Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an illness of the brain that is characterized by chronic conditions of distraction as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. For the adult population, ADHD affects the functioning of mental processes that are complex, such as motivation, concentration, working memory, problem solving, and continuous attention, which makes the daily routine a struggle.
There is often a long waitlist for ADHD assessment through the NHS especially for children. This is one reason why it’s not recognized until an adult. But that this shouldn’t be a reason to avoid seeking treatment and you must still seek an appointment from your GP however, if you think you are unable to wait, you can visit private medical clinics which provide an assessment and treatment plan. There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to this and we’ll discuss them throughout.
This is the kind of thing you expect to see in a personal Adult ADHD assessment.
It all starts with believing you might have ADHD and then contacting a doctor for an assessment. Once you have inquired, you will receive screening questionnaires that will determine whether you show a sufficient quantity of ADHD symptoms. The questionnaire is also included which must be completed by a family member who is close to you. The screenings are typically given to the doctor for review and approval however, there are also standard interpretations of scores that are available. It is vital to understand that these tests are not diagnostic and diagnoses can only be provided in a consultation with a physician. If you do not return these forms, appointments cannot be scheduled. Also, you are required to submit an GP reference if not done so already.
There is a charge associated with a private ADHD assessment London. The cost is disclosed before you make an appointment. This is due to a variety of reasons. If someone finds themselves diagnosed with ADHD and is prescribed medication, the treatment is first administered privately , and not by the NHS. This is the situation until the patient is stabilised on their medication. after that, they may be returned to their GP and a shared care agreement between the GP the patient and the psychiatrist consultant is usually agreed and signed when follow-ups are still needed.
The medication itself is a single cost, however the other costs that are more apparent are the appointments. Patients could have anywhere from 2 and 3 appointment (possibly even more). The initial appointment includes an ADHD examination with the psychiatrist who is consulting them as well, if diagnosed, and prescribed medication the patient should attend at minimum one more follow-up appointment to check how the medication is performing. When a patient is deemed stable, they are referred to their GP and medications may be prescribed by their GP.
The main benefit of having an in-depth private Adult ADHD assessment is that you’ll receive the option of a “custom” package that will allow you to undergo a thorough assessment with both a psychiatrist and a psychologist. This is accompanied by multiple screenings, appropriate treatment options, such as medication and psychotherapy, as well as support which focuses mostly on making lifestyle adjustments to help your development. These all could be life-changing for people who struggle with ADHD.