Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD is still largely undiagnosed and is not treated, which comes at a significant cost to both society and individuals. This is largely because of the attitude of gatekeepers who manage referral pathways.
It is possible to get an individual diagnosis through the NHS Right To Choose scheme, which permits you to be referred to a qualified provider that has contracts with the NHS. This can make the process much faster.
Waiting at various times
The NHS is overwhelmed with the demand for ADHD assessment and treatment, resulting in long waiting times. Some patients are waiting for seven years to receive their first test the charity has warned. This puts adults who aren't being diagnosed with ADHD in a perilous position, said the charity, ADHD Action. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent celebrities talking openly about their struggles with the condition, such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
One of the reasons behind the long waiting times is that there aren't enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet the demand. This is made more difficult by the fact that the NHS does not collect routinely collected data which makes it difficult to determine how many people are waiting for an assessment. Private healthcare patients can choose an alternative route. They can request their doctor to refer them out of the area or pay privately for an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment is a 45 to 90 minute meeting with a psychiatrist who will inquire about your past and symptoms. The psychiatrist will then recommend a treatment or medication based upon the results. Private assessments are a good option for those who need quick and accurate diagnosis. You should be aware that some providers require a GP's referral however, others don't. This could affect your options should you choose to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. In this scenario, you would only pay the NHS prescription charges for your medications.
The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be stressful, particularly when you're struggling with the symptoms. It could be a source of relief. Having a clear diagnosis will help you make better decisions regarding your life and enhance your quality of life. Here are some tips to choose the right physician for you if you're thinking of a privately diagnosed patient.
When choosing a psychiatrist, examine the credentials of the doctor as well as their experience. The doctor should not only have a medical degree but also completed specialist training within the field of mental health. Find out if the doctor has the right to prescribe medications. Also, you should ensure that the psychiatrist has an interest in treating ADHD. In addition to this, the psychiatrist should be able to recognize and treat any co-morbidities that are related to ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists have medical degrees and are specialists in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. They can assist with emotional and physical issues, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are skilled in a variety of fields that include psychotherapy social work, pharmacology and psychotherapy. Some psychiatrists have been educated in psychotherapy that is transcultural and have vast knowledge of both adult and child psychiatry.
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD, you should start by speaking to your GP about your concerns. Your concerns should be taken seriously by your doctor, who will refer you to an assessment. You should be prepared to discuss your symptoms as well as your family history, as they can have an impact on the diagnosis. Your doctor may request you to fill in an ADHD screening questionnaire prior to referring you for an assessment. It can take up to an hour, and is usually done face-to-face. However, you can complete the questionnaire via phone or online video.
A test for ADHD can only be conducted by a Psychiatrist or specialist nurse. This is because only these health experts can prescribe medication for the condition. If you'd rather not take medication, you can still see a psychologist. The typical assessment lasts 90 minutes, however, you could be expected to spend longer than that because your Psychiatrist is going to be examining your symptoms and history.
BBC's Panorama programme recently highlighted the long wait times for ADHD assessments within the NHS. The programme also questioned the quality of some private ADHD assessment services. The report claimed that certain psychiatrists are diagnosing adults with ADHD and prescribing drugs to them without properly assessing the severity of their symptoms. In some instances, these patients aren't taking their medication as instructed. This could cause serious adverse effects, including insomnia and high blood pressure.
Currently, the NHS lets patients choose the provider they visit for an ADHD assessment. You can find the list of GPs who provide this service here. However, the list does not include all providers who have contracts with NHS England. Right to Choose allows you to receive private treatment however, consultation fees are not subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are a myriad of treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular is stimulant medication, however there are a variety of non-medication treatments that can be helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can help to improve ADHD symptoms by transforming negative thoughts or behaviours. This kind of therapy is typically an amalgamation of individual and group sessions, and it requires a positive relationship with your counselor. It is also crucial to think about whether you have any co-existing mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, since these can impact your ability to manage your symptoms.
It is important that you discuss with your GP about your concerns. They should be able to take your concerns seriously and refer you to an ADHD evaluation. You may be asked to fill out an assessment such as the DIVA test. You will then see a psychiatrist to discuss your problems and determine what treatment options are available.
A private ADHD assessment is a great alternative if you're unable to wait for an NHS referral. A private assessment will involve an hour-long interview with a psychiatrist who is specifically trained to diagnose adult ADHD. The cost will range from PS500 to 800. Some providers require a referral from an GP, while others don't.
A ADHD diagnosis can improve your quality of life by helping you deal with your symptoms and reduce stress levels. It can also reduce the likelihood of impulsive actions which can lead to problems in your career or personal relationships. Participating in a support group is also beneficial for many people with ADHD. This can be a supportive and encouraging space for those who suffer from ADHD, and you can find out about these groups through searching online or visiting in person.
It is essential to know that only a certified specialist nurse or Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental health professionals can assess ADHD but they are not able to diagnose the disorder. A specialist nurse or psychiatrist can suggest an appropriate treatment option for ADHD which could include lifestyle changes, medication, or psychological intervention.
Medication
As ADHD becomes more widely known increasing numbers of people seek treatment for their symptoms. The NHS is unable to meet the demands. This is especially the case for adults who require ADHD assessment which can last up to several weeks. Fortunately, there are private clinics that provide quick and easy assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. These clinics offer a comprehensive ADHD assessment, including a written diagnosis. private adhd assessment adult will also prescribe medication when needed.
The BBC's Panorama programme recently exposed a number of private health clinics providing unjust ADHD diagnoses in the UK. These clinics take advantage of the growing demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. However, this doesn't mean that those with ADHD should not seek medical assistance. Remember that this disorder is serious and can impact many aspects of your life. Untreated ADHD can cut the lifespan by 12.7 years(2).
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis for ADHD particularly in the case of a GP who is unwilling or has preconceived beliefs about the disorder. These stereotypes are still prevalent despite the increasing awareness of the disorder. They can hinder people from getting a true diagnosis. It is important to understand that the fact that someone pays for healthcare, it does not mean that they can evade the rules. Your healthcare professional must adhere to NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor is unwilling to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you may seek a private psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms and prescribe medication, if necessary. The psychiatrist will also conduct a medical interview with you to determine if your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life. The psychiatrist will inquire about your family history as well as your past to determine the extent of your ADHD.
The private assessment will usually include a comprehensive ADHD report which can be sent to your GP. It can also be used as evidence to justify claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.