How to Speed Up the Process of Getting a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Adults with ADHD often struggle to meet their obligations at work and social. Therapy and classes can help to manage symptoms of the condition.
Under Nice guidelines, individuals may be evaluated informally for ADHD by either a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse. This includes GPs as well as Consultant Psychiatrists.
Psychiatry tries to reduce the stigma that comes with mental illness. But, there is an assumption that ADHD is a continuum with normality: 'everyone loses concentration and forgets things'.
Waiting several times
The waiting time for private adhd treatments can be long. Before a patient can be referred for assessment to psychiatrists, they must first go through a screening with their GP. It can take a long time, especially when your GP is reluctant. There are ways to speed this process up.
Many private companies provide, for instance, online diagnostic services. This is a great method to reduce wait times and assist the GP make a decision about whether or not to refer. It is crucial to select a provider that will treat ADHD as a complex disorder. The most effective providers will not overdiagnose patients. They will also consider the patient's past and current symptoms.
BBC Panorama reported recently that certain private ADHD clinics misdiagnosed patients. This is a serious problem that should be taken very seriously. While I'm reluctant to say that this doesn't happen (humans can be extremely elusive creatures and psychiatry is hardly an actual science) This is an issue that deserves to be highlighted.
The NHS has made some improvements in ADHD treatment and assessment for adults, but it has not offered enough resources to its increasing number of patients. It's no wonder that more and more adults are seeking an assessment privately. This can save them years of waiting and give them 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. This has resulted in some doctors being overwhelmed and having difficulty in referring patients who have suspected ADHD. Some patients been waiting for years before they could be seen by an expert.
A new system for assessing and diagnosing ADHD is a solution. This would allow for more people to get assessed in months, rather than years. This would also enable the NHS to monitor its performance better and give more information about the problem. To achieve this, the NHS requires ringfenced funding for its ADHD assessment services.
Diagnosis
As we age it can be a challenge to determine if the issues you are experiencing with impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity are caused by ADHD. Getting the diagnosis can help you understand your symptoms and figure out the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs. At Priory our team of specialists offers an in-depth service that can help identify ADHD and support you in managing your condition. The process begins with a free, confidential contact to our specialized clinic, located in the Harley Street medical area.
Our specialists will discuss your symptoms and conduct an assessment of your mental health before recommending a time for an ADHD assessment. This typically consists of an online test, a clinical interview and the completion of a variety of scales for assessment that have been validated. The test will examine your behavior and how they have affected your life in the past, in adulthood and in your relationships, work as well as your education and family life. It is also essential to look for any co-occurring mental health problems that may be causing your symptoms.
While there is an increasing awareness of the difficulties those with unmanaged ADHD might face, some sufferers are still unable to receive the diagnosis they need. It can be due to a number of factors, such as their GP refusing to recommend them to a specialist or having preconceived notions about what an adult with ADHD should look like. For some, it may be even more difficult when they are of color or assigned a gender at birth, since some medical specialists have been recognized as discriminating against those who do not fit the 'typical' image of a person with ADHD.
No matter if you decide to consult a specialist privately or through the NHS and NHS, you can be assured that any ADHD assessment must follow the guidelines laid out by Nice (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). The guidelines state that assessments should only be conducted by a Psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse or 'other appropriately qualified healthcare professional'. This includes psychologists who are able to diagnose ADHD but are not qualified to prescribe medication.
After your appointment for ADHD assessment you will be provided with a questionnaire that you can fill out with a family member or acquaintance. You will be asked questions about the characteristics of ADHD, and how they have affected your life as a child or an adult. These will be assessed and scored against the psychiatric guidelines for ADHD to establish the diagnosis.
Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD find that the medication they receive can help them focus better, feel calmer and retain their attention for long enough to be able to master new skills and listen attentively. The medication can be used in conjunction with therapy-based treatments or alone to control symptoms and promote a healthier lifestyle.
These include stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, atomoxetine, (Supralex) and melatonin (Attendal). These drugs are usually prescribed by psychiatrists and general physicians who have been trained by specialists in adult ADHD.
Some online therapy firms allow patients to be directly referred to their GP. However, others require a letter of referral from the GP or other healthcare professional. This is something to bear in mind when you are looking for a private adult ADHD assessment, as you don't want to be left with an assessment and treatment from a private practitioner that can not be monitored by your NHS GP.
After you have completed your private adult ADHD assessment it is important that a shared care plan between your physician and the psychiatrist who conducted your appointment is set up. This will ensure that should you need to continue taking medication your costs will be limited to the NHS prescription charge rate and not a greater pharmacy cost.
adhd assessment private trained to specialize in adult ADHD can give you a comprehensive medical report and treatment plans. This will include a strategy of steady titration, stabilisation and dosage adjustments for medications.
There are also a number of telehealth services that provide adult ADHD assessments and therapy-based treatment. These include Talkspace, Amwell, Little Otter and Teen Counseling. Telehealth companies offer many services including live sessions and messaging. You should choose a company which offers the type of therapy you require, and will work with your health insurance plan.
Aftercare
A recent BBC investigation revealed that those seeking a private diagnosis of ADHD were being charged large sums for quick unreliable online tests and powerful medications. This is partly because there's increasing awareness of the condition, but it's also because the NHS is struggling to cope with rising demand and shortage of funds. In the end, it's likely that the number of adults with undiagnosed ADHD will continue to grow and many are enticed by private clinics promising to reduce the wait time.
If you think you are suffering from ADHD then you should go to your GP for an initial assessment. They will examine your symptoms and make an appointment to psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. Doctors can also refer you to specialists like child psychiatrists and psychotherapists if they feel that you need it.
After you've been referred to an appointment with a mental health professional, you'll need to provide some background details. This may include a look-up of your family history and any other pertinent documents, such as old school reports. Adults with ADHD are only diagnosed if they've had symptoms since childhood and if the symptoms are present in multiple areas of their lives. After you've been officially diagnosed with ADHD, your mental health professional will suggest an appropriate treatment plan to take care of your particular needs. It is common to use medication to manage the symptoms of ADHD, and it helps you stay focused and remain calm. In some instances medications are combined with therapy-based treatments which can aid in the resolution of behavioral issues.
Aftercare is an integral part of any ADHD treatment program. These services can help you manage your symptoms and keep you sober for a long time after completing the residential treatment program. Aftercare programs may include individual or group therapy as well as 12-step programs, among other treatment options.
If you are suffering from ADD/ADHD issues, there is an option for you. Despite the long wait times and underfunded NHS there is a way to get the help you require in a different setting. With a dedicated team of professionals private clinics can help both adult and adolescent patients with a range of ailments such as addiction and dual diagnoses.