Adult ADHD diagnosis

[Prawnandcrocktail]

My 21 year old is being referred via the NHS but issues at uni mean that she really needs to be seen ASAP. I’m happy to pay but I really don’t know where to start. Because of work, I am familiar with the NHS route; my youngest has just been referred but I don’t know of any UK based private practitioners that would be recommended and meet the NICE guidelines. Any ideas would be great TIA.

There are loads of ADHD Facebook groups that would advise more on this. There are loads of options to be honest. I think ADHD UK is a big one but there are plenty to choose from if you google! Or people can tell you more about their experience in the groups.

Many thanks.

Following my LO's ADHD assessment & diagnosis, my OH suspected that he might have the same, and subsequently attended an ADHD assessment as well. He was diagnosed as ADHD too. The treatment plan has completely transformed his personal and work life for the better. We went private to The Soke in Fulham Road in London for both.

If you receive a diagnosis privately, does that mean that any medication is then paid through private prescriptions?

I think there's some scheme in England that lets you start off private then switch to the NHS once it's all set up. Shared care or something? I'm in Scotland though so I might be wrong.

I went for a private diagnosis as was lucky enough to be able to cover the costs and couldn't live undiagnosed and unmedicated any longer due to the issues that was causing in my life. I went to one of the big London private hospital's websites and browsed their list of psychiatrists until I found one with an ADHD specialism, then got in touch with his office to request an assessment. It was expensive, but I got my diagnosis and began the titration process within a month. I have now switched over to the NHS which covers the cost of my stimulant medication. Will PM you the name of the doctor I saw.

@dillydally24

Would you be willing to share who, if you recommend? Even if it's just by PM.

I'm autistic but currently obsessing over whether I also could have ADHD or if I'm just an absolute imposter. I have spent the whole afternoon looking at private clinics but the choice is vast and I am scared I get it wrong.

I’d advise you find a doctor who is close to you; I need to pick up my prescription every month in person (the drugs are controlled so I can only get one month at a time and my doctor doesn’t have the ability to get the prescription straight to my pharmacy). With ADHD, it’s important to make steps like this as easy as possible!

I haven’t moved to nhs yet because my dosage isn’t fixed yet (for me this is looking to be 6-12 months in total).

private doctors are also quite busy right now (blame tik tok, I guess….. - joking aside, I think more people are aware of the condition now). Mine has a 4 month waiting list. Happy to share details if you wish (it’s a Harley street clinic) - just PM me.