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With NHS waiting times at an all-time high, a lot of people are choosing to seek private medical diagnosis. But what is the exact nature of this?

If you decide to receive an individual diagnosis it is worth confirming whether your doctor will accept something called a 'Shared Care Agreement' prior to going ahead. You'll still be eligible for follow-up treatment from the NHS afterward.

What is an ADHD assessment?

A psychiatrist who has experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults will conduct a diagnostic interview. It begins with a detailed discussion of the individual's medical history, symptoms and past treatment. The report also covers any relevant work, family or social background. If your insurance company will cover the cost of the exam, check with them about a specialist in the area. Word of mouth recommendations from colleagues and friends is a good source, too. Avoid "speedy", online evaluation sites. They are not accepted by a large number of healthcare providers and often do not meet the standards required for a valid diagnosis.

The initial examination can take about an hour or more. In this time, the doctor will interview the patient about their current concerns (as well when they started). The doctor will then speak to people that know the patient well, such as siblings, spouses, or teacher for an adult and a coach, daycare worker, or a daycare worker who works with children who are young. Checklists are used to identify symptoms. This can give a more personal insight than the questionnaire.

The doctor may also perform various tests to help to determine or exclude ADHD. These include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system, executive functioning tests, test of achievement and objective questionnaires. The tests are designed to compare results between people with ADHD and those who do not have ADHD. They can last between 15 minutes and an hour.

A psychiatrist will assess all information and If ADHD has been diagnosed they will discuss the different treatments available to the patients. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity and duration of the symptoms. This may involve medication, CBT therapy, lifestyle adjustments or both. Some people will have to test a variety of combinations of dosages and medications before they discover a combination that works.

If the specialist finds that ADHD is present, he or she will assess whether it is predominantly inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive and will decide if the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. The diagnosis can only be confirmed if at least six traits of either type were present in the last 6 months.

How long does it take to conduct an ADHD assessment?

If you're considering getting an ADHD diagnosis it's a good idea to speak to your family doctor. They may recommend you to a specialist for assessment or advise you to contact an independent expert.

You'll likely be asked fill out some questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment. Usually, they will ask you to give examples of symptoms you experience in various areas of life. For example, they might ask you to rate how often you miss important appointments or misplace things. They'll also ask about your family history, medical history, and general health.

The psychiatrist consultant will review the results of your questionnaires and conduct a consultation to discuss your medical history, symptoms and behavior. They'll then use these results to determine if you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis (as described in the DSM V). This will include both looking at the traits of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, as well as assessing your overall functioning.

They'll also determine whether or not you're suffering from any other mental health challenges that could be a part of ADHD or cause your symptoms to manifest differently. Depression or anxiety for instance, may make your ADHD worse.

After the appointment, the clinician will discuss their findings with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. If they believe that you suffer from ADHD They are likely to recommend medication or a course of treatment.

If the psychiatrist does not believe you are suffering from ADHD They'll explain why and will refer you back to your GP or another specialist for further examination. In some cases it may be necessary to discuss your treatment options with a psychologist or counselor however this is dependent on your preferences and will depend on whether you believe that ADHD is having a significant impact on your daily life.

If you live in England you have the right to decide where your mental health care is offered and includes your ADHD evaluation. If you do not want to wait to be assessed by your local NHS or when your doctor isn't able to refer you, you can self-refer to an Priory hospital or wellness center. You will receive an assessment within six months of requesting it.

What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?

ADHD symptoms can manifest in a variety of situations and situations. They can impact work, school, relationships with family and home obligations, as well as friendships. An important aspect of a diagnosis is that the symptoms must affect at least two of these settings and result in significant impairment. This can lead to job loss, relationship issues, poor performance in school or college, financial problems, impulsive spending and even legal trouble.

It is not uncommon for adults to seek out a diagnosis because they are unhappy with their inability to focus and complete their tasks, or they are struggling in their relationships because they are having a difficult time listening. They may have also noticed that they were more susceptible to accidents or reckless behavior, such as reckless driving, not attending classes or canceling social plans.

As with children who are diagnosed with the disorder, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult. Adults exhibit fewer symptoms, and the disorder may be a part of other mental health problems and medical illnesses. In this way, an adult with ADHD might need to be examined by a number of specialists to confirm their diagnosis.

The examination will include an in-depth interview as well as a review of the medical history of the patient and a physical exam to eliminate any other medical conditions that might cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. The doctor will use standard scales to measure and compare the symptoms of the patient. They might also ask patients to complete questionnaires or other types of psychological or neuropsychological tests.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that a patient has ADHD, he will make an official diagnosis and then discuss treatment options. This may include medication, psychotherapy or other behavioral interventions.

Getting a diagnosis can have a profound impact, particularly for adults who have struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time. It can be a huge relief to be able to know that it wasn't just laziness or a lack of intellect that was holding them back at the classroom and at work, or in their relationships and in the world around them. It can also be an empowering feeling to know that it is possible to control the condition with medication and other treatments.

What happens if I do not agree?

If you're not satisfied with your diagnosis, it's vital to let the healthcare professional know. They're not here to treat you like a customer however, they must be legally bound by National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when it comes to providing treatment.

Private ADHD Clinics: Explicitly exposed by BBC Panorama raised concerns that private companies were pushing patients who were vulnerable to be taken out of their clinics by providing inadequate assessment and prescribing medications without proper research. This disturbing trend is gaining momentum as people search for more efficient, faster assessments and treatments for their symptoms.

This is a serious concern and is exacerbated due to the fact that mental health services in the NHS are in need of funding and struggle to keep up with the growing population. A world that is constantly changing can also exacerbate existing problems. If the government doesn't tackle these issues and provides adequately resourced, funded and trained professionals to provide its services, private health providers will be an increasingly popular option for those who need quicker access to treatment.

While it's true that some private practitioners may be shoddy but the truth is that there are also plenty of excellent private clinics and people that offer thorough assessments and the best treatment plans for their patients. A private ADHD assessment and diagnosis in Scotland through Diverse Diagnostics can make a huge difference in someone's life, giving them the tools they need to live their lives to the fullest, both at home and at work.

The most effective method to manage ADHD symptoms is to have an exhaustive evaluation by a qualified GP/consultant and the right therapy. The use of medication is an important component but for many patients it's also necessary to concentrate on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological strategies to manage symptoms.

If you are concerned about the effect ADHD has on your child you can take them to an online private ADHD assessment with Diverse Diagnostics in Aberdeen could be the first step towards understanding and giving them the tools they need to excel in school, in their personal and professional life, and even into adulthood.