ADHD diagnosis in adults advice please

[trakto]

I think I might have it.

I've spoken to the GP who says it takes around two years for a referral.

I need help now! I want to be more productive at work. I just can't focus and procrastinate for hours.

I struggle in other areas too

Do most people medicate or are there other options ?

What about seeking a private diagnosis ? It looks expensive but I would do it to find out if I really help it and to get help.

Has anyone gone down this route and can give me some advice ?

They aren't. I read about 5 of them a day, both NHS and private providers, and indeed quality varies massively in general. Where NHS clinicians practice privately their private assessments are almost always more limited in information compared to their NHS ones.

However, NHS assessments are almost always completed as per NICE guidance, which is not the case with private ones. If we have a poor NHS one there is usually a reason and the time has been limited to do assessment due to external factors (e.g. assessment expedited due to extreme psychological distress, placement breakdown etc)

Diagnosis is made on standardised results of the Connors Questionnaire in both NHS and private practice in addition to a patient questionnaire, school (where relevant) and family member questionnaire. In addition to this is the consultation. A psychologist only has the authority to diagnose on the basis of the combined results. A psychiatrist on the other hand has the authority to diagnose contra to indicative results where appropriate. This is the same whether private or NHS. It's prudent to check the credentials of any provider and finding one that follows NICE guidelines may provide that reassurance. But to suggest the NHS is the gold standard against which all others should be measured is laughable. What service leaves desperate people waiting years for starters? Misdiagnosis is rife in the NHS and I could go on. Why they're out on a pedestal I'll never know. Ditto BBC documentaries - I await the day the Panorama guy discovers he does in fact have ADHD!

Completely agree, the NHS is shit, especially where mental health is concerned. NHS errors are rife, people who work there couldn’t care less held the time. My NHS “care” left me with PTSD. Half the time I have to explain mental health to them. NHS is the lead to private cares gold. Unfortunately no philosophers stone exists in this case.

The NHS is held to be the gold standard for political purposes only.

Diagnosis is made on standardised results of the Connors Questionnaire

No they aren't

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87/chapter/Recommendations#recognition-identification-and-referral

I went to the ADHD centre.
They have one in Manchester and London. Think maybe somewhere else.

My doctor was a consultant psychiatrist and my own gp checked they were legit.

Expensive but seen quick. Report took about 5 weeks. I have been on list for 1 year and 6 months when I was told they had only reached dec 2020 pts. And that's up north.

I couldn't afford to wait longer as it had been affecting me.

If you wish to message, feel free. I had a good experience with mine.

I was on the wait list for a year and have just been diagnosed this week. Now 6/7 month wait for meds. I’m severely affected so really hope it will help

Can I ask where you are based please? I saw an excellent private consultant. I am on stimulant medication, best decision I ever made xx

That is only true with children

Where NHS clinicians practice privately their private assessments are almost always more limited in information compared to their NHS ones.

Not ime - DD1’s private psychiatric report was 20+ pages long. DD2’s NHS psychologist’s report was less than 2 pages!

Of course, this is why I said almost always. Its my subjective opinion and fallible - but it's based on reading hundreds of these reports each year, and my clinical background in ADHD care and assessment.