Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD remains significantly under-diagnosed and under-treated, at great cost to society and individuals. This is largely because of the attitude of gatekeepers who manage the referral pathways.
It is possible to obtain a private diagnosis under the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme which allows you to be referred to a qualified provider that has contracts with the NHS. This could speed up the process considerably.
Waiting at various times
The NHS is overwhelmed with the demand for ADHD assessment and treatment which means long wait times. A charity warned that some people wait seven years for their first assessment. ADHD Action is a charity has warned that people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are in a risky position. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has increased due to the high-profile celebrities talking openly about their struggles with the condition, such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
One of the reasons for the long waiting times is the fact that there aren't enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet the demand. This problem is not helped by the fact that the NHS does not collect routinely collected data which makes it difficult to establish how many people are waiting for an assessment. People who have access to private health care can opt for a different path, by asking their GP for an out-of-area referral 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 findings. Private assessments are a good option for people who want an immediate and precise diagnosis. You should be aware that some providers require a GP's referral however, others don't. This could impact your options should you choose to sign an agreement for shared-care with your GP. In this case, you would only pay the NHS prescription fees for your medications.
Getting private adhd assessments can be stressful, particularly when you're struggling with your symptoms. It can also be a source of relief. Being able to identify the cause of your illness can assist you in making better choices regarding your life and enhance your quality of life. Here are some guidelines to find the right doctor in the event that you're considering having a private diagnosis for a patient.
When selecting a psychiatrist, check the doctor's credentials and experience. The doctor should not only possess a doctorate, but also have completed specialist training within the field of mental health. It is also important to determine whether the psychiatrist is licensed to prescribe medication. It is also important to ensure that the psychiatrist has a particular interest in treating ADHD. In addition to this the psychiatrist should also be able to identify and treat any co-morbidities associated with ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medically qualified doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They can assist with physical and emotional issues, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in various areas, like psychotherapy, social services and pharmacology. Some have also completed training in transcultural psychiatry and have vast experience with both children and adults psychiatry.
If you're interested in being diagnosed with ADHD You should begin by talking to your GP about your concerns. Your concerns should be considered seriously by your GP, who will refer you for 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. It can take up to an hour, and is typically done face-to-face. However, you can complete the questionnaire by phone or online video.
A test for ADHD is only conducted by a Psychiatrist or specialist nurse. Only these health professionals are able to prescribe medication for this condition. However, if you would prefer not to take medication, you can consult a psychologist for an evaluation. 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 lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The program also questioned some private ADHD assessment services. The report claimed that certain psychiatrists are diagnosing adult with ADHD and prescribing them drugs without properly assessing their symptoms. In some cases, these patients aren't taking the medication in the manner prescribed. This can cause serious side effects, like insomnia and high blood pressure.
Presently the NHS allows patients to choose the provider they visit for an ADHD assessment. There is a list of GPs who provide this service here. However this list does not include all providers who have agreements with NHS England. You can also get private treatment via Right to Choose, although the consultation fees aren't subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are a variety of different treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. The most well-known is stimulant medications, but there are a variety of non-medication treatments that can be helpful. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD by changing negative thoughts and behaviours. This type of therapy typically involves a combination of group and individual sessions and requires a solid working relationship with your therapy provider. It is important to consider whether you are suffering from any mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which could affect your ability to manage symptoms.
It is crucial to speak to your GP about your suspicions. They should take your concerns seriously and recommend an ADHD assessment. You may be asked to complete some sort of questionnaire, like 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're unable to wait for a referral from NHS, an individual ADHD assessment may be able to help. A private assessment will include an hour-long interview with a psychiatrist specifically trained to diagnose adult ADHD. It will cost between PS500 to 800. Some providers require a referral from a GP, while others don't.
A diagnosis of ADHD can make a difference in your life by helping you to manage your symptoms, and reduce stress levels. It can also decrease the chance of taking impulsive actions that can lead to trouble in your work or personal relationships. Participating in a support network is also beneficial for many people with ADHD. It can be a calming and empowering environment for people who suffer from ADHD, and you can learn about these groups by searching on the internet or in person.
It is important to note that only a qualified Psychiatrist or specialist nurse can prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental health professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment however they are not able to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of the disorder. A specialist nurse, Psychiatrist, or other mental health professional can recommend the appropriate treatment for ADHD. This may include medications, lifestyle modifications or psychological interventions.
Medication
As ADHD becomes more widely known increasing numbers of people seek treatment for its symptoms. The NHS is struggling to meet the demands. This is especially relevant for adult ADHD assessment which can take up to several weeks. Fortunately, there are private clinics that offer rapid and efficient assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. These clinics provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment, which includes written diagnoses. If necessary, they will prescribe medication.
BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number of private health clinics in the UK that were providing incorrect ADHD diagnoses. These clinics take advantage of the rising demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. This does not mean that people with ADHD should not seek medical attention. It is crucial to remember that the condition is serious and affects many areas of our lives. In fact, untreated ADHD can lead to an 12.7 year reduction in life expectancy(2).
It is often difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD particularly if you have a GP who is unwilling or has preconceived notions about the disorder. Despite the growing awareness about the disorder, these biases are still present and can hinder people from receiving a proper diagnosis. It is important to realize that the fact that someone pays for healthcare, it doesn't mean they can bend the rules. Your healthcare provider should follow NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor is hesitant to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you can contact a private psychiatrist who will evaluate your condition and prescribe medication, if necessary. The psychiatrist will also conduct a clinical interview with you to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life. The psychiatrist will ask about your family history and your life experiences to determine the extent of your ADHD.
A comprehensive ADHD report will be included in the private assessment and will be directly sent to your GP. It can also be used as proof to support claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.