Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD is a condition that is often not recognized and under-treated, at great cost to both society and individuals. This is partly because of the attitude of gatekeepers who manage the referral pathways.
It is possible to get a private diagnosis through the NHS Right To Choose scheme which allows you to be referred to a certified service that has contracts with the NHS. This can speed up the process considerably.
Waiting several times
The NHS is overwhelmed by the demand for ADHD treatments and assessments that result in long waiting times. A charity warned that some patients wait for seven years to receive their first assessment. ADHD Action, a charity, warned that adults with undiagnosed ADHD are in a dangerous situation. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has risen dramatically, thanks to high profile celebrities speaking out about their struggles with the condition like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
The NHS is not equipped with enough 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 know the number of people who are waiting to be assessed. Those with access to private healthcare can opt for a different path, by asking their GP for a referral outside of the area or by paying privately for an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment is a 45 to 90 minute consultation with psychiatrists who will inquire about your medical history and symptoms. The psychiatrist will then recommend the best treatment or medication based on the results. Private assessments are a good alternative for those looking for an immediate and precise diagnosis. However, you should be aware that certain providers require a GP referral letter, while others do not. This can affect your options should you choose to sign a shared-care arrangement with your GP. In this scenario, you would only pay the NHS prescription fees for your prescriptions.
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. A clear diagnosis can help improve your life by assisting you make better decisions. If you're thinking about a private diagnosis, here are some tips to help you find the right doctor.
When choosing a psychiatrist, check the doctor's credentials and experience. The psychiatrist should not only possess a doctorate, but also have completed specialist training within the field of mental health. You should also determine whether the psychiatrist is licensed to prescribe medications. You should also make sure that the psychiatrist has a special interest in treating ADHD. The psychiatrist should also be able recognize and treat co-morbidities that are associated with ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medically qualified doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. They can assist with emotional and physical issues, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in various areas, like psychotherapy, social services and the science of pharmacology. Some psychiatrists have been educated in psychotherapy that is transcultural and have vast experience both in child and adult psychotherapy.
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD, you should start with talking to your GP about your concerns. They must consider 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. Your doctor may ask you to fill in an ADHD screener questionnaire before referring you for an assessment. This can take up to an hour and is typically done in person, but you can also complete the questionnaire over the telephone or by an online video call.
Only a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse can conduct an assessment for ADHD. This is because only these specialists can prescribe medication for the condition. If you do not want to use medication, you may still consult a psychologist. The assessment usually lasts for 90 minutes, however, you can expect to spend longer than this because your Psychiatrist will be exploring your symptoms and history.
A recent report from the BBC's Panorama program highlighted the long waiting times for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The program also questioned the quality of some private ADHD assessment services. The report claimed that certain psychiatrists are diagnosing adult with ADHD and prescribing them medications without properly assessing the severity of their symptoms. In some cases, patients aren't taking the medication as instructed. This could cause serious side effects, such as insomnia and high blood pressure.
Presently the NHS allows patients to choose which provider they go to for an ADHD assessment. Here is the list of GPs that offer this service. However this list does not include all providers who have agreements with NHS England. Right to Choose allows you to access private treatment, however, the consultation fee will not be subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are many different treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. The most well-known is stimulant medication, however there are also many non-medication treatments that can be helpful. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help improve symptoms of ADHD by changing negative thoughts and behaviors. This type of therapy usually involves a combination of individual and group sessions and requires a good working relationship with your therapist. It is important to consider whether you have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which could hinder your ability to manage your symptoms.
It is essential to talk to your GP about your concerns. They should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an ADHD assessment. You may be asked to fill out an assessment like the DIVA test. You will be able to meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your issues and determine the best treatment options.
If you can't wait for a referral from NHS, the private ADHD assessment might be able to aid. A private assessment entails an interview lasting between 45 and 90 minutes with an adult ADHD specialist psychiatrist. The cost can range from PS500 and PS800. Some providers require an GP referral, whereas others do not.
A ADHD diagnosis can improve your quality of life by assisting you in dealing with your symptoms and reducing stress levels. It also reduces the likelihood of impulsive actions which can lead to problems in your professional or personal relationships. Participating in a support network is also beneficial to many adults suffering from ADHD. This can be a supportive and empowering space for people with ADHD and you can learn about these groups by searching online or visiting in person.
It is important 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 cannot diagnose the disorder. A specialist nurse, Psychiatrist or any other mental health professional can suggest the best treatment for ADHD. This could involve medication, lifestyle modifications or psychological interventions.
Medication
As ADHD becomes more well-known, more people seek treatment for its symptoms. As a result, the NHS is trying to keep up with demand. This is particularly true for adult ADHD assessments which can take a few weeks to complete. Fortunately, there are private clinics that can offer quick and easy assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. These clinics offer a thorough ADHD assessment, which includes written diagnosis. If necessary, they will prescribe medication.
BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number private health clinics in the UK that were giving inappropriate ADHD diagnoses. These clinics profit from the growing demand for ADHD diagnoses and treatments. private adhd assessment But this doesn't mean that people suffering from ADHD should not seek medical attention. Remember that this condition is serious and can impact many aspects of your life. In fact, if left untreated ADHD can result in an 12.7 year reduction in life expectancy(2).
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD especially if you have a GP who is hesitant or has preconceived beliefs about the disorder. Despite the growing awareness of the disorder, these prejudices remain and could prevent people from receiving an accurate diagnosis. Moreover, it is important to understand that just because you are paying for healthcare doesn't allow you to stray from the rules. Your healthcare provider should follow NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor is unwilling to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you may consult an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will assess your condition and prescribe medication, if necessary. The psychiatrist will also conduct a medical interview with you to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life. The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your past and family mental health issues to assess the severity of your ADHD symptoms.
The private assessment will typically include a complete ADHD report that 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.