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ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis An ADHD diagnosis and assessment could transform the lives of children and teenagers. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan can help them maximise their learning environment and reach their maximum potential. However, an ADHD diagnosis isn't always straightforward to obtain on the NHS. This is because many medical staff have preconceived notions of what an individual with ADHD looks. Diagnosis The method of diagnosing ADHD differs between private and NHS providers. Private providers usually require an GP referral letter, although some do not. This is due to the fact that it is essential for a person to be formally diagnosed before they can obtain NHS prescriptions. A formal diagnosis could be beneficial if a person wants to use it to support their insurance claim. In an ADHD assessment, a qualified psychiatrist will conduct an exhaustive background assessment and interview. This will include identifying which symptoms are present, and assessing whether there have been any changes in the past few years. This is an essential part of the process, because it allows you to differentiate ADHD from other disorders that have similar symptoms. For instance, many individuals who suffer from ADHD are also diagnosed with anxiety or depression and these conditions must be carefully assessed as they can often have overlapping symptoms. Private assessments for adult ADHD are typically conducted via telephone or via video, rather than in person. However the psychiatrist will be required to talk with you in depth about your symptoms and how they impact your life. This may include an examination of your family history, since ADHD is genetic, and any other mental health conditions that you might have. The psychiatrist will determine whether you have ADHD after a thorough discussion with you. If it is appropriate, they'll recommend you to a doctor to seek treatment. This will often be medication, but in some cases private ADHD assessment providers may offer an agreement for shared care with a GP to issue an NHS prescription. The ideal scenario is to be examined by a qualified psychiatrist for an ADHD assessment. This is because they are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults. This is in line with NICE guidelines which state that only psychiatrists or psychologists with training and expertise to diagnose ADHD can prescribe medication. Other healthcare professionals like nurses and GPs are not exempt, but they won't receive specialized training to diagnose ADHD. Treatment If you suffer from an illness of the mind such as ADHD, it's important to find the best treatment option for you. A private assessment lets you discuss your options with a specialist. It could also be beneficial in the event that you're struggling to get an appointment with your local NHS service. A private ADHD assessment typically involves a meeting with a psychiatrist, a psychologist or an experienced nurse. These are the only healthcare professionals who are certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The assessment can take place in person, or over video calls. It usually takes 45-90 minutes and will involve a discussion of your symptoms and family history, as well as mental health issues. Bring an inventory of all your medications and health concerns with you to your appointment. After your physician has completed the evaluation, they will let you the patient know what to do following. This will include whether they think you would benefit from taking medication. If you decide to accept the offer of medication, they will issue you with the prescription. Then, you'll need to present this prescription to your GP for the prescription to be renewed. A correct diagnosis of ADHD can improve your quality of life and help you manage your symptoms. You might also be able to access workplace protections, if required. Being recognized as a professional can also be a great motivation for those with ADHD to reach their goals and do their best. Although there is a significant increase in the number of people who have an ADHD diagnosis, it's still very difficult to get a diagnosis. Some medical professionals might have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks and sound like, which can lead to mistakes in their assessment. In addition, those who cannot afford private care can be snookered into expensive, unnecessary medical tests such as brain scans that are not covered by insurance. A specialist practice that specializes in adult ADHD will ensure that you receive expert care. The practice should have a proven track record of treating adult ADHD and the team should all be skilled in this field. Look for reviews and ask questions regarding the practice prior to making an appointment. Support A diagnosis of ADHD can make a significant impact on the quality of life of someone. It can provide them with the insight they require to manage their symptoms, live a more fulfilled life, and excel at work and in their private lives. It's essential to get the right support in place to help them cope with the challenges that come along with a diagnosis. If you're looking for an online ADHD assessment, there are a number of options to choose from. You can pick from neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists who are trained in the assessment of ADHD. These professionals may also be able to prescribe medication and provide ongoing therapy. They can also conduct psychoanalysis tests to rule out underlying conditions, like bipolar disorder, anxiety or autism, which could be causing the ADHD symptoms. Having an ADHD assessment can be expensive. It's important to find a healthcare professional who specialises in psychiatry and can give you the right treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. Choosing the right provider is essential to receive an empowering diagnosis that will alter your outlook for better. Make private adhd assessments to check with the private assessment provider you select to determine if they require a GP's referral letter. Some require a letter from a GP however, others don't. You should find out if they offer a 'Shared care agreement', in which they will refer you to your GP following the assessment. You can also ask your GP for the referral to an adult ADHD specialist. This will take longer as you'll have to wait for a personal appointment with your GP. This process can take as long as 1 month. It's important to realize that waiting for an NHS diagnosis of ADHD could have a major impact on your life. The NHS is under strain, and it could be a long time before people receive the help they require. We need a national goal for ADHD assessments like the three-month goal set by Nice in relation to autism spectrum disorder. It's time for the government provide ringfenced funds to improve mental health services and cut down on wait times. FAQs A video call is usually used to conduct an ADHD assessment which lets you be assessed in the comfort of your own home. The appointment is expected to last for 50 minutes and your doctor will conduct an extensive medical exam, focusing on your mental health, taking complete psychiatric histories. The doctor will also look at other mental illnesses that could be present along with or in addition to ADHD symptoms. During your appointment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will be looking to find out how long you have been experiencing them, and whether they have a negative impact on your relationships or work. The doctor will want to know your general health, and whether you have any other issues. It is recommended that you bring copies of any previous assessments of your psychological health and school records (including report cards and IEP or 504 forms in the event that they are available) and completed ADHD rating scales from any other professional. It is also a good idea to bring any family members or significant others who may be involved in your situation. One of the biggest mistakes doctors make when assessing ADHD is to rush straight to the prescription pad. This is a risky approach that could result in people being incorrectly diagnosed as ADHD. The best way to avoid this is to find a doctor who will take the time to conduct a proper evaluation, which may include interviewing teachers or looking over their completed ADHD rating scales. Another mistake frequently made by medical professionals is that they don't take the time to understand the complexities of the situations that adults face in their daily lives. This is particularly important when it comes to ADHD that can have a an impact on work, relationships and overall health. In this instance it is crucial to discuss all possibilities with your GP as well as to request an ADHD assessment from psychiatrist. If you are a UK resident, you are able to have your ADHD assessment paid for by the NHS through their 'Right to choose process. This could be a lengthy wait, and many choose to pay for their own ADHD assessment to avoid this.