Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD is a condition that is often not recognized and is not treated, which comes at a significant cost to society and individuals. This is in part because of the attitude of gatekeepers who control the pathways to referral.
It is possible to get a private diagnosis under the NHS Right To Choose scheme, which permits you to be referred to a certified provider that has contracts with the NHS. This can speed the process up.
Waiting at various times
The NHS is overwhelmed with the demand for ADHD treatments and assessments that result in long wait times. Some people are waiting up to seven years to receive their first test, a charity has warned. This puts adults who aren't being diagnosed with ADHD in a perilous position, said the charity, ADHD Action. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has increased, thanks to high profile celebrities talking openly about their struggles with the disorder such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
One of the reasons for the long waits is the fact that there aren't enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet the demand. The NHS does not routinely collect data, which makes it difficult to determine the number of people who are waiting for an ADHD assessment. Private healthcare patients have the option of choosing a different path. They can request their GP to refer them outside of the area or pay for an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment is 45-90 minutes with a psychiatrist. He will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and past history. The psychiatrist will then suggest a treatment or medication based upon the results. Private assessments are a good option for those who want an immediate, accurate diagnosis. You should be aware that some providers will require a GP's referral, while others won't. This can affect your options if you want to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. In this case you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription charges for your medications.
It can be stressful to receive an ADHD diagnosis, especially when your symptoms are causing you to feel stressed. It could be a source of relief. Having a clear diagnosis can aid you in making better decisions about your life and increase your quality of life. If you're considering a personal diagnosis, here are a few suggestions to help you locate the right healthcare provider.
Verify the credentials and experiences of a psychiatrist before choosing one. The doctor should not only have a medical degree but also have completed specialized training within the field of mental health. It is also important to determine whether the psychiatrist is certified to prescribe medications. You should also make sure that the psychiatrist has an interest in treating ADHD. In addition, the psychiatrist should be able identify and treat any co-morbidities that are related to ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medically qualified doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. They can help with physical and emotional issues like ADHD. Many psychiatrists are skilled in a variety of areas that include psychotherapy social work, pharmacology and psychotherapy. Some have also trained in transcultural psychiatry, and have a wealth of experience in both adult and child psychiatry.
If you're interested in being diagnosed with ADHD It is best to begin with talking to your GP about your concerns. They will be attentive to your concerns 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. Before referring you to a specialist for evaluation, your doctor may require you private adhd assessment to fill out an ADHD screener. This can take an hour, and is usually conducted face-to-face. However, you can complete 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 can prescribe medication for this condition. If you'd rather not take medications, you can still see a psychologist. The appointment typically lasts 90 minutes, but you can expect to spend longer than this because your Psychiatrist is going to be looking into your symptoms and the history.
A recent report from the BBC's Panorama program highlighted the long waiting lists for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The program also questioned 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 cases, these patients aren't taking their medication as instructed. This can cause serious side effects, like insomnia and high blood pressure.
At present, NHS patients can choose the doctor they wish to visit for an ADHD evaluation. There is a list of GPs who provide this service here. However this list does not contain all providers that have contracts with NHS England. You can also get private treatment through Right to Choose, although the consultation fees aren't subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are many treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular is stimulant medication, but there are many other non-medicated 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 group and individual sessions and requires a solid working relationship with your therapy provider. You should also think about whether you suffer from any mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which could hinder your ability to manage your symptoms.
It is important that you speak to your GP about your concerns. They should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an ADHD evaluation. You might be asked to fill out an assessment, such as the DIVA test. You will then meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your concerns and discover the treatment options available.
A private ADHD assessment is a great alternative if you are unable to wait for an NHS referral. Private assessments involve 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 appointment with an GP and some don't.
A diagnosis of ADHD can make a difference in your life by assisting to manage your symptoms and lower stress levels. It can also reduce the likelihood that you will take impulsive actions which can result in problems for your career and personal relationships. Many adults who suffer from ADHD also benefit from joining an organization that offers support. These groups can be an encouraging, empowering and supportive environment for people with ADHD. You can find them on the internet or 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 conduct an ADHD assessment but they are unable to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of the disorder. A specialist nurse or psychiatrist can recommend an appropriate treatment for ADHD, which may include medication, lifestyle changes or psychological interventions.
Medication
As ADHD becomes more widely known and more people seek treatment for the symptoms. The NHS is struggling to meet the demands. This is especially relevant for adult ADHD assessment, which can take up to several weeks. Private clinics can provide adults with ADHD with quick and easy assessments. These clinics will provide an extensive ADHD assessment, including an official diagnosis. If needed, they'll prescribe medication.
BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number private health clinics in the UK which were offering erroneous ADHD diagnoses. These clinics profit from the increased demand for ADHD diagnoses and treatments. This doesn't mean that those suffering from ADHD should not seek medical attention. Remember that this condition can be serious, and affect a variety of aspects of your life. In fact, if left untreated ADHD can lead to a 12.7 year decrease in life expectancy(2).
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult, especially when your GP is hesitant to refer you, or has preconceived notions about what the disorder is. Despite the growing awareness of the disorder, these biases persist and can prevent people from receiving an accurate diagnosis. Moreover, it is important to understand that just because you are paying for healthcare does not make it OK to bend the rules. Your healthcare professional should follow NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor is hesitant to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you may seek an individual psychiatrist who will examine you and may prescribe medication if appropriate. The psychiatrist will also conduct a clinical interview with you to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life. The psychiatrist will ask questions about your background and family mental health issues to determine the severity of your ADHD symptoms.
A comprehensive ADHD report will be included in the assessment and can be directly sent to your GP. It could also be used as evidence to back claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.