How to Find a Private ADHD Assessment in Leicester
The lack of investment in NHS mental health services has led to demand outpacing availability which has led to long wait lists for ADHD assessments. This has led many to seek out private clinics, which charge for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up treatment.
Some private clinics adhere to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's guidelines, while others do not. Make sure you research before booking an appointment.
What is an ADHD Assessment?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by a persistent and impaired inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is often diagnosed in the age of five and is often present throughout adulthood, with some people suffering from symptoms all their life. ADHD can affect your work, home, relationships and social interactions.
An assessment by a specialist psychiatrist can help to establish whether you have ADHD and identify the most appropriate treatment option for your symptoms. The specialist psychiatrist will also take into consideration other conditions that could be causing symptoms, such physical or mental ailments.
NHS referrals to a specialist psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD can be arranged with your GP. However, patients should be aware of the 'right to choose' legislation that allows them to self-refer for an assessment through private psychiatric services provided they have a registered the GP of England.
The comprehensive examination of ADHD is conducted in just one or two visits. The psychiatrist will collect an extensive medical history and perform an examination that is structured to assess the patient's mental state.
The doctor will ask the patient to tell him or her about their personal and family history, including any past or current mental health issues. He or she will also speak with other members of the patient's household, and also friends and colleagues who can provide details about how the patient behaves in various situations (e.g. church, school and Scout groups). In some instances the doctor might use screening questionnaires that are completed in advance of the appointment.
Additionally, the doctor will carry out objective tests to determine your impulsivity, attention and motor activity. This is an essential element of the diagnostic process. It can be done in the clinic or post. The clinician will then prepare an assessment report for the patient, and this will be shared with their GP. The clinician will then discuss the report with the patient and determine a treatment plan, which could include medication or behavioural therapy. If the patient elects to receive medication, they can return to their GP to receive prescriptions. The GP is accountable for monitoring and directing the medication and must be aware of possible side effects.
Who should take into consideration an ADHD Assessment
ADHD is a mental health condition which can impact your behavior and how you interact with other people. It can cause issues in a wide range of areas, such as relationships at work, home, and school. However, it is possible to treat the symptoms of ADHD with medications and other treatments. If you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD it is important that you seek the help of a specialist doctor or nurse.
Your doctor can recommend an ADHD assessment however, a psychiatrist is a medically qualified doctor who is specialized in mental health and will be capable of providing you with the highest quality of care. The psychiatrist will conduct a full psychiatric history and will examine any other medical conditions that could be present in conjunction with or as a result of the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will then provide an accurate diagnosis of your condition and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.
During private adhd assessment will ask you lots of questions about your behavior and how it has impacted your life. The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history, and previous medical issues. It is important to be as honest as you can and provide the most complete picture of your situation.
If the psychiatrist believes you suffer from ADHD If the psychiatrist believes that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest a program of treatment that may include medication and other therapies. They will then prepare an article to your GP outlining their recommendations. In accordance with the policies of your GP, they may then offer you ongoing treatment through the NHS under a Shared Care Agreement.
Anecdotal evidence from the NHS highlights the tension between the desire for longer patient wait times to be reduced and the cost of treating ADHD. This can result in children suffering from severe comorbidities due to unmanaged ADHD receiving care that is not available, or not receiving any care at all (88).
It is sometimes difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because there are a variety of preconceived ideas about what someone with ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult for certain people to be diagnosed, particularly if they are a person of colour, an assigned gender, or are not a native English speaker.
How can ADHD be assessed?
During the assessment during the assessment, you will speak to a specialist who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This person will ask about your symptoms and your experiences with them. They will also seek out other possible explanations of your symptoms. This is crucial because it will keep unnecessary treatments and illnesses from being diagnosed. A thorough examination may take a few hours, but this will allow your doctor to make a precise diagnosis.
The evaluator may also utilize tests to assess your mental health. This could include questionnaires, interviews with a doctor and brain scans. In certain instances, the evaluator will recommend that you have more extensive tests done. These additional tests can aid in confirming the diagnosis and find the best treatment plan for you.
You will be asked if would like to discuss medication with your psychiatrist as part of the treatment. If you choose to do this, your psychiatrist will ask for a prescription from your GP. Your GP will then be the one to ensure that your treatment is monitored and any adjustments are made if required.
It is worth noting that some patients who seek private examinations do so to circumvent the gaps or obstructions in NHS services (see Figure 1). Participants in the consensus agreed that some private healthcare providers take advantage of patients who are desperate for answers from their NHS services. Certain private ADHD diagnostic reports fail to adequately demonstrate that the guidelines for clinical care were adhered to, which could be a problem for patients who wish to return to NHS treatment.
In certain cases, a diagnosis of ADHD can uncover other health issues such as depression or anxiety. Your psychiatrist will talk to you these other health concerns and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Adults with ADHD can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes and therapy. Medications are typically prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers. Check your insurance policy to determine whether it covers these services.
Support groups, like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and CHADD can provide the names of specialists who specialize in treating ADHD. You may also request a referral from your GP.
What is the cost of an ADHD Assessment?
The cost of an ADHD assessment is contingent upon who is carrying out the assessment, whether neuropsychological testing is included or not, as well as any other tests that could be ordered. The most common method to pay for an ADHD assessment is through insurance coverage. There are a number of methods to determine whether you are eligible for insurance coverage. Contact the insurance company prior to scheduling any appointments or ordering any tests. The insurance company may provide you with a list of providers who will accept the insurance coverage you are entitled to.
For those who are unable to access NHS services private healthcare organizations are usually the only option to get an ADHD assessment and diagnosis. These organizations vary in price but generally offer assessments at a quicker rate than the NHS. They also can provide complete ADHD diagnostic reports.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of people seeking help for ADHD in the UK are unable to access a diagnostic assessment or treatment through the NHS due to long waiting times. FOI requests submitted by BBC News reveal that NHS Trusts across the country have waiting lists for adults seeking ADHD services that can last up to five years. This is due to a lack of funds and a reluctance by certain services to increase budgets to meet demand.
Some people who are unable wait for an NHS diagnosis opt for internet-based self-referral websites where they can pay a single fee and receive a diagnosis in minutes. These websites should be taken with caution. They aren't always regulated and may not adhere to good clinical practice guidelines. The quality of online services is also a matter of debate. They might not provide the right medication or counselling to patients who have been diagnosed with.
There is a growing concern that people are being "overdiagnosed" with ADHD. However it is clear that a large proportion of those who suffer from the condition do not receive the help and support they require from the NHS. There is a need for greater investment in mental health services and better coordination of services funded by the state to ensure that adults who suffer from ADHD are referred appropriately.