ADHD Assessment and DiagnosisA diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD can change the lives of adolescents and children. With a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, they can optimize their learning environment and achieve their full potential.A diagnosis of ADHD is not always available on the NHS. The reason is that medical professionals typically have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD appears like.DiagnosisThe process of diagnosing ADHD differs between private and NHS providers. Private providers tend to require a GP referral letter, although some do not. It is crucial that an individual be formally diagnosed before they are able to access NHS medicines. It can also be beneficial having a formal diagnosis when they intend to use it as proof to support their insurance claims.A skilled psychiatrist will conduct an extensive interview and background examination during an ADHD assessment. This will include identifying the symptoms that are present and assessing if there have been changes since childhood. This is an important part of the process because it can help to distinguish between ADHD and other conditions that have similar symptoms. For instance, many individuals with ADHD are also diagnosed with depression or anxiety and these conditions must be assessed with care as they can often have overlapping symptoms.Private assessments for adults with ADHD are usually conducted over the phone or via video chat instead of in person. The psychiatrist will be required to ask many questions about your symptoms as well as the effects they have on your life. This will involve an examination of your family history, since ADHD is genetic in nature, as well as any other mental health conditions that you may have.The psychiatrist will determine if you suffer from ADHD after a detailed conversation with you. If it is appropriate, they'll refer you to a doctor for treatment. It's usually prescribed medication, however private ADHD assessment providers might provide a shared-care agreement with a GP to obtain an NHS prescription.In the ideal case, you should only see an experienced psychiatrist to evaluate your ADHD. They are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD among adults. This is in conformity with NICE guidelines, which stipulate that only psychiatrists or psychologist who has been trained and experience in diagnosing ADHD can prescribe medication to treat the condition. Other healthcare professionals like nurses and GPs are not exempt, but they are not provided with specialist training to diagnose ADHD.TreatmentIf you have a mental health condition such as ADHD, it's important to determine the right treatment option for you. Getting a private assessment means you can discuss all your options with an expert. It can also be useful if you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis from your local NHS service.A private ADHD assessment usually involves a meeting with a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or an expert nurse. In the UK only healthcare professionals like these are able to diagnose ADHD. The test can be conducted in person, or via video call. It usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes, and includes the discussion of your symptoms, family history and mental health concerns. It's a good idea to bring a list of all your medical and health concerns to the appointment.Once your clinician has completed their assessment, they will inform you of what the next steps are. They will also let you know if they think that medication may be beneficial. If you decide to accept the offer of medication, you will be issued a prescription. The prescription should be taken to your GP to renew.A clear diagnosis of ADHD will improve your quality-of-life and help you manage your symptoms. You may also be able to access workplace protections, if needed. Having a formally recognised diagnosis can be a powerful motivator for people with ADHD to achieve their goals and try 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 an accurate diagnosis. Some medical staff have preconceived notions of what ADHD is and may make mistakes when assessing. People who cannot afford private health care could be lured into paying for costly and unnecessary medical tests such as brain scans, which aren't covered by insurance.Choosing a practice with an emphasis on adult ADHD is a great way to ensure you are seen by a professional. The practice should have a strong track record of treating adult ADHD and the team should all be skilled in this area. Request reviews and answer questions about the practice prior making an appointment.SupportA diagnosis of ADHD can make a significant impact on someone's life. It can give them the clarity they require to manage symptoms, enjoy a more satisfying and successful life at work and at home. It is crucial that they receive the proper support to help them deal the challenges associated with a diagnosis.If you're looking for an online ADHD assessment, there are a number of options to choose from. You can choose from neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists who have been trained in assessing ADHD. These professionals may also be able prescribe medications and provide ongoing therapy. They can also conduct additional psychoanalysis to identify an underlying condition like bipolar disorder, autism, or anxiety.The cost of an ADHD evaluation can be costly. However, it's crucial to find a healthcare professional who is specialized in psychiatry and can provide the best treatment plan for your specific needs. The right doctor will help you receive a life-changing diagnoses that can improve your outlook.It is worth contacting your chosen private assessment provider to see whether they require an GP referral letter. Some require it, while some don't. It is also important to find out if the service offers a 'Shared Care Agreement' that will refer you to your GP to get medication after the assessment is completed.You can also ask your GP for the referral to an adult ADHD specialist. This will take longer because you'll need to wait for a scheduled appointment with your GP. The process can take as long as a month.It is important to realize that waiting for an official diagnosis of ADHD from the NHS could have a major impact on your life. The NHS is under strain and it is often an extremely long wait for people to receive the treatment they require. We need a national target for ADHD assessments, such as the three-month waiting period set by Nice for autism spectrum disorders. It's time for the government allocate ringfenced funds to improve mental health services and decrease waiting times.FAQsTypically, an ADHD assessment session is held via video conference which allows you to be assessed at the convenience of your home. The appointment will last for about 50 minutes. Your psychiatrist will perform an extensive medical exam with a focus on your mental health and obtaining a complete psychiatric background. The doctor will also look at other mental illnesses that could be present along with or in addition to ADHD symptoms.During your visit your doctor will inquire you about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will be looking to find out how long you have been experiencing them and if they affect your relationships or work. The doctor will also be interested in your general health condition and any other issues you're facing.It is recommended that you bring along copies of any previous psychological tests and school records (including report cards and IEP or 504 documents in the event that they are available) and completed ADHD rating scales from any other professional. It is also recommended to bring along any family members or significant others who could be involved in your situation.One of the biggest errors doctors make when assessing ADHD is to go straight to the prescription pad. This is a dangerous practice, and the result is often that people are not correctly diagnosed with ADHD. Finding a doctor willing to conduct a thorough assessment which includes interviewing teachers and examining completed ADHD ratings scales is the best way to avoid such an issue.Another mistake that is often made by medical professionals is that they don't spend the time to comprehend the complexities of the situations that adults have to face in their daily lives. This is especially important when considering ADHD that can have a an impact on relationships, work and overall well-being. In this situation it is vital to discuss the possibilities with your GP and request an ADHD assessment from an expert psychiatrist.If you are in the UK, you can get your ADHD assessment funded by the NHS's "Right to Choose" process. This could be a lengthy wait, and many choose to pay for their own ADHD assessment in order to avoid this.