Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD is still not properly diagnosed and is often not treated. This comes at a significant cost for society and individuals. This is largely due to the mindset of gatekeepers who control referral pathways.
It is possible to receive an individual diagnosis through the NHS 'Right To Choose' scheme, which permits you to be referred to a qualified provider that has contracts with the NHS. This could speed the process up.
Waiting several times
The NHS is overwhelmed by the demand for ADHD treatment and assessments, resulting in long wait times. Some people are waiting up to seven years to get their first assessment the charity has warned. This puts those 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 behind the long wait times is 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 to receive an assessment for ADHD. People who have access to private healthcare may choose a different path by asking their doctor to refer them outside of their area or by paying privately for an ADHD assessment.
A private consultation lasts between 45 and 90 minutes with a psychiatrist. He will ask you questions about your symptoms and past history. The psychiatrist will suggest an appropriate treatment or medication based on the results. Private assessments are a great option for those who need quick, precise diagnosis. You should be aware that some providers will require a referral from a doctor, while others won't. This could impact your options if you decide to sign a shared-care arrangement with your GP. In this scenario, you would only pay the NHS prescription costs for your medication.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be stressful, particularly if you're struggling with your symptoms. It can also be a source of relief. A clear diagnosis can improve your life by assisting you make better decisions. Here are some guidelines to choose the right physician if you're considering a privately-diagnosed patient.
When selecting a psychiatrist verify the credentials of the doctor and experience. In addition to an medical degree, the doctor should have completed specialized training in the area of mental health. You should also determine whether the psychiatrist is certified to prescribe medications. You should also make sure that the psychiatrist has a special interest in treating ADHD. Additionally, the psychiatrist should be able to identify and treat any co-morbidities that are related to ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are doctors with medical qualifications who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. They can assist with physical and emotional issues like ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in a variety of areas such as psychotherapy social work, pharmacology and psychotherapy. They also have training in transcultural psychiatry, and have a wealth of experience with both children and adults psychotherapy.
It is recommended that you first speak to your GP to discuss your concerns. Your concerns should be taken seriously by your GP, who will refer you to an assessment. You should be prepared to discuss your symptoms as well as family background, as they could affect the diagnosis. Before referring you to an evaluation, your GP might ask you to complete an ADHD screening questionnaire. 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 video calls online.
Only a Psychiatrist, or a specialist nurse can conduct an assessment for ADHD. Only these health professionals can prescribe medications for this condition. If you'd rather not take medication, you can still see a psychologist. The evaluation lasts for 90 minutes but the Psychiatrist you see may take longer in the process as they explore your symptoms and past.
BBC's Panorama program recently highlighted the lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessments offered by the NHS. The program also questioned some private ADHD assessment services. The report suggested that some psychiatrists are diagnosing adults with ADHD and prescribing them drugs without evaluating their symptoms. In some cases patients fail to follow the prescribed medication. This could result in serious side effects such as insomnia or high blood pressure.
Currently, NHS patients can choose the doctor they wish to visit for an ADHD evaluation. There is the list of GPs who provide this service here. The list doesn't contain every provider that has signed a contract with NHS England. You can also get private treatment through Right to Choose, although the consultation fees are not paid for by the NHS.
CBT therapy
There are a number of different treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular is stimulant medication, but there are also many non-medication treatments that can be helpful. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD by changing negative thoughts and behaviors. This type of therapy usually involves an amalgamation of individual and group sessions and requires a strong relationship with your therapist. You should also consider whether you are suffering from any mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which can affect your ability to manage your symptoms.
It is important that you speak to your GP about your concerns. They should take your concerns very seriously and suggest an ADHD assessment. You may be asked to fill out some sort of questionnaire, like the DIVA test. You will meet with a psychiatric professional to discuss your issues and determine the most effective treatment options.
If you're unable to wait for a referral from the NHS, an individual ADHD assessment may be able to assist. A private assessment entails a 45-90-minute interview with an adult ADHD specialist psychiatrist. The cost can range from PS500 and PS800. Some providers require the referral of a GP however, others don't.
An ADHD diagnosis can improve your quality of life by helping you deal with your symptoms and decreasing stress levels. It also decreases the chance that you take impulsive actions which can result in problems for your career and personal relationships. Many adults who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from joining a support group. This can be a welcoming and empowering space for people who suffer from ADHD and you can find out about these groups by searching on the internet or in person.
It is important to know that only a certified specialist nurse or Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are able to conduct an ADHD assessment, but they cannot provide a formally recognised diagnosis of the disorder. A specialist nurse private adhd assessment or a psychiatrist can suggest the most appropriate treatment for ADHD which could include lifestyle changes, medication, or psychological intervention.
Medication
As ADHD becomes more well-known and more people seek treatment for the symptoms. In the process, the NHS is struggling to meet the demand. This is especially relevant for adult ADHD assessments, which can take several weeks to complete. Fortunately, there are private clinics that can offer rapid and efficient assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. These clinics offer a thorough ADHD assessment, including written diagnoses. They will also prescribe medications when needed.
The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number of private health clinics awarding inappropriate ADHD diagnoses in the UK. These clinics are profiting from the increased demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. This does not mean that those suffering from ADHD should stop seeking medical attention. Remember that this disorder can be serious, and affect a variety of aspects of your life. If left untreated, ADHD can reduce life expectancy by 12.7 years(2).
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis for ADHD particularly when you have a GP who is not willing or has preconceived notions about the disorder. Despite the growing awareness about the disorder, these biases remain and could make it difficult for people to receive a proper diagnosis. It is also important to realize that even if you pay for healthcare, it does not mean that they can evade the rules. Your healthcare professional must adhere to NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your GP is reluctant to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can seek an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will examine you and may 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 inquire about your family history and your past to determine the degree of your ADHD.
The private assessment will usually include a comprehensive ADHD report that can be sent to your GP. It can be used as a proof to back claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.