ADHD assessment and diagnosis Durham

What is ADHD? 

Your search for answers to ADHD should begin with understanding what ADHD is all about. Attention Hyperactivity Disorder is a medical or neurobiological condition that affects the brain's neurotransmitter chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, causing them not to work correctly. 

In many instances, ADHD goes without proper identification, treatment and management. It can have serious and long-lasting consequences that impact your social and professional life. The exact cause of ADHD is not clear, but there are genetic links. 

Research into the condition has revealed that there are three different types of ADHD, and it can co-exist with other disorders to a larger or lesser degree. Some of the other disorders it can co-exist with include autism, dyslexia, conduct disorder and dyspraxia, among others. 

Although living with ADHD is difficult, the silver lining is that the condition is treatable and effectively manageable if appropriately diagnosed, which is why at My Solution Wellbeing, we offer private ADHD assessment in Durham, allowing you to get over the red tape that comes with NHS assessments and get the answers you seek sooner.  

When Should You Consider an ADHD Assessment? 

There are no limits to when you can get an ADHD assessment. In fact, on many occasions, most individuals have been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. But like any other medical condition, timely intervention improves prognosis and also saves you from the difficulties presented by the symptoms of ADHD. 

So, how do you tell when to get an ADHD assessment? Here are some of the indicators: 

You have all or the majority of the symptoms 

One of the challenges of diagnosing ADHD is that it shares symptoms with other conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, if you have a majority or all of the following symptoms, you should consider getting an ADHD assessment: 

• Trouble paying attention 
• Excessive talking or rapid-fire speech 
• Forgetfulness 
• Fidgeting 
• Recklessness and impulsiveness 
• Poor time management 
• Hyperfocus 
• Executive dysfunction 
• Exaggerated emotions 

Other treatments and therapies don’t work 

ADHD is not well understood and is often confused with other conditions, especially when diagnosed by underqualified doctors or those who don't specialise in the condition. You may have tried different types of treatments and therapies that don't seem to work or only work for a short time. It is best to go back to the drawing board and start with a proper ADHD assessment to get advice on the best type of treatment and therapy that can manage the condition. 

You've had the symptoms since you were a child 

Many cases of ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, but most people can remember having these symptoms from when they were children. This goes hand in hand with statistics, which show that up to 60% of adult ADHD diagnoses started having the symptoms in childhood. If you've struggled with ADHD symptoms since you were a child, you should consider getting an assessment. 

What are the Benefits of Private ADHD Assessment in Durham? 

ADHD assessments can be conducted by the NHS or private clinics in Durham. Each avenue has its benefits and downsides. With the NHS, the assessment is free, but there is a long waiting list that can run into years. The benefits of private ADHD assessment in Durham include the following: 

Short waiting lists 

Most private clinics also have a waiting list for ADHD assessment. However, the waiting list is only a few days long, so you can complete the assessment within a shorter timeframe. This is crucial because timely diagnosis means timely treatment. 

Direct access to specialist 

Under the NHS, you can only get a referral for ADHD assessment from your GP. Not only does this delay the assessment further, but it also restricts your access to specialists. With private ADHD assessment, you can self-refer for an ADHD assessment, ensuring you get quick and direct access to specialists. 

Personalised assessment and treatment 

Private clinics go beyond the standard testing for ADHD. They tailor the assessment to your specific circumstances and needs for more accurate and better results. You also get tailored treatment and therapy options that better cater to the subtype of ADHD you have and the extent of the symptoms. 

What to Expect During Your Private ADHD Assessment At My Solution Wellbeing 

Our ADHD assessment in Durham is designed to provide a comfortable and efficient experience to our clients. We understand that this can be an anxious time for you and could trigger an episode. This is why we begin with a consultation, during which we discuss your medical history and the details of the assessment. 

Our specialist will also talk you through every step of the test to ensure you're informed and aware of what is happening. We also review the results with you and help you understand the diagnosis and the best course of action for you.