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 society and individuals. This is in part because of the attitude of gatekeepers who control the referral pathways.
It is possible to obtain a private diagnosis under 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 up the process considerably.
Waiting at various times
The NHS is overwhelmed with the demand for ADHD treatments and assessments that result in long wait times. A charity warned that patients wait for seven years to receive their first assessment. ADHD Action, a non-profit organization has warned that people with undiagnosed ADHD are in a perilous position. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has increased, thanks to high profile celebrities who have been open about their struggles with the disorder such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
One of the reasons for the long waiting times is that there are not enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet demand. The NHS does not regularly collect data, which makes it difficult to know the number of people who are waiting to receive an assessment for ADHD. Those with access to private healthcare can take a different route, by asking their doctor for an out-of-area referral or by paying privately for an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment is a 45 to 90 minute meeting with psychiatrists who ask questions about your history and symptoms. They will then suggest an appropriate course of medication or treatment based on their findings. Private assessments are a good option for those looking for an accurate, quick diagnosis. You should be aware that some providers will require a referral from a doctor however, others don't. This can impact your options for a shared care agreement with your GP which means that you pay just the NHS prescription fee for your medications.
It can be a stressful experience to receive an ADHD diagnosis, particularly if your symptoms are causing you stress. It can be a relief. Having a clear diagnosis can help you make better decisions regarding your life and enhance your quality of life. Here are some guidelines to find the right doctor if you're considering a privately-diagnosed patient.
Check the credentials and experience of a psychiatrist prior to selecting one. In addition to having a medical degree, the doctor should have completed specialized training in the area of mental health. You should also find out whether the psychiatrist is certified to prescribe medication. Make sure that the psychiatrist is interested in treating ADHD. The psychiatrist should also be able to identify and treat co-morbidities associated with ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are experts in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They can assist with physical and emotional issues, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in several areas, such as psychotherapy, social service and pharmacology. Some have also completed training in transcultural psychiatry. They have a wealth of experience in both adult and child psychotherapy.
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD It is best to begin by speaking to your GP about your concerns. Your concerns should be considered 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 can impact the diagnosis. Before referring you to an evaluation, your GP might request you to complete an ADHD screener. This can take an hour, and is typically done face-to-face. However you can fill out the questionnaire by phone or online via video.
Only a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse, can conduct an assessment for ADHD. Only these health professionals are able to prescribe medication for this condition. However, if you would prefer not to take medication, you can see an expert psychologist for an assessment. The appointment typically lasts 90 minutes, but you can anticipate spending longer than that, as your Psychiatrist will be examining your symptoms and past history.
BBC's Panorama programme recently highlighted the lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessments within the NHS. The program also questioned quality of certain private ADHD assessment services. The report claimed that some psychiatrists diagnose adults with ADHD, and prescribe them drugs without properly assessing symptoms. In some cases, these patients aren't taking the medication as instructed. This could result in serious side effects like insomnia or high blood pressure.
Currently, NHS patients can choose the doctor they wish to see for an ADHD evaluation. Here is a list of GPs who offer this service. However, the list does not include all providers with agreements with NHS England. You can also access private treatment through Right to Choose, although the consultation fees aren't subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are many different treatment options for 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-medicament treatments that may be beneficial. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help improve symptoms of ADHD by changing negative thoughts and behavior. This kind of therapy is typically combined with sessions with a group or individual, and requires a strong relationship with your therapist. It is also crucial 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.
If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, it is essential to speak with your GP and discuss your concerns with them. They should take your concerns seriously and recommend an ADHD assessment. You may be asked to fill out an assessment such as the DIVA test. Then, you will meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your problems and find out the treatment options available.
A private ADHD assessment is a great alternative if you are unable to wait for an NHS referral. A private assessment will include a 45- to 90-minute interview with a psychiatrist who is specially trained to diagnose adult ADHD. It can cost between PS500 and 800. Some providers require an appointment with an GP and some don't.
A private adhd assessment diagnosis of ADHD can improve your life by assisting you to cope with your symptoms, and reduce stress levels. It can also reduce the likelihood that you will make impulsive decisions that could result in problems for your career and personal relationships. Many people who suffer from ADHD also benefit from joining an organization that offers support. These groups can provide an empowering, supportive environment for people with ADHD. You can find them 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 are able to conduct an ADHD assessment however they are not able to offer a formal diagnosis of the disorder. A specialist nurse or a psychiatrist can recommend an appropriate treatment for ADHD, which may include medication, lifestyle changes or psychological interventions.
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 relevant for adult ADHD assessments which can take a few weeks to complete. Private clinics can provide adults with ADHD with quick and convenient assessments. These clinics offer a complete ADHD assessment, which includes written diagnoses. They can also prescribe medication if necessary.
BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number of private health clinics in the UK which were offering erroneous ADHD diagnoses. These clinics profit from the growing demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. However, this doesn't mean that those with ADHD should not seek medical attention. Remember that this disorder can be very serious and can affect many aspects of your life. Untreated ADHD can decrease the lifespan by 12.7 years(2).
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD isn't always easy particularly if your GP is unwilling to refer you to a specialist or has preconceived notions of what the disorder looks like. Despite the increasing awareness of the disorder, these prejudices remain and could hinder people from receiving a proper diagnosis. It is also important to realize that just because the patient pays for healthcare it does not mean they can bend the rules. Your healthcare professional must follow NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor is hesitant to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can seek an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will assess your condition and prescribe medication, if necessary. The psychiatrist will also conduct an interview to determine whether your ADHD symptoms have a negative impact on 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 typically comprise a full ADHD report which can be sent to your GP. It can be used to support claims for reasonable accommodations at work or Disabled Student Allowance (DSA).