How to Speed Up the Process of Getting a Private ADHD DiagnosisMany adults with ADHD struggle to manage their work and social commitments. Classes and therapy can help to manage the symptoms of the disorder.Under Nice guidelines, individuals can be formally assessed for ADHD by either a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse. This also includes GP's and Consultant Psychiatrists.Psychiatry aims to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness. There is still the perception of ADHD as a continuum that exists with normality. "Everyone forgets things, everyone loses their focus'.Waiting at various timesThe waiting times for treatments for adhd that are private are often long. Patients must go through a screening process with their GP before they can be sent to a psychiatrist for an assessment. It can take quite a while, especially in the event that your GP is reluctant. However there are ways to expedite the process.Many private companies for instance, provide online diagnostic services. This is a great method to reduce waiting times and also help the GP decide whether or to refer. It is essential to select a doctor who treats ADHD as complex disorder. The most effective providers will not overdiagnose patients. They will also consider the patient's previous and current symptoms.BBC Panorama reported recently that some private ADHD clinics misdiagnosed patients. This is a serious problem that should be taken very seriously. While I'm not able to say that this does not happen (humans are awfully inexact creatures and psychiatry doesn't even qualify as an actual science) I do believe it is an issue worth highlighting.While the NHS has done some great work in improving ADHD assessments and treatment for adults, it has not been able to provide enough resources for the increasing number of patients. It's not surprising, then, that more and more adults are seeking a diagnosis privately. This could save years of waiting, and give them the feeling of getting on with their lives.The BBC's report also reveals that the NHS is under pressure, and it cannot handle the number of referrals being received. This has led to certain doctors becoming overwhelmed and having trouble sending patients to specialists for suspected ADHD. Some patients had to wait for years before they could be seen by a specialist.One option is to set up an entirely new system of diagnosing and assessing ADHD in England. This would allow for more people to get assessed in months, rather than years. In addition, it would allow the NHS to better evaluate its performance and provide an accurate picture of the problems. To accomplish this, the NHS should have a specific funding source for its ADHD assessment service.DiagnosisIt can be a challenge for adults to determine if their problems with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention are caused by ADHD. Diagnostic tests can help you know your symptoms and figure out the best treatment plan for you. At Priory our team of experts has an enlisted service to diagnose ADHD and support you in managing your condition. Calling our Harley Street clinic is a free, confidential service.Our experts will discuss your symptoms and conduct an assessment of your mental health before recommending a time for an ADHD assessment. The typical assessment consists of an online test, clinical interview, and the completion of a variety of validated assessment scales. The assessment will focus on your behaviours and how these have affected your life in your adulthood, childhood, work, relationships, education and home life. It is important to check whether you are suffering from any co-occurring condition that could cause symptoms.Some people still struggle to receive the right diagnosis, despite the increasing awareness of the issues that untreated ADHD can cause. This can be down to a variety of reasons such as their GP not wanting to refer them to a specialist or having preconceived ideas about what an adult with ADHD is like. For some, it can even be more difficult if they are a person of color or a female at birth, as some medical experts have been known to discriminate against those who don't fit the 'typical' image of someone with ADHD.You should know that regardless of whether you choose to consult an individual specialist or through the NHS (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Any ADHD assessment will be conducted according to the guidelines established by Nice. This states that an assessment must be administered by a Psychiatrist or a Specialist ADHD Nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional'. This includes psychologists who are trained to diagnose ADHD but are not qualified to prescribe medication.When you make an appointment to assess for ADHD and you are sent a questionnaire to complete with a friend or family member. You will be asked questions relating to the characteristics of ADHD and how they have impacted your life, both as an adult and a child. The answers will be rated and compared to the psychosistric ADHD criteria in order to arrive at a diagnosis.MedicationMany people with ADHD claim that the medication prescribed to them helps them focus better, feel calmer and remain focused for long periods. This helps them learn new skills and listen with a keen eye. Medication can be used in conjunction with therapy-based treatment or as a stand-alone treatment to manage symptoms and promote an active lifestyle.These medications include stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta Atomoxetine (Supralex) and melatonin (Attendal). These drugs are usually prescribed by general practitioners and psychiatrists who have received specialist training in adult ADHD.Some online therapy companies accept referrals directly from GPs and others require a letter from a GP or another healthcare professional. This is something to keep in mind when looking for an adult-specific private ADHD assessment, as you do not want to be left with a diagnosis and medication from a private company that can not be monitored by your NHS GP.After you have completed your private adult ADHD assessment, it is crucial to have a shared care plan between your physician and the psychiatrist who performed your appointment is set up. This will ensure that if you need to continue taking medication, your costs will be limited to the NHS prescription charge rate and not a higher pharmacy cost.A specialist Psychiatrist who has been trained in adult ADHD can give you a comprehensive medical report, as well as an action plan for treating the condition. This will include a program of steady titration, stabilisation, and dosage adjustments for medications.There are numerous companies that provide telehealth services for adults. ADHD assessments and therapy-based treatment. Talkspace, Amwell and Teen Counseling are just a few of the telehealth companies that provide adult ADHD assessment and therapy-based treatment. These telehealth organizations offer a range of services, including messaging and live sessions with therapists. It is important to look for a service that provides the type of therapy you require and that works with your insurance plan.AftercareA recent BBC investigation revealed that people seeking private diagnosis of ADHD were billed huge sums for quick, unreliable online assessments, as well as a powerful medication. The increased awareness of ADHD is largely due to the fact that the NHS is struggling with the rising demand for services and lack of funding. In the end, it's likely that the number of adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD will continue to grow and a lot of them are being enticed by private clinics promising to cut down on wait times.If you think you may have ADHD You should see your GP to receive an initial assessment. They will be able to assess your symptoms and write an appointment to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. If they believe you require it, your GP can refer you to specialists like psychotherapists or child psychiatrists.You'll be asked to provide some details about your background when you've been directed to an expert in mental health. This can include a review of your family history, and any other pertinent documents like old school report cards. Adults suffering from ADHD can only be diagnosed if they've had symptoms since childhood and the symptoms are present in multiple areas of their lives. Your mental health professional will suggest an appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs after you've been diagnosed with ADHD. The use of medication can treat ADHD symptoms and aid in staying focus and calm. In some cases medications are combined with therapy-based treatments, which can aid in the resolution of behavioral issues.Aftercare is an integral part of any ADHD treatment program. These services can help you manage your symptoms and keep you sober long after you have completed your residential treatment program. Aftercare programs can include individual or group therapy, 12-step programs, and other treatment options.If you suffer with ADD/ADHD, there's hope for you. Despite the long wait times and underfunded NHS there is a way to get the treatment you require in a different setting. Private facilities are staffed by a team of professionals who treat clients of all ages with a variety of conditions including addiction and dual diagnosis.