Exactly how to get an adult ADHD assessment?

[DespairingHomeowner]

Inspired by tonight's 'overwhelmed by life' thread, a lot resonates

I've been wondering exactly how to get a reputable (private) assessment. I don't want to go via GP as I think it will take forever (I hold down a professional job etc so don't think i will be a priority).

I was trying to research the other night, but cost of assessments varies seemingly from £300 to a whopping £1200

I'm happy to pay but would like someone reputable/who has my best interests in mind, not someone who is happy to charge and has an agenda

Can I ask for any recommendations of clinics/specialists etc that anyone has used? I live in London if that helps

@CecilieRose, @Wombat49, @alfagirl73, @Jas1985, @Kennykenkencat, @Icecreamenthusiast, @Lanareyrey - did any of you have any ideas (did not want to derail the other thread by asking)

Many thanks in advance

@reallyalurker: thank you, I think I would probably be best to talk to both in parallel, I really don’t want to wait 18 months or more for an appointment

Out of interest I'm more likely to be ADD I think is the diagnosis route the same for that?

I went through my gp and while it admittedly did take quite a long time (6 months from phoning gp to diagnosis) I thought 'If I do have it I've been living with it for 30 years what's a few more months?' and it was free.

I also work full time in a semi professional role (senior carer) but that seemed to be irrelevant in my initial assessment. It's also a job that really suits me as it's not monotonous but is very structured.

Where I live there is no NHS provision so the ccg goes through a private company anyway.

I just waiting on one more gp appointment to check vitals so I can start trialling meds.

Even just the knowledge that finding life so difficult is not entirely my fault has been life changing tbh.

How to adhd on YouTube (which my phych pointed me to) has some really useful information on various strategies and ways of coping/ making life more adhd friendly. For the first time ever I have a reasonably clean and tidy house. I'm still working on the rest...

Problem with private assessment is you can't get medication etc prescribed on the NHS from that. Only private, expensive prescriptions of max 3 months at a time. This really adds to the £££. I'm not sure what happens through
Right to Choose, so make sure you check that before you go down that route.

@Dalalalada

Out of interest I'm more likely to be ADD I think is the diagnosis route the same for that?

ADD is no longer a diagnosis, it's ADHD (inattentive subtype). There is also ADHD (hyperactive/impulsive subtype) or ADHD (combined subtype), which is what I have.

But yes, it's all under the same banner now and the process is the same.

You'll have gathered by now it's a postcode lottery.

Some GPs will do shared care, where they take over the prescribing. The wait times vary hugely & there's no - co-ordinatation.

Weirdly, Wales has a National service for asd but nothing for adhd, despite there being considerable overlap in dx.

Adhd Foundation & Additude magazine are useful . How to ADHD as mentioned & books by Hallowell too.