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ADHD Diagnosis Advice
Referral
You can seek diagnosis by:
- Self-referral and pay privately
- GP referral and pay yourself or by your health insurance provider
- GP referral and have your PCT (NHS) pay the fees.
We will make every effort to help you with this process, call us if you need some help.
What's involved in ADHD Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is a clinical one. To confirm ADHD we consider a number of factors:
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Symptom assessment - We use a number of assessment questionaires and tests to establish the severity and impact of your ADHD symptoms in both adulthood and childhood
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Historical evidence - It is important to establish that symptoms were present in childhood, even if not previously recognised. School reports can help here as can a phone call or meeting with a parent
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A neuro-psychiatric evaluation - by a psychiatrist. An ADHD specialist consultant psychiatrist will discuss with you any problem areas and struggles over your lifetime, from nursery to work. ADHD is not just about impulsiivity and inattention but causes many issues from addictions to depression too.
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An informal discussion - with an ADHD Coach. Not used for the formal diagnosis but help provides us and you helpful information about you symptoms and how best you maight handle them.
Our aim is to provide you with an accurate and consultative diagnosis. the outcome may be that you choose medication, coaching, education or join a group to help you wiith your issues. We will treat you with respect, provide you greater insight into yourself and always intend that you leave feeling better than when you arrived!
For a diagnosis, call 020 8099 7671 or email us here
Other Questions
Do I have to tell my GP about my visit?
No, you are under no obligation to involve your GP in seeking and gaining an ADHD diagnosis. We are happy to confidentially meet, diagnose and treat you if you have ADHD without the involvement of other parties.
Why involve my GP if I am coming to you privately?
ADHD is often accompanied by co-morbid issues, such as depression, sleep problems, addictions and anxiety. Other health issues such as thyroid and menopause may mimic or exasperate ADHD symptoms too. Your GP is best placed to offer support for all related health issues.
Do I have to visit you privately?
If you are unable to pay yourself or your insurance will not fund your diagnosis then your GP may be willing to refer you with NHS funding. This will most likely involve your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) and will not always be successful but our rates are very competitive with NHS Specialist ADHD Units such as the Maudsley Hospital. Please ask your doctor to contact us and we will work hard to assist with this process.
What other costs are involved?
ADHD medications can be expensive if prescribed privately. Once diagnosed we are happy to provide you private prescriptions for your ADHD medication but you will be liable for the cost of consultations for prescriptions as well as the drugs which can cost tens or even hundreds of pounds each month. If your GP prescribes once we have settled on medication and dosage then you will only have a small cost for your NHS monthly prescriptions.
How do I involve my GP?
Visit your GP, explain that you think you may be ADHD and wish to privately arrange for diagnosis or that you wished to be referred by the NHS to us for diagnosis.
What do I do if my GP won’t help me?
Sadly many GPs have received little if any training on Adult ADHD. Some may even be resistant to accepting that ADHD is a valid diagnosis for adults and will refuse to refer you or support your diagnosis. The NHS has determined that Adult ADHD is a valid diagnosis, print out and request that your doctor read the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the treatment of ADHD, available at http://www.nice.org.uk/CG72. It may be easier and a lot quicker for you if your GP would agree that you privately refer to the and that they subsequently prescribe your medication. Finally if your GP is unhelpful you might choose to transfer to a better informed and more accepting GP.
If I have ADHD, will it go in my records?
If you self-refer and are diagnosed privately at our centre then all your records will be confidential and will never be disclosed to anyone without your permission, unless we have serious concerns regarding risk to your health and safety or that of someone else. If your GP is involved then your diagnosis will be placed in your NHS records and into the NHS national databases. You may have less control of the use of this information.
Contact us
If your wish to visit please call 020 8099 7671 or email us by clicking here