Private ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic ADHD is a condition that is often not recognized and untreated, resulting in a huge cost to both society and individuals. This is partly due to the mindset of gatekeepers who manage referral pathways. It is possible to obtain a private diagnosis under the NHS 'Right To Choose' scheme that allows you to be referred to a qualified provider who has a contract with the NHS. This can speed the process up. Waiting at various times The NHS is overwhelmed with the demand for ADHD treatments and assessments that result in long wait times. A charity warned that some people wait seven years for their first assessment. ADHD Action, a non-profit organization, warned that adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are in a risky situation. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has soared due to the high-profile celebrities who have been open about their struggles with the condition like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha. One of the main reasons for the long waiting times is that there are not enough NHS ADHD specialists to meet the demand. The NHS does not regularly gather data, making it difficult to determine the number of people who are waiting for an ADHD assessment. Private healthcare patients have the option of choosing an alternative route. They can request their GP to refer them out of the area or pay for an ADHD evaluation. A private assessment is a 45 to 90 minute meeting with a psychiatrist who will ask questions about your history and symptoms. They will then suggest a course of medication or treatment according to their findings. Private assessments are a good option for those looking for an immediate, accurate diagnosis. You should be aware that some providers require a referral from a doctor, while others won't. This could affect your options if you want to sign an agreement for shared-care with your GP. In this scenario you will only be charged the NHS prescription costs for your prescriptions. The process of getting an ADHD diagnosis can be stressful, particularly when you're struggling with the symptoms. It could also be a relief. A clear diagnosis can help improve your life by assisting you make better decisions. If you're thinking about a private diagnosis, here are a few tips to help you find the right healthcare provider. When selecting a psychiatrist examine the credentials of the doctor as well as their experience. In addition to having an medical degree, the psychiatrist should have completed specialized training in the field of mental health. Find out if the doctor has an authorization to prescribe medication. Make sure the psychiatrist is interested in treating ADHD. The psychiatrist should also be able detect and treat co-morbidities with ADHD. Psychiatrists Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are experts in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. They can help with both physical and emotional issues like ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in various areas, like psychotherapy, social services and pharmacology. Some have also trained in transcultural psychiatry. They have vast experience in both adult and child psychiatry. If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD It is best to begin with talking to your GP about your concerns. Your concerns should be considered seriously by your GP who will refer you for an assessment. It is important to discuss your symptoms as well as family history, as these can impact the diagnosis. Before referring you to an assessment, your GP may require you to fill out an ADHD screener. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and is usually completed in person, however you can also complete the questionnaire over the telephone or by an online video call. Only a psychiatrist, or a specialist nurse, is able to conduct an assessment for ADHD. This is because only these professionals can prescribe medications for the condition. However, if you would prefer not to use medication, you can see a psychologist for an assessment. The typical assessment lasts 90 minutes, however, you can expect to spend longer than that because your Psychiatrist is going to be exploring your symptoms and history. BBC's Panorama programme recently highlighted the long waiting times for ADHD assessments offered by the NHS. The program also questioned some private ADHD assessment services. The report claimed that certain psychiatrists are diagnosing adults with ADHD and prescribing them drugs without properly assessing their symptoms. In some instances, these patients aren't taking their medication in the manner prescribed. This could cause serious side effects like insomnia or high blood pressure. Currently, the NHS allows patients to select the provider they visit for an ADHD assessment. You can find the list of GPs who offer this service here. The list does not contain every provider that has an agreement with NHS England. Right to Choose allows you access to private treatment but the consultation fees will not be subsidised. CBT therapy There are a number of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD. The most popular is stimulant medication. However, there are other non-medication treatments that can be beneficial. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help improve symptoms of ADHD by changing negative thoughts and behaviors. This kind of therapy is typically combined with sessions with a group or individual, and requires a strong relationship with your therapist. You should also consider whether you have mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, which could hinder your ability to manage your symptoms. If you suspect that you may have ADHD It is crucial to consult your GP and explain your concerns. They should be able to take your concerns seriously and refer you for an ADHD assessment. You may be asked to fill out some sort of questionnaire, like the DIVA test. You will then meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your concerns and discover the treatment options available. A private ADHD assessment is an excellent alternative if you are unable to wait for an NHS referral. A private assessment will include an 45-90 minute interview with a psychiatrist specifically trained to diagnose adult ADHD. The price will vary between PS500 and PS800. Some providers require a GP referral, while others do not. A ADHD diagnosis can improve your quality of life by helping you cope with your symptoms and reducing stress levels. It can also decrease the risk of taking impulsive decisions which can lead to problems in your career or personal relationships. Joining a support group can be beneficial for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. This can be a welcoming and empowering environment for people who suffer from ADHD, and you can learn about these groups 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 can conduct an ADHD assessment but they are unable to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of the disorder. A specialist nurse or a psychiatrist will be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment for ADHD that could include medication, lifestyle changes or psychological intervention. Medication With the increasing awareness of ADHD more people are seeking treatment for their symptoms. The NHS is unable to meet the demand. This is particularly the case for adults who require ADHD assessment which can last up to several weeks. There are fortunately, private clinics that can offer quick and convenient assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. These clinics provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment, which includes written diagnoses. They will also prescribe medication if necessary. BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a number private health clinics in the UK that were providing incorrect ADHD diagnoses. https://anotepad.com/notes/c2k3sait take advantage of the rising demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. But this does not mean that those with ADHD should not seek medical help. Remember that this condition can be serious, and affect a variety of aspects of your life. If left untreated, ADHD can reduce the lifespan by 12.7 years(2). Finding a diagnosis for ADHD isn't easy, especially when your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist or has preconceived ideas about what the disorder is. These prejudices persist despite the growing awareness of the disorder. They can prevent people from getting a proper diagnosis. It is also important to realize that the fact that you pay for healthcare, it does not mean they can bend the rules. Your healthcare professional should follow NICE guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. If your GP refuses to recommend you for an ADHD assessment or treatment, then you may consult an individual psychiatrist. He will evaluate you and prescribe medication, if required. The psychiatrist will also conduct a medical interview with you to determine if your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life. The psychiatrist will ask you questions regarding your past and family mental health issues to assess the severity of your ADHD symptoms. A comprehensive ADHD report will be included in the private assessment and sent directly to your GP. It could be used as a proof to back claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.