Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD is still largely undiagnosed and under-treated, at great cost to society and individuals. This is in part because of the attitude of gatekeepers who manage the pathways to referral.
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 speed the process up.
Waiting at various times
The NHS is flooded with requests for ADHD assessments and treatments, leading to long waits. A charity warned that people wait seven years for their first assessment. ADHD Action, a non-profit organization has warned that people with undiagnosed ADHD are in a perilous situation. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has risen dramatically due to prominent celebrities speaking out about their struggles with the condition, such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
The NHS doesn't have enough ADHD specialists to meet the demand. This is made more difficult by the fact that the NHS does not regularly collect collected data which makes it difficult to establish the number of people who are waiting for an assessment. Private healthcare patients can choose an alternative route. They can ask their doctor to refer them outside of the area or pay privately for an ADHD evaluation.
A private assessment is 45-90 minutes with a psychiatrist. He will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and history. The psychiatrist will then suggest a treatment or medication based on the findings. Private assessments are a good alternative for those seeking an accurate, quick diagnosis. Be aware that certain providers will require a referral from a doctor, while others won't. This could affect your options when it comes to a shared care agreement with your GP, which means you pay just the NHS prescription cost for your medications.
It can be difficult to be given an ADHD diagnosis, particularly when your symptoms cause you stress. It could also be a relief. Having a clear diagnosis can assist you in making better choices about your life and increase your quality of life. If you're considering a personal diagnosis, here are some suggestions to help you locate the right healthcare provider.
When choosing a psychiatrist, check the doctor's credentials and experience. In addition to an medical degree, the psychiatrist should have completed specialized training in the area of mental health. You should also determine whether the psychiatrist is certified to prescribe medication. Make sure the psychiatrist is interested in treating ADHD. The psychiatrist should also be able to detect and treat co-morbidities with ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists hold medical degrees and are experts in diagnosing and treating mental health issues. They can aid with emotional and physical issues, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in a variety of fields that include psychotherapy social work, pharmacology and psychotherapy. Some have also trained in transcultural psychiatry and have extensive experience with both children and adults psychiatry.
If you're interested in being diagnosed with ADHD, you should start with talking to your GP about your concerns. Your concerns should be taken seriously by your GP who will refer you for an assessment. It is important to discuss your symptoms as well as your family history, as they could affect the diagnosis. Before referring you for evaluation, your doctor may request you to complete an ADHD screening questionnaire. It can take up to up to an hour and is typically done face-to-face. However you can fill out the questionnaire by phone or online via video.
An assessment for ADHD can only be conducted by a specialist or Psychiatrist nurse. This is because only these health specialists can prescribe medications for the condition. If you'd rather not take medication, you can still consult a psychologist. The assessment lasts 90 minutes, but your Psychiatrist could take longer as they will explore your symptoms and previous.
A recent report on the BBC's Panorama program highlighted the long waits for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The program also questioned the quality of certain private ADHD assessment services. The report suggested that some psychiatrists are diagnosing adult with ADHD and prescribing them medications without properly assessing the severity of their symptoms. In some cases, patients are not taking the medication according to the instructions. This can cause serious side effects, like insomnia and high blood pressure.
Currently in the present, the NHS allows patients to choose which provider they go to for an ADHD assessment. There is a list of GPs who offer this service here. However, the list does not include all providers who have agreements with NHS England. Right to Choose allows you to access private treatment, but the consultation fees are not subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are a number of treatment options for adults with ADHD. The most well-known is stimulant medication, however there are also many non-medication treatments that can be helpful. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help improve symptoms of ADHD by changing negative thoughts and behaviours. This type of therapy usually involves a combination of individual and group sessions and requires a good working relationship with your therapist. You should also consider whether you are suffering from any mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, which can affect your ability to manage your symptoms.
It is important that you speak to your GP about your suspicions. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you for an ADHD evaluation. You could be asked to take an assessment like the DIVA test. You will meet with a psychiatric professional to discuss your concerns and determine the most effective treatment options.
A private ADHD assessment is an excellent alternative if you are unable to wait for an NHS referral. Private assessments involve an interview lasting 45-90 minutes with an adult ADHD specialist psychiatrist. The cost will range from PS500 and 800. Some providers require an GP referral, while others do not.
A diagnosis of ADHD can improve your life by assisting to cope with your symptoms and lower stress levels. It can also reduce the chance that you make impulsive decisions that could cause problems in your career and personal relationships. Many people who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from joining an organization that offers support. These groups can be an encouraging, empowering and supportive environment for people suffering from ADHD. You can find them online or in person.
It is vital to know that only a Psychiatrist or qualified specialist nurse can prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental health professionals can assess ADHD, but cannot 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
With the increasing awareness of ADHD, more people are seeking treatment for their symptoms. As a result, the NHS is struggling to meet the demand. This is particularly true for adult ADHD assessments that can take up to weeks to complete. There are fortunately, private clinics that can offer quick and easy assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. These clinics offer a thorough ADHD evaluation, including a written diagnosis. They will also prescribe medication when needed.
BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number private health clinics in the UK that were providing incorrect ADHD diagnoses. These clinics take advantage of the growing demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. But private adhd assessment does not mean that those suffering from ADHD should stop seeking medical assistance. Be aware that this condition can be very serious and affect a variety of aspects of your life. In fact, if left untreated ADHD can lead to an 12.7 year decrease in life expectancy(2).
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD especially in the case of a GP who is not willing or has preconceived assumptions about the disorder. Despite the growing awareness of the disorder, these prejudices remain and could make it difficult for people to receive a proper diagnosis. Additionally, it is important to understand that just because you are paying for healthcare doesn't allow you to stray from the rules. Your healthcare professional must adhere to NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor is unwilling to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you can seek a private psychiatrist who will evaluate you and may prescribe medication if appropriate. The psychiatrist will also conduct an interview to determine whether your ADHD symptoms affect negatively your life. The psychiatrist will ask about your family history as well as your personal history to determine the degree of your ADHD.
The private assessment will typically comprise a full ADHD report that you can send to your GP. It can be used to support claims for reasonable accommodations at work or Disabled Student Allowance (DSA).