Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD remains significantly under-diagnosed and untreated, resulting in a huge cost to society and individuals. This is partially due to the attitudes of gatekeepers who manage 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 who has a contract with the NHS. This can speed the process up.
Waiting at various times
The NHS is swamped with demand for ADHD assessments and treatments which means long waits. A charity warned that some people wait seven years for their first assessment. This is leaving adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD in a dangerous position, said the charity, ADHD Action. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent celebrities speaking out about their struggles with the condition such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
The NHS does not have enough ADHD specialists to meet the demand. The NHS doesn't regularly gather data, making it difficult to know how many people are currently waiting for an assessment of ADHD. Private healthcare patients can choose an alternative route. They can ask their doctor to refer them outside of the area or pay privately for an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment is a 45 - 90 minute meeting with psychiatrists who ask questions about your history and symptoms. The psychiatrist will suggest a treatment or medication based on the results. Private assessments are a good option for people who want an immediate, precise diagnosis. However, you should be aware that some providers require the submission of a GP referral letter, whereas others do not. This can affect your options if you decide to enter into a shared-care agreement with your GP. In this instance, you would only pay the NHS prescription charges for your prescriptions.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be stressful, particularly if you're struggling with your symptoms. It could be a source of relief. Being able to identify the cause of your illness can help you make better decisions about your life and improve your quality of life. Here are some guidelines to choose the right physician if you're considering a privately-diagnosed patient.
When selecting a psychiatrist, examine the credentials of the doctor as well as their experience. The psychiatrist should not just have a medical degree but also have completed specialized training within the field of mental health. Find out if the psychiatrist holds the right to prescribe medications. You should also make sure that the psychiatrist has a special interest in treating ADHD. In addition to this, the psychiatrist should be able to recognize and treat any co-morbidities that are connected to ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medically qualified doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. They can help with physical and emotional issues like ADHD. Many psychiatrists have expertise in a variety of areas such as psychotherapy social work, pharmacology and psychotherapy. Some psychiatrists have been trained in psychotherapy for transcultural issues and have a wealth of experience in both child and adult psychotherapy.
It is recommended that you first speak to your GP to discuss your concerns. They must consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. You should be prepared to talk about your symptoms and family history, as these can impact on the diagnosis. Your doctor may request you to fill out an ADHD screener questionnaire before sending you to an assessment. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and is usually done in person, but you can also fill out the questionnaire over the phone or via video calls online.
Only a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse, can conduct an assessment for ADHD. This is because only these health experts can prescribe medications for the condition. If you do not want to take medications, you can still consult a psychologist. The assessment usually lasts for 90 minutes, but you can expect to spend longer than that because your Psychiatrist is going to be exploring your symptoms and history.
A recent report on the BBC's Panorama program highlighted the lengthy waiting lists for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The program also questioned the quality of certain private ADHD assessment services. The report suggested that some psychiatrists are diagnosing adults with ADHD and prescribing them medications without evaluating their symptoms. In some instances, patients do not take the medication as prescribed. This can lead to serious adverse effects, including insomnia and high blood pressure.
Presently the NHS allows patients to choose which GP they will visit for an ADHD assessment. Here you can find the list of GPs that offer this service. The list doesn't contain every provider that has an agreement with NHS England. You can also get private treatment via Right to Choose, although the consultation fees are not paid for by the NHS.
CBT therapy
There are a variety of different treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. There are many different treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. The most well-known is stimulant medication. However there are many other non-medicated treatments that can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example can help to improve ADHD symptoms by transforming negative thoughts or behaviours. This type of therapy usually involves a combination of individual and group sessions, and requires a strong working relationship with your therapy provider. You should also consider whether you are suffering from any mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression that can affect your ability to manage symptoms.
If you suspect that you have ADHD, it is important to talk to your GP and explain your concerns. They should take your concerns seriously and recommend an ADHD assessment. You could be asked to take an assessment like the DIVA test. Then, you will meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your problems and discover what treatment options are available.
A private ADHD assessment is a good alternative if you are unable to wait for an NHS referral. A private assessment will involve an hour-long interview with a psychiatrist specially trained to diagnose adult ADHD. It will cost between PS500 and 800. private adhd assessment require the GP referral, while other do not.
A diagnosis of ADHD can enhance your life by assisting to manage your symptoms and decrease stress levels. It can also decrease the likelihood of impulsive actions that can lead to trouble in your career or personal relationships. Joining a support group is also beneficial to many people with ADHD. 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 note that only a Psychiatrist or qualified specialist nurse can prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental healthcare professionals can assess ADHD but they cannot diagnose the disorder. A Psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other mental health professional can recommend the most appropriate treatment for ADHD. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, or psychological intervention.
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 relevant for adult ADHD assessments which can take a few weeks to complete. There are fortunately, private clinics that provide quick and convenient assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. These clinics will provide an extensive ADHD assessment, including an official diagnosis. They will also prescribe medications when needed.
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 growing demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. This does not mean that people with ADHD should not seek medical attention. Be aware that this condition can be very serious and can impact many aspects of your life. If left untreated, ADHD can cut the life expectancy by 12.7 years(2).
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis for ADHD, especially if you have a GP who is not willing or has preconceived assumptions about the disorder. These prejudices persist despite the increasing awareness of the disorder. They can stop people from getting a proper diagnosis. Moreover, it is important to understand that just because you're paying for healthcare doesn't allow you to stray from the rules. Your healthcare professional must follow NICE guidelines when diagnosing ADHD.
If your GP is unwilling to refer you for ADHD assessment and treatment, you can seek out an individual psychiatrist. He will assess you and prescribe medication if necessary. The psychiatrist will also conduct an interview to determine if your ADHD symptoms affect negatively your life. The psychiatrist will ask about your family history as well as your past to determine the extent of your ADHD.
The private assessment will typically include a complete 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).