How to Speed Up the Process of Getting a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many people with ADHD struggle to keep up with their work and social obligations. Treatment and classes can help manage symptoms.
According to Nice guidelines, individuals can be formally assessed for ADHD by a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse. This includes GP's as well as Consultant Psychiatrists.
Psychiatry tries to reduce the stigma that is associated with mental illness. But, there is a perception that ADHD is an axis with normality: 'everyone loses concentration and forgets things'.
Waiting at various times
The waiting times for treatment by a private adhd specialist can be lengthy. Before a patient can be sent for evaluation to psychiatrists, they must first go through a screening with their GP. It can be a lengthy process especially when the GP is hesitant to refer. There are ways to speed this process up.
For instance, a number of private companies provide online diagnostic services. This is a good method to cut down on waiting times and can also help the GP determine whether or not to refer. It is crucial to find a specialist who will treat ADHD as a multi-faceted disorder. The most qualified doctors do not overdiagnose patients. In addition, they will consider the patient's history and current symptoms.
A recent BBC Panorama report found that some private ADHD clinics were unable to correctly diagnose patients. This is a huge issue and must be taken seriously. While I am hesitant to claim that this doesn't happen (humans are extremely ambiguous creatures and psychiatry doesn't even qualify as an actual science) I do think this is a matter worth highlighting.
The NHS has made improvements in ADHD assessment and treatment for adults, but it has not provided enough resources to its increasing number of patients. It's not surprising, then, that more and more adults are choosing to seek a diagnosis privately. This could save them years of waiting and give them a a sense of moving forward with their lives.
The BBC report also focuses on the strain on the NHS and its inability to handle the number of referrals. The result is that some GPs to become overwhelmed and have difficulty sending patients to specialists who might have ADHD. Some patients have had to wait for years before they could be seen by an expert.
A new method of assessing and diagnosing ADHD is one option. This will allow more people to be assessed in months rather than years. Additionally, it will allow the NHS to better evaluate its performance and provide more accurate information about the issues. To accomplish this it is necessary that the NHS needs ringfenced funding for its ADHD assessment services.
Diagnosis
As an adult it can be difficult to know if your problems with inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity are due to ADHD. Getting the diagnosis can help you understand your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs. At Priory our team of experts has a dedicated service to help diagnose ADHD and assist you in managing your condition. Contacting our Harley Street clinic is a private, no-cost service.
Our experts will discuss your symptoms with you and perform a mental health screening, before recommending a time for an ADHD assessment. This typically consists of an online test, a clinic interview and the completion of a number of validated assessment scales. The assessment will focus on your behavior and how they have affected your life in childhood, adulthood as well as relationships, work as well as your education and family life. It is also important to check for any co-occurring mental health problems that may be causing your symptoms.
There are still many who struggle to obtain the right diagnosis, despite increasing awareness of the problems unmanaged ADHD can cause. private adhd assessment could be due to a number of factors, like their GP refusing to refer them to a professional or having preconceived notions of what an adult with ADHD should appear like. Some people may find it harder to be diagnosed if they're of color or a woman at birth. This is because certain medical professionals are discriminatory towards those who don't conform to the 'typical image' of a person with ADHD.
Whatever your choice is, whether to see a specialist privately or through the NHS and NHS, you can be assured that any ADHD assessment should follow guidelines established by Nice (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). This states that an assessment should only be conducted by a Psychiatrist, Specialist ADHD Nurse, or a 'other qualified healthcare professional'. This includes Psychologists who are able to assess ADHD but are not able to prescribe medication.
After your appointment for an ADHD assessment, you will receive an assessment questionnaire to fill out with a family member or your friend. You will be asked about the symptoms of ADHD, and how they affected your life as a child or an adult. The answers will be analyzed and scored against the psychiatric criteria for ADHD to establish a diagnosis.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD claim that the medication prescribed to them helps them focus more effectively, feel more relaxed and stay focused for long periods of time. This enables them to learn new skills or listen with a keen eye. The medication can be used in conjunction with therapy-based treatment or on its own to manage symptoms and promote a healthier lifestyle.
The medications typically prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD include stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta and atomoxetine (Supralex) and melatonin (Attendal). These drugs are usually prescribed by general practitioners and psychiatrists who have completed specialist training in adult ADHD.
Some online therapy firms allow patients to be referred directly by their GP, whereas others require a letter of recommendation from the GP or other healthcare professional. It is important to keep this in mind when searching for an adult private ADHD evaluation. You don't want to end up with a diagnosis from a private practitioner and medications that aren't able to be monitored by an NHS GP.
After your private adult ADHD assessment, it's essential to create an agreed-upon care plan between the GP who arranged your appointment as well as the psychiatrist. This will ensure that should you are required to continue taking medication, your costs will be capped at the NHS prescription cost and not a higher pharmacy cost.
A specialist Psychiatrist who has been trained in adult ADHD can give you a comprehensive medical report as well as treatment plans. In the case of medication it will also include a plan for steady titration and stabilisation, which is necessary to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes from your treatment.
There are also a lot of telehealth providers who provide adult ADHD assessments and therapy based treatment. Talkspace, Amwell and Teen Counseling are some of the telehealth companies that provide adult ADHD assessment and therapy-based treatment. These telehealth companies provide various services, including live sessions and text messaging. You should choose one that provides the kind of therapy you need, and that will work with your health insurance plan.
Aftercare
A recent BBC investigation revealed that people seeking a private diagnosis of ADHD were being billed large amounts for unreliable online assessments and powerful medication. The increase in awareness of ADHD is largely due to the fact that the NHS is struggling to meet the increasing demand for services and the lack of funds. This means it's likely that the number of people with undiagnosed ADHD will continue to increase and a lot of them are being enticed by private clinics promising to speed up wait times.
If you believe that you have a problem with ADHD then you should visit your GP for an initial evaluation. They can assess the symptoms you are experiencing, and then refer you to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The GP can also refer you to specialists such as psychotherapists for children when they believe you need help.
You'll be asked for details about your background when you've been recommended to a mental health professional. This could include a thorough review of your family history and any other pertinent documents such as old school reports. Adults who suffer from ADHD can only be diagnosed if they have had symptoms since childhood and the symptoms are present in different areas of their lives. Once you've been formally diagnosed with ADHD the mental health professional will recommend an appropriate treatment plan to meet your particular needs. It is common to use medication to manage the symptoms of ADHD, and it can help you concentrate and remain calm. In some instances, medication is combined with therapy-based treatments, which can aid in the resolution of problems with behavior.
Any ADHD treatment program must include aftercare. These services can help you manage your symptoms and ensure that you stay sober long after you finish the residential treatment program. Aftercare programs may include individual or group therapy, 12-step programs and other treatment options.
There is hope if you suffer from ADD/ADHD. Despite the long wait times and underfunded NHS, you can find the care you need in a different setting. Private facilities are staffed by a team of professionals who treat clients of all ages with a range of illnesses, including addiction and dual diagnosis.