How to Find a Private ADHD Assessment in Leicester A lack of investment in NHS mental health services has resulted in demand outpacing availability, resulting in long waiting lists for ADHD assessments. This has led to people turning to private clinics that charge for poor assessments and poor aftercare. Certain private providers adhere to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, however others do not. Be sure to research prior to making an appointment. What is ADHD Assessment? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent and impairing inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsiveness. It is often diagnosed in the age of five and is often present into adulthood, with a few people suffering from symptoms for the rest of their lives. ADHD can impact the home, work relationships, as well as social life. A specialist psychiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and determine if you have ADHD. The specialist psychiatrist will take into consideration any other conditions that may be the cause of your symptoms, for example physical or mental illnesses. Your GP can refer you to a specialist psychiatrist who will assess your ADHD. However, patients should be aware of the 'right to choose' law that permits patients to request an assessment with a private psychiatric service provided they have a registered an GP in England. The comprehensive evaluation of ADHD is completed in a single or two appointments. The psychiatrist will take an in-depth medical history and undertake a structured psychiatric examination of the person's mental state. The doctor will have the patient tell them about their family and personal background, including past or current mental health issues. He or she will also interview other members of the patient's family and friends and colleagues who can give information about the patient's behavior in different environments (e.g. School, church and scout group. In some cases, a doctor may use prescreening questions that should be completed before the appointment. The doctor will also conduct objective tests to test your impulsivity, attention, and motor activity. This is an important part of the diagnostic process and can be done in the clinic or by post. The clinician will then prepare an assessment report for the patient. This will be shared with their doctor. The clinician will discuss the report with the patient and determine the treatment plan, which may include medication or behavioural therapy. If the patient decides to be prescribed medication, he or she can return to his or her GP to obtain ongoing prescriptions. The doctor will be accountable for ensuring that the medication is correctly managed and monitored, and must be aware of any side effects that may need to be reported. Who should be considering an ADHD Assessment ADHD is a mental health issue that can affect how you conduct yourself and interact with other people. It can cause problems in a variety of areas, such as relationships, work, and home. However, it is possible to treat the symptoms of ADHD through medication and other treatments. If you think you may have ADHD it is crucial to seek out help from a specialist doctor or nurse. Your doctor can suggest an ADHD assessment, but a psychiatrist is a medically qualified doctor who specialises in mental health and will be capable of providing you with the best treatment. The psychiatrist will review your psychiatric history and examine any other issues that might be present the absence of or in addition to ADHD. The psychiatrist will then make an assessment and recommend an appropriate treatment. During the examination, the psychiatrist will ask a lot of questions about your behavior and how it has affected your life. The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history, as well as past medical issues. It is essential to provide as much detail as you can. If the psychiatrist believes that you suffer from ADHD They will recommend an intervention plan that may include medications or other treatments. They will then write an article to your GP outlining their recommendations. In accordance with the policies of your GP, they may then offer you ongoing treatment through the NHS under the basis of a Shared Care Agreement. Anecdotal evidence from the NHS highlights the tension between the desire for long patient waiting times to be reduced and the additional cost of treating ADHD. This results in young people with severe comorbidities arising from unmanaged ADHD being refused care, or receiving no care in the first place (88). It can be difficult to determine ADHD accurately because of the numerous preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD could look like. This makes it difficult for certain people to be diagnosed, especially when they're of color, female or aren't native English speakers. How do you conduct an ADHD Assessment carried out? During the assessment you will meet with a specialist who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This person will ask about your symptoms as well as your experiences with them. They will also search for other possible explanations for your symptoms. This is crucial as it can prevent unnecessary treatment or other ailments being identified. A thorough exam may take a few hours, but it will allow your specialist to make a precise diagnosis. The evaluator can also utilize tests to assess your mental health. This could include questionnaires, clinical interviews, and brain scans. In some instances, the evaluator will recommend that you undergo more extensive testing performed. These tests will confirm the diagnosis and assist you in determining the best treatment. Then, you will be asked whether you would like to discuss medication as part of your treatment. If you decide to discuss medication, your psychiatrist will request your GP for a prescription. Your doctor will then be the one to ensure that your treatment is being monitored and any adjustments made as required. It is important to recognize that some patients require private medical assessments to avoid gaps or blocks in NHS services (see figure 1). Consensus participants have noted issues with some private healthcare providers profiting from the plight of patients who are waiting for a prompt response from their NHS service. Private ADHD diagnostic reports do not adequately prove that the clinical guidelines were followed, which could cause problems for patients who wish to return to NHS treatment. In some instances a diagnosis of ADHD can uncover other health issues like depression or anxiety. Your doctor will discuss these health concerns with you, and suggest treatment as needed. Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated by taking medication, lifestyle changes and therapy. The majority of medications are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or social professionals. Check your insurance policy to see whether it covers these services. Support groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and CHADD can provide you with the names of professionals who specialize in treating ADHD. You may also request an appointment with your GP. What is the cost for an ADHD Assessment? The cost of an ADHD assessment varies based on the individual who performs the test, if neuropsychological testing is required and if any other tests are ordered. Insurance coverage is the most popular method of covering the cost of an ADHD evaluation. There are a number of ways to determine if you qualify for insurance coverage. Contact the insurance company prior to scheduling any appointments or taking any tests. The insurance company may provide you with a list of providers who accept the specific insurance coverage that you are entitled to. Private healthcare organizations are often the only option available to those who cannot access NHS services. They can provide an ADHD diagnosis and assessment. Private healthcare organisations offer assessments faster than the NHS. Prices vary, but they are usually cheaper. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment offer comprehensive ADHD diagnostic reports. Unfortunately, a large portion of people seeking assistance for ADHD in the UK cannot access a diagnostic assessment or treatment through the NHS due to lengthy waiting times. BBC News FOI requests revealed that NHS Trusts in the United Kingdom have adult ADHD waiting lists that could be as long as five years. This is due to a deficiency of funds and a reluctance by some services to increase budgets to meet the demand. Self-referral sites on the internet are a hit with people who cannot wait to get an appointment with the NHS. They pay a modest fee and receive an accurate diagnosis in a matter of minutes. These websites should be used with caution. They are not always monitored and may not follow the best practices in clinical practice. The quality of the online services is also in question. They may not be able offer the right treatment or advice for those who have been diagnosed with. While there is a growing fear that people are being 'over diagnosed with ADHD however, it is evident that many who have the condition aren't receiving the appropriate treatment and support from the NHS. There is a need for more investment in mental health services as well as better coordination of state-funded services to ensure that people with ADHD are appropriately referred to.