ADHD assessment - NHS vs private/Psychiatrist vs Paediatrician

[fishface1979]

Hi, I'm torn on whether to wait for NHS assessment or go private seeing as my son has started to struggle to focus in year 8 now the content is much more dry. His brother is autistic and I'm fairly sure that this son, his older brother, has ADHD; he says that focusing is like wading through treacle etc. Are there advantages to seeing a psychologist versus a psychiatrist? I know that only a psychiatrist can prescribe, but I'm wondering about getting a private diagnosis from a psychologist I trust, and then waiting to see if medication is needed when GCSE prep starts - hopefully by then we'd be in the NHS system and they may accept the psychologist diagnosis, which may cut out some at least of the wait. I know if I go private with a psychiatrist straight away a 'shared care' plan could only be implemented after considerable cost and a number of costly appointments and we're not in urgent need of trialling medication right now; it's more a case of my son's teachers realising he's not deliberately zoning out and forgetting things. The reason for the slight hurry with the diagnostic element is in part because my son moves school this year and his current teachers know him well and so could paint an accurate picture when it comes to filling out the forms. By the time we are seen by an NHS doctor I worry he'd be in the new school and still settling in/not known very well ... any thoughts most gratefully received. Thanks!

Well in theory anyone could make the diagnosis. You need a 'mdt' approach to make it more consistent or systematic. Psychiatrist tend not to do that and, if their report is comprehensive enough then it's very likely to be accepted within NHS (CAMHS). Other reports are less likely to be and you may end up getting another assessment locally anyway.

There are waits even in the private sector but as you said once you have the diagnosis at least you could start non medication treatments , which although there are limited benefits can offer a framework before medication anyway (learning support, rest breaks, omega 3, other supplements , parenting groups, ADHD charities etc.).

Good luck!!