Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic
ADHD is a condition that is not well-known, and undertreated. This results in a high cost for individuals and society. This is partly because of the attitude of gatekeepers who manage referral pathways.
You can obtain a private diagnosis through the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme. This lets you be directed by the NHS to a qualified provider who has contracts. This could make the process much faster.
Waiting times
The NHS is swamped with demand for ADHD assessments and treatment which has led to long wait times. Some people are waiting seven years to receive their first test the charity has warned. ADHD Action, a non-profit organization has warned that those who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are in a perilous position. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has increased due to the high-profile celebrities talking openly about their struggles with the disorder like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha.
One of the main reasons for the long wait times is that there aren't enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet the demand. The NHS does not regularly gather data, making it difficult to know the number of people who are waiting for an assessment of ADHD. Patients who are private healthcare providers can choose a different path. They can request their GP to refer them out of the area or pay privately for an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment is a 45 to 90 minute consultation with a psychiatrist who will ask questions about your history and symptoms. The psychiatrist will then recommend a treatment or medication based upon the results. Private assessments are a great option for people who want quick, precise diagnosis. However, you should note that some providers require an GP referral letter, while others do not. This can affect your options for a shared care agreement with your GP which means that you pay just the NHS prescription charge for your prescriptions.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be stressful, particularly when you're struggling with your symptoms. It could be a source of relief. Being able to identify the cause of your illness can assist you in making better choices regarding your life and enhance your quality of life. Here are some tips to find the right doctor for you if you're thinking of a privately diagnosed patient.
Check the credentials and experience of a psychiatrist before choosing one. The doctor should not only possess a medical degree, but also have completed specialist training within the field of mental health. It is also important to determine whether the psychiatrist is licensed to prescribe medications. It is also important to ensure that the psychiatrist has an interest in treating ADHD. The psychiatrist should also be able to identify and treat co-morbidities associated with ADHD.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are doctors who have medical qualifications who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. They can assist with emotional and physical issues like ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in various areas, including psychotherapy, social service and pharmacology. Certain psychiatrists have been trained in transcultural psychotherapy and have extensive experience in both child and adult psychiatry.
You should first talk to your GP to discuss your concerns. They should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. It is important to talk about your symptoms and family history, as these can impact the diagnosis. Your doctor may request you to fill in an ADHD screener questionnaire before making an appointment for an assessment. This could take about up to an hour and is usually conducted face-to-face. However you can fill out the questionnaire over the phone or via online via video.
An assessment for ADHD can only be done by a Psychiatrist or specialist nurse. This is because only these health specialists can prescribe medications for the condition. However, if you would prefer not to take medication, you may see a psychologist to conduct an assessment. The assessment lasts 90 minutes but your Psychiatrist could take longer, as they look into your symptoms and past.
A recent report on the BBC's Panorama program highlighted the long waits for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The program also questioned the quality of certain private ADHD assessment services. The report claimed that some psychiatrists diagnose adults with ADHD, and prescribe them medications without properly assessing the symptoms. In try what he says fail to comply with the prescriptions. This can cause serious side effects, such as insomnia and high blood pressure.
At present, NHS patients can choose the provider they want to visit for an ADHD assessment. You can find a list of GPs who provide this service here. The list does not contain every provider that has a contract with NHS England. Right to Choose allows you to receive private treatment however, the consultation fee will not be covered by NHS England.
CBT therapy
There are a variety of different treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD. There are a myriad of 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 instance, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help to reduce symptoms of ADHD by changing negative thoughts and behavior. This type of therapy usually involves an amalgamation of individual and group sessions and it requires a good relationship with your therapist. You should also consider whether you have mental health issues such as anxiety or depression that could affect your ability to manage symptoms.
It is important that you speak to your GP about your suspicions. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you for an ADHD assessment. You may be asked for an assessment such as the DIVA test. You will meet with a psychiatric professional to discuss your issues and determine the most effective treatment options.
A private ADHD assessment is a good alternative if you are unable to wait for an NHS referral. A private assessment involves an interview lasting between 45 and 90 minutes with an adult ADHD specialist psychiatrist. The cost will range from PS500 to 800. Some providers require a referral from a GP and some don't.
An ADHD diagnosis can enhance your quality of life by helping you cope with your symptoms and reducing stress levels. It also reduces the risk of taking impulsive decisions that can cause problems in your work or personal relationships. Participating in a support network 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 on the internet or in person.
It is important to note that only a qualified Psychiatrist or 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, Psychiatrist or any other mental health professional may recommend the best treatment for ADHD. This could include medications, lifestyle modifications or psychological interventions.
Medication
As ADHD becomes more well-known increasing numbers of people seek treatment for its symptoms. The NHS struggles to meet the demands. This is particularly the case for adult ADHD assessment which can last up to several weeks. Private clinics can provide adults with ADHD with fast and efficient assessments. These clinics will provide an extensive ADHD assessment, which includes the written diagnosis. They can also prescribe medication when needed.
BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number of private health clinics in the UK which were offering erroneous ADHD diagnoses. These clinics take advantage of the growing demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. But this does not mean that those with ADHD should stop seeking medical assistance. It is important to keep in mind that the condition can be serious and affects many areas of daily life. If left untreated, ADHD can reduce the life expectancy by 12.7 years(2).
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult, especially if your GP is hesitant to refer you or has preconceived notions about what the disorder looks like. These stereotypes are still prevalent despite the increased awareness of the disorder. They can prevent people from getting a proper diagnosis. It is also important to remember that just because you pay for healthcare, it does not mean that they can bend the rules. Your healthcare professional should follow NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.
If your doctor is hesitant to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you can contact an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will assess your symptoms and prescribe medication if appropriate. The psychiatrist will also conduct a clinical interview with you to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life. The psychiatrist will ask questions about your history and family health issues to assess the severity of your ADHD symptoms.
A complete ADHD report will be included in the private assessment and can be sent directly 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.