Private ADHD Assessments
It's tempting to consider alternatives, especially when you consider NHS wait times for ADHD assessment at an all-time maximum. Private ADHD assessments are an option, but they come with their own pros and cons.
Panorama The Panorama, a BBC program, recently discovered that some private clinics force patients through tests that are not of the highest quality and fail to diagnose them correctly. This is unfair to the patients affected.
What is a private assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is an appointment with a specialist in healthcare who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, Specialist ADHD nurse or another "other approriately qualified healthcare professional" [Nice Guidelines].
If you'd like to have an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS you can request your GP to refer you to the service. They will be attentive to your concerns and request you to fill out a screener, then put you on the NHS waiting list.
Alternatively, you can book an ADHD assessment with a specialist mental health provider such as Priory. There are private adhd assessments and hospitals throughout the nation. Some offer an appointment as short as 24 hours. Each one has its own criteria for determining if a GP referral letter is required (some do, while others don't). If you decide to go this route you and your GP is still involved and a shared care agreement could be signed between the GP, patient and consultant psychiatrist should any medication be prescribed. A formal diagnosis of ADHD is required to receive workplace protections.
What are the expectations during an evaluation in private?
A private ADHD evaluation typically involves a formal clinical discussion with a healthcare professional who will ask you about your symptoms and their impact on your life. You will also be asked to complete some cognitive tests and questionnaires to gain a clearer picture of your situation. These tests are not invasive and painless.
You will also be asked to complete questionnaires for pre-screening prior to your appointment date. These questionnaires will allow your doctor to determine if you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. It is important to return these as soon as possible before your appointment so that you do not have to wait around for a long amount of time before you can schedule your appointment.
Your doctor will discuss your medical background and lifestyle, taking into consideration any recent problems you've had. It is important to be honest with your doctor so that they can know what is happening and make a proper diagnosis.
During the interview your psychiatrist will discuss any concerns you may have about your performance at your job or in your relationships. They will also take into consideration any other signs you might be experiencing, like anxiety or depression. If they believe that these are a result of your ADHD, they will discuss the matter with you and provide any treatment options that they think would be beneficial to you.
Once your psychiatrist has finished the interview, they will go over all of the information that you've provided. The psychiatrist will share their findings with you, and answer any questions you have. They will typically recommend that you start medication, if necessary and will also give you prescriptions to take with you.
It isn't easy to determine ADHD accurately, despite the increasing awareness. This could be due to a number of factors such as gender and race discrimination in healthcare professionals. If not properly managed, ADHD can result in many years of problems that are not being recognized in both personal and professional life.
What is the cost of a private assessment?
Private ADHD assessments can be expensive. However, there are options for those who cannot afford the full cost of an evaluation. For instance, some companies offer a sliding scale fee that is based on an individual's income level. Other providers also offer pro bono assessments to those who are unable to afford an assessment at all.
Another option for those who cannot afford a private examination is to ask their insurance company to cover the cost of the assessment. You can do this by contact your insurer directly asking about the coverage available. Insurance companies often have an inventory of locations or providers who accept their insurance. This can help to narrow down the options for those who do not have access to a private psychiatrist.
Private ADHD tests are typically conducted by a specialist nurse, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist. In the UK only healthcare professionals like these are competent to diagnose ADHD. During the examination an expert in healthcare will interview the person and review their medical history. The healthcare professional will also look at the symptoms of the individual and how they impact their daily life. Additionally, the healthcare specialist will also look into whether there are any mental health issues within the family that may be present.
It is important to keep in mind that there is no definitive ADHD tests. The diagnosis is based on the experience and opinion of a medical professional. It is therefore important to select a healthcare professional who has the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat ADHD.
When you request an assessment, it's important to make sure that the healthcare professional is aware that you are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. This will ensure that the test is thorough and covers all of the relevant aspects of the disorder. It is also beneficial to give the healthcare professional any additional information, like a history of ADHD in your family, or other mental health issues.
Finally, it is important to remember that an ADHD evaluation can take a few weeks to be completed. Therefore, it is essential to make an appointment with a healthcare professional as soon as you can after contacting them about an assessment.
Can I get a private diagnosis of ADHD?
ADHD is a complicated disorder that is difficult for GPs to recognize. If your doctor isn't knowledgeable about the disorder, they will likely refer you to a specialist like a Psychiatrist or Psychologist. These health professionals can evaluate and diagnose ADHD for adults as well as children. They are also competent to prescribe medication when necessary.
It is important to note that Psychiatrists and Psychologists are the only healthcare professionals who can provide a diagnosis of ADHD in the UK. If you're assessed by a counselor, nurse or any other mental health professional, they are not able to provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD. This is because GPs are only under legal obligations to sign shared care agreements with NHS mental health services when you are diagnosed by a qualified Psychiatrist or Psychologist and then prescribed medication by your doctor.
If you choose to have an assessment at a private clinic, you'll be required to pay. However, the examination should be based upon evidence and NICE guidelines. You should also be aware that services offered by private health insurance are not always as extensive as those provided by NHS. It is therefore imperative to find a clinic that is reputable and adheres to the highest standards of care.
Once you have completed your private assessment and received an assessment, you will need to discuss whether or not to seek treatment for ADHD with your GP. Before you make a decision it is crucial to understand the potential risks and benefits of using medications for ADHD.
A psychiatrist can examine your symptoms and look into any co-morbidities you might have. They will then determine the best course to take. If you do decide to take medication for ADHD you should be fully titrated into the final dose before leaving your GPs care.
In the past it was common practice to have private clinics diagnose ADHD in both children and adults and then prescribe medication. Recently, it was reported that a lot of companies were not accurately assessing their patients and providing unreliable diagnoses. This puts both adults and children at risk and it is crucial to select a reputable and trustworthy clinic when seeking the diagnosis of ADHD.