private adhd assessment in the UK
A thorough ADHD evaluation is usually a fairly comprehensive procedure. A psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms cause significant impairment, and will rule out other disorders like thyroid or depression. They may also ask for old school records or other evidence.
It is crucial that the person who is assessing you is an ADHD specialist. This applies to psychiatrists and GPs alike.
Waiting times
In the UK, adults who need an ADHD diagnosis are being left waiting for years to get an appointment with psychiatrists. The condition is classified as a serious mental disorder with an enormous impact on the lives of people. The situation is even worse in certain areas, with waiting periods as long as four years. The charity ADHD UK called for urgent actions to improve the situation.
The issue is amplified by the increasing awareness of the condition and an increase in the demand for treatment. NHS services are struggling to keep pace with the demand, and many patients are choosing to seek treatment through private healthcare providers. This has been made easier by the recent introduction of the Right to Choose scheme, which allows patients to select for private health care from any provider.
One of these services is Psychiatry UK, which operates an online ADHD assessment and medication service for the NHS in parts of the country. The service has seen a dramatic increase in the number of adults seeking an assessment, which is currently exceeding its capacity. If you choose to go the private route are generally more successful, since private psychiatrists are more adept at dealing with adults and will be more knowledgeable about the specifics of the condition. They are also more likely to be experienced in managing co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety that are frequently present in ADHD.
However, many people are still concerned about the assessment of private patients and the potential for them to over-diagnose the disease. The issue was brought to the public's attention when a BBC Panorama investigation exposed the ways in which private clinics were granting diagnoses without proper process. Some have claimed that the program is promoting stigma and stereotyping against people who suffer from ADHD.
The BBC should be commended, however, for exposing the problem and highlighting adults who require an ADHD diagnosis. It's a shame that some people who require this help are being forced to seek it privately, and the NHS should come up with ways to deal with the issue. In the meantime, if you think you may have ADHD, you can try an assessment for free with an organization, or request an assessment from a private psychiatrist. These are typically cheaper than the NHS but they do not issue the prescription for medication.
Second opinion
If you are struggling with symptoms of ADHD, it is important to be diagnosed. A correct diagnosis can assist you in managing your symptoms and also prescribe medications. You could be referred to a psychiatrist as part of your treatment. There are many private clinics that provide diagnosis and titration services. These clinics have lots of experience working with a broad range adults, including men and women, who may be suffering from ADHD. They are also able to look for co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Private ADHD assessments can be expensive however the waiting time for NHS services are more lengthy. Typically, you pay for a first assessment and then be able to schedule subsequent appointments as required. If you have insurance that covers you, it is likely to cover these appointments. These appointments will be conducted by specially trained nurses with a particular interest in ADHD and are able to assess it. The initial appointment will usually involve clinical interviews and rating scales. You could also be required to complete questionnaires and be referred to for further tests, such as an MRI.
You should expect to pay between PS500 and PS1,200 at a private facility for an ADHD assessment. The price includes assessment time and titration costs. Certain private ADHD assessments provide titration separate from diagnosis, and it can be cheaper. However, the process of titration is longer and requires a number of appointments.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed that one patient waited for three years for an NHS assessment, before turning to a doctor in desperate need. The BBC investigation revealed a variety of cases where patients received a diagnosis of ADHD, which was later taken off. This is a serious issue, as it can be extremely stressful for patients to have their symptoms wrongly diagnosed and prescribed medications with adverse negative side effects.
In Scotland, an ADHD assessment costs PS1,335 and includes the initial assessment and the adjustment. The majority of health insurance policies cover these tests. However, it's worthwhile to verify whether you are covered.
Referral to an expert clinic
If your GP refers to an expert clinic, the physician will ask questions and perform a clinical evaluation. They will determine whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD and if they match the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. They will also check for co-morbidities or other mental health issues. Often, these will be depression and anxiety. The doctor will then discuss possible treatment options with you including medication if appropriate.
During an assessment the psychiatrist will ask you about your family history as well as current issues at work and home. They will also inquire about any medications that you are taking. They will then conduct a formal interview, and you must bring an adult person or relative along to provide collateral information. The examination will typically require several sessions to establish an accurate diagnosis. Some clinics provide a full assessment, while others only test for specific symptoms.
The poor quality of NHS ADHD services has come under scrutiny following an Panorama investigation. The undercover reporter of the show was diagnosed with ADHD at three private clinics - while his GP insisted that he did not have the condition. The BBC argued that the report was an instance of "over-diagnosing" by private firms, however GPs are only able to refer patients for further investigations or prescribe medication under strict guidelines.
Many GPs refuse to sign an agreement to share treatment with the NHS. This is the only way to transfer the care of their patients to the NHS after a private diagnoses. This is due to the fact that they believe that they are not experts in ADHD or psychiatry. A lot of private psychiatrists do not prescribe medication for their patients, which can make it difficult for them to get the treatment they require.
Request your GP to refer you to an ADHD evaluation if they haven't already. You can find out the estimated wait time by calling the local mental health services or by using the Right To Choose site. The site lets you choose an online ADHD assessment service that will be provided by the NHS.
Confirmation of diagnosis
Being diagnosed with an ADHD diagnosis can have a profound impact on your life. Not only does it help individuals understand themselves better as well as help them as well as their family and friends better assist them. It also assists them to determine the best treatment strategy. It is not always simple to determine a diagnosis. Especially in the UK where patients have to wait for a long time for an assessment from the NHS. This can be frustrating for those seeking to be diagnosed as having ADHD.
If you can't wait, you can self-refer to a specialist psychiatrist for a private assessment. It will help you save time and avoid a trip to your GP. This is a lengthy process that can take several months. However it will provide you with more precise diagnoses than the ones offered by the NHS. It is important to make sure that the person running the test is a psychiatrist or psychologist, as these are the only healthcare professionals competent to assess ADHD in the UK.
A private assessment could include a clinical interview conducted by a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask questions about your mental health, your childhood history and other aspects. The doctor will use rating scales to ask about your struggles at school, at work, or in relationships. They will also talk about any other symptoms you experience that could indicate the presence of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will then send an extensive ADHD report to your GP with your consent. They may also prescribe medication if needed. They can also help with other forms of help, like study skills and mentoring. If you are an undergraduate student, they can also help you apply for Disabled Students Allowance.
It's not ideal to cut corners however the NHS is overwhelmed and underfunded. Some people try to cut corners by using online assessments or private clinics with short appointments and little or no expert clinical knowledge. These shortcuts should be avoided, but there is no reason why people suffering from ADHD shouldn't seek a diagnostic appointment when they can afford it.