Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD is still underdiagnosed, and undertreated. This has a high cost for individuals and society. This is in part because of the attitude of gatekeepers who control the referral pathways.
You can get a private diagnostic by utilizing the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme. This lets you be referred by the NHS to a certified service that has contracts. This could speed up the process considerably.
Waiting times
The NHS is flooded with requests for ADHD assessments and treatments which means long waits. Some patients are waiting for seven years to get their first test according to a charity warning. ADHD Action is a charity, warned that adults with undiagnosed ADHD are in a risky situation. The charity ADHD Action stated that this is despite the awareness of ADHD has increased, thanks to celebrities like Loose Women's Nadia Sawalha who have been open about their struggles.
One of the reasons for the long waits is that there aren't enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet the demand. The NHS does not routinely collect data, which makes it difficult to figure out how many people are waiting for an ADHD assessment. Private healthcare patients have the option of choosing an alternative route. They can request their doctor to refer them outside of the area or pay for an ADHD evaluation.
A private assessment is a 45 - 90 minute appointment with psychiatrists who will inquire about your medical history and symptoms. The psychiatrist will suggest an appropriate treatment or medication based upon the results. Private assessments are a good option for those who need a fast, precise diagnosis. However, you should be aware that some providers require a GP referral letter, whereas others do not. This can affect your options if you want to enter into an agreement for shared-care with your GP. In this instance, you would only pay the NHS prescription charges for your medications.
It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis, especially if your symptoms are causing you stress. It can be a welcome relief. Being able to identify the cause of your illness will aid you in making better decisions about your life and improve your quality of life. Here are some tips for finding the right provider for you if you're thinking of a privately diagnosed patient.
Examine the credentials and experience of a psychiatrist before choosing one. The doctor should not only possess a doctorate, but also completed specialist training in the field of mental health. You should also find out whether the psychiatrist is certified to prescribe medications. Make sure the psychiatrist is interested in treating ADHD. The psychiatrist should also be able to recognize and treat co-morbidities that are associated with ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are doctors who have medical qualifications who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. They can assist with emotional and physical issues, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in various areas, such as psychotherapy, social service and the science of pharmacology. Certain psychiatrists have been trained in psychotherapy for transcultural issues and have a wealth of experience both in the field of child and adult psychiatry.
It is recommended that you first speak to your GP to discuss your concerns. They will be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment. You must be prepared to talk about your symptoms and family history, as these may impact the diagnosis. Your doctor may ask you to fill in an ADHD screening questionnaire prior to making an appointment for an assessment. This could take about approximately an hour, and is usually conducted face-to-face. However, you can complete the questionnaire via phone or online video.
Only a Psychiatrist, or a specialist nurse, is able to conduct an assessment for ADHD. This is because only these health experts can prescribe medications for the condition. If you do not want to take medication, you can still consult a psychologist. The typical assessment lasts 90 minutes, but you can expect to spend longer 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 times for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The program also questioned quality of some private ADHD assessment services. The report suggested that some psychiatrists are diagnosing adult with ADHD and prescribing drugs to them without evaluating their symptoms. In some cases, these patients aren't taking their medication according to the instructions. This could cause serious side effects, such as insomnia and high blood pressure.
Currently, NHS patients can choose the provider they want to see for an ADHD evaluation. You can find the list of GPs who provide this service here. However the list doesn't include all providers with contracts with NHS England. Right to Choose allows you to receive private treatment however, the consultation fee will not be subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are a number of different treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. There are a myriad of treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular is stimulant medication. However, there are other non-medication treatments which can be helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example can help to improve ADHD symptoms by changing negative thoughts or behaviours. This type of therapy usually involves a combination of individual and group sessions, and it requires a good relationship with your therapist. It is also important to think about whether you are suffering from any mental health issues such as depression or anxiety as they can affect your ability to manage your symptoms.
It is essential to talk to your GP about your suspicions. They must take your concerns seriously and suggest an ADHD assessment. You might be asked to fill out an assessment, such as the DIVA test. You will be able to meet with a psychiatric professional to discuss your issues and determine the most effective treatment options.
A private ADHD assessment is a good option if you cannot wait for an NHS referral. A private assessment involves a 45-90-minute interview with an adult ADHD specialist psychiatrist. The cost will range between PS500 and PS800. Some providers require the referral of a GP and some don't.
A diagnosis of ADHD can improve your life by helping you to manage your symptoms and decrease stress levels. It can also lower the likelihood that you will take impulsive actions which can cause problems in your career and personal relationships. Participating in a support network is also beneficial to many adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be a supportive, empowering environment for people with ADHD. You can find them on the internet or in person.
It is important to note that only a Psychiatrist or qualified specialist nurse can prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are able to conduct an ADHD assessment however they are not able to offer a formal diagnosis of the disorder. A specialist nurse, Psychiatrist or another mental health professional may recommend the best treatment for ADHD. This could include medication, lifestyle modifications, 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 demands. This is particularly the case for adult ADHD assessments that can take up to weeks to complete. Fortunately, there are private clinics that provide quick and convenient assessments for adults with ADHD. These clinics offer an extensive ADHD assessment, including the written diagnosis. They can also prescribe medication if necessary.
BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a variety of private health clinics in the UK that were providing incorrect ADHD diagnoses. private adhd assessment are profiting from the growing demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. However, this doesn't mean that those with ADHD should not seek medical help. Remember that this condition can be very serious and affect a variety of aspects of your life. In fact, if left untreated ADHD can result in a 12.7 year reduction in life expectancy(2).
It is often difficult to obtain a diagnosis for ADHD especially if you have a GP who is unwilling or has preconceived beliefs about the disorder. Despite the growing awareness of the disorder, these biases are still present and can prevent people from receiving an accurate diagnosis. It is important to remember that even if someone pays for healthcare, it doesn't mean they are able to ignore the rules. Your healthcare professional should follow NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your GP is reluctant to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you may contact an individual psychiatrist who will examine you and may prescribe medication if it is appropriate. The psychiatrist will also conduct an interview to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life. The psychiatrist will ask about your family history and your personal history to determine the extent of your ADHD.
A thorough ADHD report will be included in the private assessment and can be delivered directly to your GP. It could be used to justify claims for reasonable accommodations at work or Disabled Student Allowance (DSA).