Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD is still largely undiagnosed and under-treated, at great cost to both society and individuals. This is largely due to the mindset of gatekeepers, who oversee the pathways to referral.
It is possible to receive an individual diagnosis through the NHS 'Right To Choose' scheme that allows you to be referred to a certified service that has contracts with the NHS. This can speed the process up.
Waiting at various times
The NHS is overwhelmed with the demand for ADHD treatment and assessments which means long waiting times. A charity warned that some people wait seven years for their first assessment. This puts adults who aren't being diagnosed with ADHD in a perilous situation, according to the charity, ADHD Action. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has soared due to prominent celebrities talking openly about their struggles with the disorder, such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
The NHS doesn't have enough ADHD specialists to meet the demand. The NHS doesn't regularly gather data, making it difficult to know how many people are currently waiting for an assessment of ADHD. Patients who are private healthcare providers can choose an alternative route. They can request their GP to refer them outside of the area or pay privately for an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment is a 45 - 90 minute consultation with psychiatrists who inquire about your medical history and symptoms. The psychiatrist will then recommend an appropriate treatment or medication based upon the results. Private assessments are an option for those who want an immediate, accurate diagnosis. But, it is important to note that some providers require an GP referral letter, whereas others do not. This could impact your options if you decide to enter into a shared-care agreement with your GP. In this case you will only be charged the NHS prescription fees for your medications.
It can be a stressful experience to receive an ADHD diagnosis, especially when your symptoms are causing you to feel stressed. It could also be a relief. Having a clear diagnosis will aid you in making better decisions about your life and improve your quality of life. Here are some guidelines for finding the right provider for you if you're thinking of a privately diagnosed patient.
When selecting a psychiatrist, check the doctor's credentials and experience. The doctor should not only possess a doctorate, but also completed specialist training in the field of mental health. It is also important to determine whether the psychiatrist is licensed to prescribe medication. You should also make sure that the psychiatrist has a special interest in treating ADHD. The psychiatrist should also be able to identify and treat co-morbidities associated with ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are specialists in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. They can assist with physical and emotional issues, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in a variety of fields such as psychotherapy, social work and pharmacology. Certain psychiatrists have been trained in psychotherapy that is transcultural and have vast experience both in child and adult psychotherapy.
You should first talk to your GP to discuss your concerns. They should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. You should be prepared to speak about your symptoms and family history, since these can impact on the diagnosis. Before referring you for assessment, your GP may ask you to complete an ADHD screening questionnaire. It can take up to an hour and is usually done in person, but you can also complete the questionnaire over the phone or via an online video call.
Only a psychiatrist, or a specialist nurse, is able to conduct an assessment for ADHD. Only these health professionals are able to prescribe medications for this condition. However, if you would prefer not to take medication, you can visit psychologists to conduct an assessment. The assessment usually lasts for 90 minutes, however, you can anticipate spending more time than this, as your Psychiatrist will be looking into your symptoms and past history.
A recent report on the BBC's Panorama program highlighted the lengthy waiting lists for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The programme also questioned the quality of certain private ADHD assessment services. The report claimed that some psychiatrists diagnose adults with ADHD, and prescribe them drugs without properly assessing symptoms. In some instances patients fail to take the medication as prescribed. This can cause serious side effects like insomnia or high blood pressure.
Presently, the NHS lets patients choose which GP they will visit for an ADHD assessment. You can find the list of GPs who offer this service here. However this list does not include all providers with agreements with NHS England. You can also get private treatment via Right to Choose, although the consultation fees are not subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are a variety of treatments available to adults suffering from ADHD. There are a myriad of treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular one is stimulant medication. However, there are other non-medication treatments that can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms by transforming negative thoughts or behaviours. This kind of therapy is usually combined with individual and group sessions, and it requires a positive relationship with your therapist. It is also important to determine if you are suffering from any mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, since these can impact your ability to manage your symptoms.
If you suspect you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, it is essential to talk to your GP and discuss your concerns with them. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you for an ADHD evaluation. You might be asked to fill out an assessment, such as the DIVA test. You will then meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your issues and determine what treatment options are available.
If you can't wait for a referral from NHS, the private ADHD assessment might be able to assist. A private assessment will consist of a 45- to 90-minute interview with a psychiatrist who has been specially trained in diagnosing adult ADHD. It will cost between PS500 and 800. Some providers require the GP referral, while other do not.
An ADHD diagnosis can enhance your quality of life by helping you deal with your symptoms and decreasing stress levels. It can also reduce the chance that you make impulsive decisions that could create problems in your work and personal relationships. Many adults with ADHD are also benefited by joining a support group. These groups can be an encouraging, empowering and supportive environment for people with ADHD. You can find them on the internet or in person.
It is essential to know that only a qualified specialist nurse or Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are able to assess ADHD but they cannot diagnose the disorder. A specialist nurse, Psychiatrist or any other mental health professional may recommend the most appropriate treatment for ADHD. private adhd assessment adults may include medication, lifestyle changes or psychological intervention.
Medication
With the increasing awareness of ADHD, more people are seeking treatment for their symptoms. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand. This is especially the case for adult ADHD assessment, which can take up to several weeks. Private clinics can provide adults with ADHD with fast and efficient assessments. These clinics offer a thorough ADHD evaluation, including a written diagnosis. If necessary, they will prescribe medication.
BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number private health clinics in the UK that were providing incorrect ADHD diagnoses. These clinics profit from the increasing demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. This doesn't mean that people with ADHD should not seek medical attention. Remember that this condition can be very serious and affect a variety of aspects of your life. If not treated, ADHD can reduce the life expectancy by 12.7 years(2).
private adhd assessment can be difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD, especially when you have a GP who is not willing or has preconceived notions about the disorder. Despite the increasing awareness of the disorder, these prejudices remain and could make it difficult for people to receive the correct diagnosis. It is important to understand that the fact that the patient pays for healthcare it doesn't mean they can bend the rules. Your healthcare provider should adhere to NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your GP refuses to recommend you for an ADHD assessment and treatment, you can seek out a private psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will assess your condition and prescribe medication, if required. The psychiatrist will also conduct a clinical interview with you to determine if your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life. The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your past and family health issues to assess the severity of your ADHD symptoms.
A thorough ADHD report will be included in the private assessment and directly sent to your GP. It can also be used as evidence to support claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.