Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic ADHD is still underdiagnosed and untreated. This has a high cost for both the individual and society. This is partly due to the mindset of gatekeepers, who oversee referral pathways. It is possible to receive a private diagnosis through the NHS 'Right To Choose' scheme that allows you to be referred to a qualified provider that has contracts with the NHS. This can speed things up. Waiting times The NHS is overwhelmed with the demand for ADHD assessment and treatment, resulting in long wait times. A charity warned that patients have to wait seven years for their first assessment. This is leaving adults who aren't being diagnosed with ADHD in a precarious situation, according to the charity, ADHD Action. The charity ADHD Action stated that this is despite the fact that the awareness of ADHD has increased, thanks to celebrities like Loose Women's Nadia Sawalha who have been open about their struggles. One of the main reasons for the long wait times is that there are not enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet the demand. The NHS does not routinely collect data, which makes it difficult to know how many people are waiting for an ADHD assessment. Private healthcare patients have the option of choosing a different path. They can ask their GP to refer them outside of the area or pay privately for an ADHD evaluation. A private appointment lasts 45-90 minutes with a psychiatrist. He will ask you questions about your symptoms and history. The psychiatrist will then recommend a treatment or medication based upon the results. Private assessments are an alternative for those seeking an immediate, accurate diagnosis. Be aware that certain providers will require a referral from your GP however, others don't. This could impact your options if you want to sign a shared-care agreement with your GP. In this scenario you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription charges for your prescriptions. The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be stressful, particularly when you're struggling with your symptoms. It could also be a relief. Being able to identify the cause of your illness will help you make better decisions regarding your life and enhance your quality of life. Here are some guidelines to find the right doctor if you're considering 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. You should also find out whether the psychiatrist is licensed to prescribe medication. You should also make sure that the psychiatrist has a particular interest in treating ADHD. In addition to this the psychiatrist should also be able to identify and treat any co-morbidities that are connected to ADHD. Psychiatrists Psychiatrists are doctors with medical qualifications who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. They can assist with emotional and physical issues, such as ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in a variety of areas, including psychotherapy, social services and the science of pharmacology. Some have also completed training in transcultural psychiatry and have vast experience in both child and adult psychiatry. If https://myspace.com/coldsunday79 interested in being diagnosed with ADHD It is best to begin with talking to your GP about your concerns. They will consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment. You should be prepared to talk about your symptoms and family background, as they could affect the diagnosis. Your doctor may request you to fill out an ADHD screener questionnaire prior to sending you to an assessment. It can take up to an hour, and is typically done face-to-face. However you can fill out the questionnaire over the phone or via online video. 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. If you do not want to use medication, you may still consult a psychologist. The appointment typically lasts 90 minutes, however, you can anticipate spending longer than this because your Psychiatrist is going to be looking into your symptoms and history. BBC's Panorama programme recently highlighted the long waiting times for ADHD assessments within the NHS. The program also questioned some private ADHD assessment services. The report alleged that some psychiatrists are diagnosing adults with ADHD and prescribing drugs to them without evaluating their symptoms. In some cases, these patients aren't taking their medication in the manner prescribed. This can cause serious side effects, such as insomnia and high blood pressure. At present, NHS patients can choose the provider they want to see for an ADHD evaluation. You can find a list of GPs who offer this service here. However this list does not include all providers with contracts with NHS England. Right to Choose allows you to receive private treatment however, the consultation fee are not subsidised. CBT therapy There are a myriad of treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular is stimulant medication. However there are many other non-medicated treatments which can be helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can help to improve ADHD symptoms by transforming negative thoughts or behaviours. This kind of therapy is typically a combination of individual and group sessions, and it requires a good relationship with your therapist. It is also important to think about whether 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 important that you discuss with your GP about your suspicions. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you for an ADHD evaluation. You may be asked for an assessment like the DIVA test. You will then meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your problems and determine the treatment options available. 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 45-90 minutes with an adult ADHD specialist psychiatrist. The cost will range from PS500 to 800. Some providers require an appointment with an GP, while others don't. A diagnosis of ADHD can improve your life by assisting to cope with your symptoms and decrease stress levels. It also reduces the chance of taking impulsive actions which can lead to problems in your professional or personal relationships. Participating in a support network can be beneficial for a lot of people with ADHD. These groups can provide an encouraging, empowering and supportive environment for those suffering from ADHD. You can find them online or in person. It is important to note that only a Psychiatrist or qualified specialist nurse can prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are able to conduct an ADHD assessment however they are not able to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of the disorder. A Psychiatrist or specialist nurse will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment for ADHD which could include lifestyle changes, medication or psychological intervention. Medication With the increasing awareness of ADHD more people are seeking treatment for their symptoms. The NHS struggles to meet the demand. This is especially the case for adults who require ADHD assessment, which can take up to several weeks. Private clinics can provide people with ADHD with quick and easy assessments. These clinics offer a complete ADHD assessment, including written diagnoses. If necessary, they will prescribe medication. The BBC's Panorama programme recently exposed a number private health clinics awarding inappropriate ADHD diagnoses in the UK. These clinics take advantage of the rising demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. This doesn't mean that those suffering from ADHD should not seek medical attention. It is crucial to remember that the condition is serious and affects many areas of life. In fact, if left untreated ADHD can lead to an 12.7 year reduction in life expectancy(2). It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis for ADHD especially when you have a GP who is hesitant or has preconceived assumptions about the disorder. These stereotypes are still prevalent despite the increased awareness of the disorder. They can hinder people from receiving a correct diagnosis. Moreover, it is important to recognize that just because you are paying for healthcare does not mean that you can't bend the rules. Your healthcare professional must follow NICE guidelines when diagnosing ADHD. If your doctor is hesitant to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you may consult an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will evaluate your condition and prescribe medication if appropriate. The psychiatrist will also conduct an interview to determine if your ADHD symptoms affect negatively your life. The psychiatrist will ask questions about your history and family mental health issues to determine the severity of your ADHD symptoms. The private assessment will typically include a comprehensive ADHD report which can be sent to your GP. It could also be used as proof to justify claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.