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 largely because of the attitude of gatekeepers who control referral pathways.
It is possible to obtain a private diagnosis through the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme, which permits you to be referred to a certified service that has contracts with the NHS. This could accelerate the process significantly.
Waiting several times
The NHS is overwhelmed by demand for ADHD tests and treatment which has led to long wait times. Some patients are waiting for seven years for their first test, a charity has warned. This puts those who aren't being diagnosed with ADHD in a dangerous situation, according to the charity, ADHD Action. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has increased due to the high-profile celebrities speaking out about their struggles with the disorder such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
The NHS doesn't have enough ADHD specialists to meet the demand. This problem is not helped by the fact that the NHS does not collect routinely collected data, making it difficult to determine the number of people waiting for an assessment. People who have access to private healthcare can opt for a different path, by asking their GP for an out-of-area referral or by paying privately for an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment is 45-90 minutes with a psychiatrist. He will ask you questions about your symptoms and history. The psychiatrist will suggest a treatment or medication based upon the results. Private assessments are an option for those who want an immediate, accurate diagnosis. Be aware that some providers require a referral from your GP, while others won't. This could impact your options should you choose to enter into a shared-care arrangement with your GP. In this case you will only be charged the NHS prescription fees for your medication.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be stressful, especially when you're struggling with your symptoms. It can also be a relief. A clear diagnosis will assist you in making better choices about your life and increase 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 doctor has the right to prescribe medications. Make sure that the psychiatrist is interested 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 aid with physical and emotional problems, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are skilled in a variety of fields, including psychotherapy as well as social work and pharmacology. Some psychiatrists have been trained in psychotherapy for transcultural issues and have a wealth of experience in both the field of child and adult psychotherapy.
You should first speak with your GP to discuss your concerns. Your concerns should be taken seriously by your GP, who will refer you for an assessment. You should be ready to discuss your symptoms and family background, as they can have an impact on the diagnosis. GPs may ask you to fill in an ADHD screener questionnaire prior to referring you for an assessment. It can take up to an hour, and is usually done in person, but you can also fill out the questionnaire over the telephone or by an via video calls online.
A test for ADHD can only be conducted by a specialist Psychiatrist or nurse. Only these health professionals can prescribe medication for this condition. If you do not want to take medication, you can still consult a psychologist. The typical assessment lasts 90 minutes, however, you can expect to spend longer than that because your Psychiatrist will be looking into your symptoms and past history.
BBC's Panorama program recently highlighted the lengthy waiting times for ADHD assessments within the NHS. The program also raised questions about some private ADHD assessment services. The report claimed that certain psychiatrists are diagnosing adult with ADHD and prescribing them medications without properly assessing the severity of their symptoms. In some cases, patients aren't taking their medication according to the instructions. This could result in serious side effects such as insomnia or high blood pressure.
Currently, the NHS lets patients choose which GP they will visit for an ADHD assessment. Here is the list of GPs who provide this service. The list does not include all providers that have signed a contract with NHS England. Right to Choose allows you access to private treatment however, consultation fees will not be subsidised.
CBT therapy
There are a variety of different treatment options available to adults with ADHD. There are many different treatment options for adults with ADHD. The most well-known is stimulant medication. However there are other non-medicament treatments which 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 typically requires a mix of group and individual sessions, and requires a strong relationship with your counselor. You should also consider whether you suffer from any mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can affect your ability to manage your symptoms.
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it is important to consult your GP and express your concerns. They should take your concerns very seriously and suggest an ADHD assessment. You might be asked to fill out some sort of questionnaire, like the DIVA test. You will be able to meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your concerns and determine the most effective treatment options.
If you can't wait for a referral from the NHS or an individual ADHD assessment may be able to assist. A private assessment will include an hour-long interview with a psychiatrist who is specially trained in diagnosing adult ADHD. The cost will range from PS500 to 800. Some providers require a referral from a GP however, others don't.
An ADHD diagnosis can improve your quality of life by assisting you in dealing with your symptoms and reducing stress levels. It also reduces the likelihood of impulsive actions which can lead to problems in your career or personal relationships. Joining a support group is also beneficial for many adults suffering from ADHD. This can be a welcoming and empowering environment for people with ADHD and you can find out about these groups through searching online or in person.
It is crucial to remember that only a Psychiatrist or qualified specialist nurse can prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental healthcare experts can evaluate ADHD but they are not able to diagnose the disorder. A specialist nurse or psychiatrist can suggest an appropriate treatment option for ADHD which could include medication, lifestyle changes or psychological intervention.
Medication
With the growing awareness of ADHD increasing numbers of people are seeking treatment for their symptoms. This means that the NHS is struggling to keep up with demand. This is especially true for adult ADHD assessment, which can take up to several weeks. Private clinics can provide people with ADHD with fast and efficient assessments. These clinics offer a comprehensive ADHD assessment, which includes the written diagnosis. If necessary, they will prescribe medication.
The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number of private health clinics that were giving incorrect ADHD diagnoses in the UK. These clinics profit from the growing demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. But experienced does not mean that people suffering from ADHD should stop seeking medical assistance. Be aware that this condition can be very serious and can affect many aspects of your life. If left untreated, ADHD can cut life expectancy by 12.7 years(2).
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy particularly when your GP is hesitant to refer you to a specialist or has preconceived notions about what the disorder looks like. These prejudices persist despite the increased awareness of the disorder. They can hinder people from getting a proper diagnosis. It is also important to remember that just because the patient pays for healthcare it does not mean that they can bend the rules. Your healthcare professional should follow NICE guidelines when diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor is hesitant to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you can contact an individual psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms and prescribe medication if appropriate. The psychiatrist will also conduct a clinical interview with you to determine if your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life. The psychiatrist will ask about your family history as well as your personal history to determine the extent of your ADHD.
A thorough ADHD report will be included in the private assessment and will be directly sent to your GP. It could also be used as evidence to support claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.