Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD remains significantly under-diagnosed and under-treated, at great cost to individuals and society. This is largely because of the attitude of gatekeepers who control referral pathways.
You can receive a personal diagnosis through the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme. This lets you be directed by the NHS to a qualified service that has contracts. This can accelerate the process significantly.
Waiting several times
The NHS is flooded with requests for ADHD assessments and treatment which has led to long wait times. A charity warned that some people wait seven years for their first assessment. ADHD Action, a charity, warned that adults with undiagnosed ADHD are in a dangerous position. The charity ADHD Action said that this is despite the fact the awareness of ADHD has increased due to the success of celebrities like Loose Women's Nadia Sawalha who have been open about their struggles.
One of the main reasons for the long wait times is that there are not enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet the demand. The NHS doesn't regularly collect data, which makes it difficult to figure out the number of people who are waiting to receive an assessment for ADHD. People who have access to private health care can opt for a different path, by asking their doctor for an out-of-area referral or by paying privately for an ADHD assessment.
A private consultation lasts between 45 and 90 minutes with a psychiatrist. He will ask you questions about your symptoms and past history. They will then suggest a course of medication or treatment according to their findings. Private assessments are an alternative for those seeking a quick, accurate diagnosis. You should be aware that some providers require a referral from your GP, while others won't. This may affect your options for a shared care agreement with your GP, which means you only pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication.
It can be stressful to receive an ADHD diagnosis, especially if your symptoms are causing you to feel stressed. It can be a welcome relief. Being able to identify the cause of your illness will help you make better decisions about your life and increase your quality of life. Here are some suggestions for finding the right provider in the event that you're considering having a private diagnosis for a patient.
When selecting a psychiatrist examine the credentials of the doctor as well as their experience. In addition to an medical degree, the psychiatrist must have completed specialist training in the field of mental health. It is also important to determine whether the psychiatrist is certified to prescribe medications. Be sure that 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 have medical degrees and are experts in diagnosing and treating mental health issues. They can assist with emotional and physical issues, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in several areas, including psychotherapy, social services, and pharmacology. Some psychiatrists have been trained in transcultural psychotherapy and have extensive experience both in the field of child and adult psychiatry.
You should first talk to your GP to discuss 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 and family history, as these can have an impact on the diagnosis. Before referring you to a specialist for assessment, your GP may require you to fill out an ADHD screener. It can take up to up to an hour and is typically done face-to-face. However, you can complete the questionnaire by phone or online video.
Only a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse can conduct an assessment for ADHD. This is because only these professionals can prescribe medications for the condition. If you do not want to use medication, you may still see a psychologist. The assessment lasts 90 minutes, however the Psychiatrist you see may take longer, as they look into your symptoms as well as past.
A recent report on the BBC's Panorama program highlighted the long waiting times for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The programme also questioned the quality of some private ADHD assessment services. The report claimed that some psychiatrists diagnose adults with ADHD, and prescribe them medication without properly assessing the signs. In some instances, patients do not comply with the prescriptions. This could cause serious side effects, such as insomnia and high blood pressure.
Presently, the NHS allows patients to select which provider they go to for an ADHD assessment. There is the list of GPs who provide this service here. However the list doesn't include all providers with agreements with NHS England. Right to Choose allows you to receive private treatment however, the consultation fee are not subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are a number of treatment options for adults with ADHD. The most well-known is stimulant medications, but there are many other non-medicated treatments that could be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can help to improve ADHD symptoms by changing negative thoughts or behavior. This type of therapy usually requires a mix of group and individual sessions and requires a solid relationship with your therapist. It is also crucial to consider whether you suffer from any co-existing mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression because they could affect your ability to manage your symptoms.
If you suspect that you have ADHD It is crucial to talk to your GP and discuss your concerns with them. They must take your concerns seriously and recommend an ADHD assessment. You could be asked to take an assessment such as the DIVA test. You will be able to meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your issues and determine the most effective treatment options.
If you aren't able to wait for a referral from the NHS or a private ADHD assessment might be able to help. Private assessments involve a 45-90-minute interview with an adult ADHD specialist psychiatrist. It will cost between PS500 to 800. Some providers require a referral from a GP however, others don't.
An ADHD diagnosis can improve your quality of life by assisting you in dealing with your symptoms and reducing stress levels. It also decreases the likelihood that you will make impulsive decisions that could cause problems in your career and personal relationships. Many people who suffer from ADHD are private adhd assessment also benefited by joining an organization that offers support. This can be a supportive and encouraging space for those with ADHD and you can find out about these groups online or in person.
It is important to know that only a certified specialist nurse or Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are able to conduct an ADHD assessment but they are unable to offer a formal diagnosis of the disorder. A Psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another mental health professional can suggest the appropriate treatment for ADHD. This could involve medication, lifestyle modifications or psychological interventions.
Medication
With the increasing awareness of ADHD more people are seeking treatment for their symptoms. The NHS struggles to meet the demands. This is particularly the case for adult ADHD assessment which can last up to several weeks. There are fortunately, private clinics that offer quick and easy assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. These clinics will provide an extensive ADHD assessment, including an official diagnosis. If necessary, they'll prescribe medication.
BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number private health clinics in the UK that were giving inappropriate ADHD diagnoses. These clinics are profiting from the growing 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 serious, and can affect many aspects of your life. In reality, untreated ADHD can lead to a 12.7 year reduction in life expectancy(2).
It isn't easy to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD, especially if you have a GP who is not willing or has preconceived assumptions about the disorder. Despite the increasing awareness of the disorder, these prejudices persist and can make it difficult for people to receive the correct diagnosis. It is also important to remember that the fact that the patient pays for healthcare it does not mean that they can evade the rules. Your healthcare professional must follow NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you for ADHD assessment or treatment, then you may consult an individual psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will assess your condition and prescribe medication, if required. The psychiatrist will also conduct an interview to determine if your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life. The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your past and family health issues to assess the severity of your ADHD symptoms.
The private assessment will usually include a complete ADHD report which can be sent to your GP. It can be used to justify claims for reasonable accommodations at work or Disabled Student Allowance (DSA).