatment for adults however, it hasn't provided enough resources to its increasing number of patients. It's not surprising that more and increasing adult patients are seeking a private diagnosis. This can cut down on years of waiting, and give them the feeling of moving into the next phase of their lives. The report by the BBC also points out that the NHS is under strain and cannot cope with the number of referrals coming in. The result is that some GPs to be overwhelmed and are having difficulty sending patients to specialists who might have ADHD. This is why some patients have waited years before they can be seen by an expert. One option is to set up an entirely new system of assessing and diagnosing ADHD in England. This would allow for more people to be evaluated in months, rather than years. It will also allow the NHS to track its performance better and provide more information about the problem. To accomplish this, the NHS needs ringfenced funding for its ADHD assessment services. Diagnosis As we age, it can be difficult to know if your problems with impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity are caused by ADHD. The diagnosis can help you understand your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan for you. At Priory, our team of experts has an in-depth service that can help determine the cause of ADHD and support you in managing your condition. Calling our Harley Street clinic is a private, no-cost service. Our experts will talk to you about your symptoms and perform a comprehensive mental health screening before making an appointment for an ADHD assessment. This usually involves an online test, a clinical interview and the completion an assessment scale that has been validated. The assessment will focus primarily on your behaviors and how they've affected you throughout childhood, adulthood and in work, relationships education, home, and social life. It is essential to determine if you have any co-occurring conditions which could cause symptoms. While there is a growing awareness of the challenges that people suffering from untreated ADHD can face, some sufferers are still unable to get the diagnosis they need. This can be down to a variety of factors such as their GP not wanting to refer them to a specialist or having preconceived ideas about what an adult with ADHD appears to be. For some, it might even be more difficult to treat if they're of color or assigned a gender at birth, since some medical experts have been known to discriminate against those who don't fit the typical image of a person with ADHD. No matter if you decide to consult a specialist privately or through the NHS regardless of your choice, you should be certain that any ADHD assessment must be conducted according to the guidelines established by Nice (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). The guidelines stipulate that only a Psychiatrist or an ADHD Specialist Nurse is able to conduct an assessment. This includes psychologists who are able to assess ADHD but are not able to prescribe medication. If you are scheduled to assess for ADHD You will be sent a questionnaire to complete with a friend or family member. You will be asked about the symptoms of ADHD, and how they impacted your life as a child or adult. The answers will be rated and compared to the psychological ADHD criteria in order to establish a diagnosis. Medication Many people with ADHD claim that the medication prescribed to them helps them to focus better, feel calmer and remain focused for long periods of time. This enables them to learn new skills and pay attention to. The medication can be used in conjunction with therapy-based treatment, or on its own to control symptoms and support a healthy lifestyle. These medications include stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta Atomoxetine (Supralex), melatonin, (Attendal). These medications are usually prescribed by psychiatrists or general practitioners who have completed specialist training in adult ADHD. Some online therapy firms accept referrals directly from GPs while others require a written recommendation from a doctor or another healthcare professional. This is something to bear in mind when looking for an adult-specific private ADHD assessment because you don't want to be left with a diagnosis and prescription from a private company that cannot be followed up by your NHS GP. Once you have had your private adult ADHD assessment it is important to have a shared care plan between your doctor and the psychiatrist who performed your appointment is set up. If you decide to continue taking medications, your cost will be limited to the NHS prescription rate and not the higher cost of a pharmacy. A reputable psychiatrist who has undergone specialised training for adults with ADHD can provide you with a thorough medical report and treatment plan. If you are taking medication, this will include a plan for steady titration and stabilisation which is essential to ensure you get the most effective results from your treatment. There are also a lot of telehealth services that provide adult ADHD assessments and therapy-based treatment. Talkspace, Amwell and Teen Counseling are a few telehealth companies that provide adult ADHD assessment and therapy-based treatment. Telehealth companies offer various services, including live sessions and messaging. It is important to look for a company that offers the therapy type that you require and that works with your insurance plan. Aftercare Recent BBC investigation revealed that people seeking private diagnosis of ADHD were charged hefty sums for online, flimsy assessments as well as the use of powerful medication. This is partly because there's increasing awareness of the condition, but also because the NHS is struggling to keep up with rising demand and the lack of funds. The number of adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD is expected to increase over time and many are likely to be lured by private clinics promising to reduce waiting times. If you think you have ADHD, you should visit your GP to receive an initial assessment. They will be able to examine your symptoms and make an appointment to psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. The GP can also refer you to specialists like psychotherapists for children when they believe you need help. If you've been recommended for an appointment with an expert in mental health you'll be required to provide some background details. This could include a family history, as well as examination of any other pertinent documents, like old school reports. Adults can only be diagnosed with ADHD if they've had symptoms since their childhood, and need to be present in more than one area of their lives. More hints will recommend the best treatment plan for your specific needs once you've been diagnosed with ADHD. Medication is often used to manage the symptoms of ADHD, and it helps you stay focused and remain calm. In some instances, medication is combined with therapy-based treatments which can assist you in overcoming behavioral issues. Aftercare is a crucial component of any ADHD treatment program. These services can assist you in managing your symptoms and keep you sober long after you finish the residential treatment program. Aftercare programs could include individual or group therapy as well as 12-step programs, among other treatment options. There is hope for those who suffer from ADD/ADHD. You can still receive the help you require in a different setting despite the long waiting times and underfunded NHS. With a team of experts private clinics can help both adult and adolescent patients with a wide range of conditions such as addiction and dual diagnosis.