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 society and individuals. This is partially due to the attitudes of gatekeepers who manage referral pathways.
You can get a private diagnostic through the NHS "Right To Choose" scheme. This allows you to be referred by the NHS to a qualified service that has contracts. This can speed things up.
Waiting times
The NHS is overwhelmed by demand for ADHD tests and treatment which means long waits. Some people are waiting up to seven years to receive their first assessment according to a charity warning. 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 soared, 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 aren't enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet the demand. This issue is made worse by the fact that the NHS does not collect routinely collected data, making it difficult to establish the number of people waiting to be assessed. Private healthcare patients can choose an alternative route. They can ask their GP to refer them out of the area or pay for an ADHD evaluation.
A private assessment is a 45 - 90 minute appointment with a psychiatrist who will inquire about your past and symptoms. The psychiatrist will suggest a treatment or medication based on the results. Private assessments are a great option for those who need an immediate and precise diagnosis. However, you should be aware that some providers require the submission of a GP referral letter, whereas others do not. This could impact your options if you want to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. In this case you will only be charged the NHS prescription charges for your medication.
It can be a stressful experience to be given an ADHD diagnosis, particularly when your symptoms are causing you stress. It can be a welcome relief. A clear diagnosis can improve your life by helping you make better decisions. If you're considering a private diagnosis, here are a few suggestions to help you locate the right healthcare provider.
When selecting a psychiatrist, examine the credentials of the doctor as well as their experience. In addition to having an medical degree, the doctor should have completed specialist training in the field of mental health. Find out if the psychiatrist holds the right to prescribe medications. Make sure that the psychiatrist is interested in treating ADHD. Additionally, the psychiatrist should be able to identify and treat any co-morbidities that are associated with ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are specialists in diagnosing and treating mental health issues. They can assist with emotional and physical problems like ADHD. Many psychiatrists are skilled in a number of areas such as psychotherapy as well as social work and pharmacology. Some have also trained in transcultural psychiatry. They have extensive experience in both adult and child psychiatry.
If you're interested in being diagnosed with ADHD, you should start by speaking to your GP about your concerns. Your concerns should be taken seriously by your GP, who will refer you to an assessment. You should be ready to discuss your symptoms and your family history, as they can impact the diagnosis. GPs may ask you to fill out an ADHD screener questionnaire prior to referring you for an assessment. This could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and is usually done in person, but you can also complete the questionnaire over the phone or via an via video calls online.
Only a Psychiatrist, or a specialist nurse, is able to conduct an assessment for ADHD. Only these health professionals are able to prescribe medications for this condition. However, if you would prefer not to use medication, you can see an expert psychologist for an evaluation. The assessment lasts 90 minutes but your Psychiatrist could take longer, as they look into your symptoms as well as past.
A recent report on the BBC's Panorama program highlighted the lengthy waits for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The program also questioned quality of certain private ADHD assessment services. The report stated that certain psychiatrists diagnose adults with ADHD, and prescribe them drugs without properly assessing symptoms. In some instances, patients do not take the medication as prescribed. This can cause serious side effects, like insomnia and high blood pressure.
Presently, NHS patients can choose the provider they want to see for an ADHD evaluation. Here is a list of GPs who provide this service. However the list doesn't include all providers with contracts with NHS England. Right to Choose allows private adhd assessment cost to access private treatment, but the consultation fees will not be subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are many different treatment options available for adults with ADHD. The most popular is stimulant medications, but there are also many non-medication treatments that could be beneficial. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help improve symptoms of ADHD by changing negative thoughts and behaviors. This type of therapy typically requires a mix of group and individual sessions and requires a solid working relationship with your therapist. It is also important to think about whether you suffer from any co-existing mental health issues such as depression or anxiety as they can affect your ability to manage your symptoms.
If you suspect you may have ADHD, it is important to talk to your GP and explain your concerns. They should take your concerns very seriously and recommend an ADHD assessment. You may be asked for an assessment such as the DIVA test. You will then meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your problems and discover what treatment options are available.
If you can't wait for a referral from NHS or the private ADHD assessment may be able to aid. A private assessment involves a 45-90-minute interview with an adult ADHD specialist psychiatrist. It will cost between PS500 to 800. Some providers require an GP referral, while others do not.
An ADHD diagnosis can improve your quality of life by helping you cope with your symptoms and reduce stress levels. It also decreases the likelihood that you will take impulsive actions which can cause problems in your career and personal relationships. Participating in a support group is also beneficial for many adults suffering from ADHD. These groups can be an encouraging, empowering and supportive environment for those suffering from ADHD. You can find them online or in person.
It is essential to know that only a qualified specialist nurse or Psychiatrist 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, specialist nurse, or other mental health professional may recommend the appropriate treatment for ADHD. This could include medication, lifestyle modifications, or psychological intervention.
Medication
As ADHD becomes more widely known increasing numbers of people seek treatment for the symptoms. In the process, 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. There are fortunately, private clinics that can offer quick and convenient assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. These clinics offer an extensive ADHD assessment, including the written diagnosis. They will also prescribe medications in the event of need.
BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a variety of private health clinics in the UK that were giving inappropriate ADHD diagnoses. These clinics are exploiting the growing demand for ADHD diagnoses and treatments. However, this doesn't mean those suffering from ADHD should not seek medical attention. Remember that this disorder can be very serious and can impact many aspects of your life. In reality, untreated ADHD can lead to a 12.7 year reduction in life expectancy(2).
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult especially if your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist or has preconceived notions about what the disorder is. These prejudices persist despite the increasing awareness of the disorder. They can stop people from getting a true diagnosis. Additionally, it is crucial to realize that just because you are paying for healthcare doesn't make it OK to bend the rules. Your healthcare professional must follow NICE guidelines when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor is hesitant to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you may seek an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will examine your condition and prescribe medication, if necessary. The psychiatrist will also conduct a medical interview with you to determine if your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life. The psychiatrist will ask questions about your history and family health issues to determine the severity of your ADHD symptoms.
The private assessment will usually include a comprehensive ADHD report which can be sent to your GP. It could also be used as proof to back claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.