Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD remains significantly under-diagnosed and is not treated, which comes at a significant cost to individuals and society. This is partly due to the attitudes of gatekeepers that control the pathways to referral.
It is possible to receive an individual diagnosis through 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 several times
The NHS is overwhelmed by the demand for ADHD assessment and treatment, resulting in long wait times. Some people are waiting seven years for their first test according to a charity warning. ADHD Action is a charity has warned that people who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are in a risky situation. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has increased, thanks to high profile celebrities speaking out about their struggles with the condition like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
One of the reasons behind the long wait times is the fact that there aren't enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet demand. The NHS doesn't regularly collect data, which makes it difficult to know how many people are currently waiting for an assessment of ADHD. Those with access to private healthcare can take a different route, 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 appointment with a psychiatrist who will ask questions about your history and symptoms. The psychiatrist will then recommend an appropriate 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 referral from a doctor, while others won't. This may impact your options for an agreement for shared care with your GP, which means you pay just the NHS prescription fee for your medication.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be stressful, especially if you're struggling with your symptoms. It could be a source of relief. Having a clear diagnosis can help you make better decisions regarding your life and enhance your quality of life. If you're considering a personal diagnosis, here are a few tips to help you choose the right provider.
When choosing a psychiatrist, verify the credentials of the doctor and experience. The psychiatrist should not just possess a medical degree, but also have completed specialized training within the field of mental health. Find out if the psychiatrist has a license to prescribe medication. Make sure that the psychiatrist is interested in treating ADHD. The psychiatrist should also be able identify and treat co-morbidities associated with ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are doctors who have medical qualifications who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. They can assist with physical and emotional problems, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in a variety of areas, including psychotherapy social work, pharmacology and psychotherapy. Certain psychiatrists have been trained in transcultural psychotherapy and have extensive knowledge of both the field of child and adult psychiatry.
If you're interested in being diagnosed with ADHD, you should start with talking to your GP about your concerns. Your concerns should be taken seriously by your GP who will refer you for an assessment. You should be prepared to speak about your symptoms and family history, as these can impact on the diagnosis. Before referring you to a specialist for evaluation, your doctor may require you to fill out an ADHD screener. This can take an hour, and is typically done face-to-face. However, you can complete the questionnaire over the phone or via online video.
Only a Psychiatrist, or a specialist nurse can conduct an assessment for ADHD. This is because only these health specialists can prescribe medication for the condition. However, if you would prefer not to take medication, you can consult an expert psychologist for an evaluation. private adhd assessments lasts 90 minutes, but you can anticipate spending longer than this because your Psychiatrist will be exploring your symptoms and past history.
BBC's Panorama program recently highlighted the lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessments offered by the NHS. The programme also questioned the quality of some private ADHD assessment services. The report said that some psychiatrists diagnose adults with ADHD and prescribe drugs without properly assessing symptoms. In some instances patients don't comply with the prescriptions. This can cause serious side effects, like insomnia and high blood pressure.
Currently the NHS lets patients choose which provider they go to for an ADHD assessment. You can find a list of GPs who provide this service here. However, the list does not contain all providers that have agreements with NHS England. You can also obtain private treatment via Right to Choose, although the consultation fees aren't subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are a number of different treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. There are many different treatments for 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 aid in reducing ADHD symptoms by changing negative thoughts or behaviors. This type of therapy typically requires a mix of individual and group sessions, and requires a strong relationship with your therapist. It is also important to determine if you have any co-existing mental health issues such as depression or anxiety because they could affect your ability to manage your symptoms.
It is essential to speak to your GP about your suspicions. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an ADHD assessment. You may be asked to take some sort of questionnaire, like the DIVA test. You will be able to meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your concerns and determine the best treatment options.
A private ADHD assessment is an excellent option if you cannot wait for an NHS referral. A private assessment will involve an hour-long interview with a psychiatrist specially trained in diagnosing adult ADHD. It will cost between PS500 and 800. Some providers require the referral of a GP however, others don't.
An ADHD diagnosis can enhance your quality of life by helping you cope with your symptoms and reducing stress levels. It also decreases the chance that you take impulsive actions which can cause problems in your career and personal relationships. Participating in a support group is also beneficial for many people with ADHD. It can be a calming and encouraging space for those who suffer from ADHD, and you can find out about these groups online or in person.
It is crucial to remember 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 offer a formal diagnosis of the disorder. A Psychiatrist or specialist nurse can recommend the most appropriate treatment for ADHD, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or psychological intervention.
Medication
With the increasing awareness of ADHD increasing numbers of people are seeking treatment for their symptoms. As a result, the NHS is trying to keep up with demand. This is especially relevant for adult ADHD assessments that can take up to weeks to complete. Private clinics are able to provide adults with ADHD with quick and easy assessments. These clinics will provide an extensive ADHD assessment, which includes a written diagnosis. If needed, they'll prescribe medication.
The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number of private health clinics that were awarding inappropriate ADHD diagnoses in the UK. These clinics are profiting from the increased demand for ADHD diagnoses and treatments. But this does not mean that people suffering from ADHD should not seek medical attention. It is important to keep in mind that the condition is severe and affects a variety of areas of life. If not treated, ADHD can cut life expectancy by 12.7 years(2).
Finding a diagnosis for ADHD isn't easy, especially if your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist or has preconceived notions about what the disorder is. Despite the growing awareness about the disorder, these biases persist and can make it difficult for people to receive an accurate diagnosis. It is also important to understand that the fact that someone pays for healthcare, it does not mean they are able to ignore the rules. Your healthcare provider should adhere to NICE guidelines when diagnosing ADHD.
If your GP refuses to recommend you for an ADHD assessment or treatment, then you may consult an individual psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will assess your condition and prescribe medication if necessary. The psychiatrist will also conduct a clinical interview with you to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life. The psychiatrist will ask about your family history as well as your life experiences to determine the severity of your ADHD.
A complete ADHD report will be included in the private assessment and can be directly sent to your GP. It can be used as a proof to justify claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.