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Private ADHD Diagnosis – Why You Should Choose a Private ADHD Clinic ADHD remains significantly under-diagnosed and under-treated, at great cost to society and individuals. This is largely due to the attitudes of gatekeepers who manage the pathways to referral. You can obtain a private diagnosis through the NHS “Right To Choose” scheme. This lets you be referred by the NHS to a reputable service that has contracts. This can speed things up. Waiting at various times The NHS is overwhelmed with the demand for ADHD treatments and assessments that result in long wait times. Some people are waiting seven years to receive their first test the charity has warned. This is leaving adults who aren't being diagnosed with ADHD in a precarious position, said the charity, ADHD Action. This is despite the fact that awareness of ADHD has increased due to prominent celebrities speaking out about their struggles with the disorder such as Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha. One of the main reasons for the long waiting times is the fact that there aren't 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 to receive an assessment for ADHD. Private healthcare patients have the option of choosing an alternative route. They can request their doctor to refer them outside of the area or pay privately for an ADHD evaluation. A private assessment is a 45 – 90 minute appointment with psychiatrists who will inquire about your past and symptoms. The psychiatrist will then recommend a treatment or medication based on the findings. Private assessments are an option for those who want an accurate, quick diagnosis. But, it is important to note that some providers require the submission of a GP referral letter, while others do not. This could impact your options should you choose to enter into a shared-care agreement with your GP. In this scenario you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription costs for your medication. It can be difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis, especially when your symptoms cause stress. It could be a source of relief. A clear diagnosis can improve your life by assisting you make better decisions. If you're thinking about a private diagnosis, here are some tips to help you choose the right doctor. Check the credentials and experience of a psychiatrist prior to selecting one. The psychiatrist should not just have a medical degree but also have completed specialist training within the field of mental health. Find out if the doctor has an authorization to prescribe medication. You should also make sure that the psychiatrist has a particular interest in treating ADHD. The psychiatrist should also be able to recognize and treat co-morbidities that are associated with ADHD. Psychiatrists Psychiatrists are doctors who have medical qualifications who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. private adhd assessment uk can help with both emotional and physical issues like ADHD. Many psychiatrists are experts in several areas, such as psychotherapy, social service and the science of pharmacology. Some psychiatrists have been trained in transcultural psychotherapy and have extensive experience in both the field of child and adult psychotherapy. If you're interested in being diagnosed with ADHD It is best to begin with talking to your GP about your concerns. They will be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment. It is important to talk about your symptoms and your family history, as they can impact the diagnosis. Your doctor may ask you to fill in an ADHD screening questionnaire prior to making an appointment for an assessment. This can take an hour, and is typically done face-to-face. However you can fill out the questionnaire by phone or online video. Only a Psychiatrist, or a specialist nurse, can conduct an assessment for ADHD. Only these health professionals can prescribe medication for this condition. However, if you would prefer not to take medication, you can visit psychologists for an assessment. The evaluation lasts for 90 minutes but your Psychiatrist could take longer, as they look into your symptoms and past. A recent report by the BBC's Panorama program highlighted the lengthy waiting lists for ADHD assessments on the NHS. The programme also questioned the quality of certain private ADHD assessment services. The report suggested that some psychiatrists are diagnosing adult with ADHD and prescribing them medications without properly assessing the severity of their symptoms. In some cases patients fail to comply with the prescriptions. This could result in serious side effects, such as insomnia or high blood pressure. Presently the NHS lets patients choose which provider they go to for an ADHD assessment. Here is a list GPs that offer this service. The list is not complete and does not contain every provider that has signed 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 myriad of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The most popular is stimulant medication, but there are also many non-medication treatments that could be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example can help to improve ADHD symptoms by changing negative thoughts or behavior. This type of therapy is usually a combination of sessions with a group or individual, and requires a strong relationship with your therapist. It is also important to consider whether you have any co-existing mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression because they could affect your ability to manage your symptoms. It is important that you discuss with your GP about your suspicions. They should be able to take your concerns seriously and refer you for an ADHD evaluation. You could be asked to take an assessment such as the DIVA test. You will be able to meet with a psychiatrist to discuss your concerns and determine the best treatment options. A private ADHD assessment is a great alternative if you're unable to wait for an NHS referral. Private assessments involve an interview lasting 45-90 minutes with an adult ADHD specialist psychiatrist. The cost will range between PS500 and PS800. Some providers require the referral of a GP, while others don't. An ADHD diagnosis can enhance your quality of life by helping you cope with your symptoms and decreasing stress levels. It can also reduce the risk of taking impulsive decisions which can lead to problems in your career or personal relationships. Many adults who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from joining a support group. It can be a calming and empowering space for people with ADHD and you can find out about these groups online or in person. It is crucial to understand that only a qualified specialist nurse or Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD. Psychologists and other mental health professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment however they are not able to offer a formal diagnosis of the disorder. A Psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other mental health professional may recommend the appropriate treatment for ADHD. This could include medications, lifestyle modifications or psychological intervention. Medication As ADHD becomes more widely known and more people seek treatment for its symptoms. In the process, the NHS is trying to keep up with demand. This is particularly true for adults who require ADHD assessment, which can take up to several weeks. Fortunately, there are private clinics that offer quick and easy assessments for adults suffering from ADHD. These clinics can provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment, including a written diagnosis. If needed, they'll prescribe medication. The BBC's Panorama programme recently exposed a variety of private health clinics that were providing unjust ADHD diagnoses in the UK. These clinics profit from the increasing demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. However, this doesn't mean that those suffering from ADHD should stop seeking medical help. It is crucial to remember that the condition can be serious and can affect many aspects of life. If not treated, ADHD can cut the lifespan by 12.7 years(2). Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy, especially when your GP is unwilling to refer you, or has preconceived ideas about what the disorder is. Despite the growing awareness about the disorder, these prejudices persist and can prevent people from receiving an accurate diagnosis. It is also important to understand that even if you pay for healthcare, it does not mean that they can bend the rules. Your healthcare professional must follow NICE guidelines when diagnosing ADHD. If your GP is reluctant to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can seek a private psychiatrist who will examine your condition and prescribe medication if appropriate. The psychiatrist will also conduct an interview to determine if your ADHD symptoms have a negative impact on your life. The psychiatrist will ask questions about your history 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 also be used as proof to back claims for reasonable adjustments at work or Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for students.