New to the group, looking for recommendations for diagnosis in the UK please.

I'm fairly sure I have ADHD. I'm doing OK in life, but find it very taxing a lot of the time. I've always had excess energy, restlessness, problems with focus and regularly 'checking out' I start too many projects, lose things all the time, forget dates, etc. Regular exercise, taking breaks and over-organisation helps, but I feel things are getting worse as I get older. Meditation helps when I am able to sit still long enough to do it....!

The upsides are I'm fairly creative, see things from a different perspective and have always thrived on being a little bit 'different'. I find its great for problem solving, thinking 'outside the box' (though I don't like the phrase) so its far from all doom and gloom.

My adult Son has many of my traits, he suggested to me that he had ADHD. After some reading up to try and help him out I read 'Driven to Distraction' and the book caused lots of 'lightbulb' moments, basically recognising myself in the scenarios and behaviours. I'm keen for him not to have to learn the hard way or wait until he's my age before he gets some guidance.

My GP has confirmed I 'tick all the boxes', but I'm waiting for formal assessment from an NHS specialist, which could take 2 years. Patience and time are 2 things I feel I'm lacking so I'm prepared to pay for private assessment but don't want to be ripped off.

I'm joining this forum to try and get recommendations for UK based assessment outside of the NHS 2 year waiting list, possibly for both my Son and I.

Any advice on specialists much appreciated

M

[TAJB]

I'm originally from the UK so I know how slow it can be. It also depends on where in the UK you are located as to how good the services are. And, while I love the NHS, the time to get anything done, especially with mental health can be painstakingly slow. If I were to go back, I'd definitely go private to get the formal diagnosis out to the way and then you can access meds via your own doctor, at least that's what I think is possible.

[painedout]

You have the right to request an assessment outside your area if in order to speed things up. Some areas have much shorter waiting times. I was pleasantly surprised when I got my first assessment within a couple of months of my GP's referral.

[Betsy74]

Hi I am in the Uk and had my assessment and diagnosis privately via Clinical Partners who were very helpful. I continue to see my consultant privately on a 6 monthly basis but my medication is now prescribed by gp on a shared care basis which saves money (I had to wait until fully titrated and stable for 3 months before that happened). The out of area suggestion is a bit of a red herring I think as the waiting lists are huge everywhere!

[Hominid711]

I went with Psymplicity Healthcare and after titrating up over 1 month, then being another 2 months on the maximum dose of Vyvanse my psychiatrist sent the shared care agreement to my GP. Now it's just the cost of a 6monthly follow up with the psychiatrist and the NHS prescription fee.