How to Find a Private ADHD Assessment in Leicester
The lack of investment in NHS mental health services has led to demand outpacing provision which has led to long waiting lists for ADHD assessments. This has led many to seek out private clinics, which charge poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care.
Some private providers adhere to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's guidelines, however, others don't. Do your research before making an appointment.
What is an ADHD Assessment?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity and a persistent lack of attention. It is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood and continues to be prevalent throughout adulthood. Some people experience symptoms throughout their lives. ADHD can affect your work, family life, relationships, and social life.
A specialist psychiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and determine if you are suffering from ADHD. The specialist psychiatrist will consider any other medical conditions that might be causing your symptoms, for example physical or mental illnesses.
Your GP can refer you to an expert psychiatrist who will examine your ADHD. Patients must be aware that "right-to-choose" law allows them to self refer to a private psychiatric facility if they have an authorised GP in England.
A comprehensive assessment of ADHD is conducted over one to two appointments. The psychiatrist will assess the mental health of the patient and take a detailed medical record.
The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their personal and family background, including any prior or current mental health issues. The doctor will also speak with other members of the patient's family, and friends and colleagues who can give information about how the patient behaves in different settings (e.g. church, school and scout groups). In some cases the doctor may utilize pre-screening questionnaires which can be completed in advance of the appointment.
In addition, the clinician will conduct tests objectively to evaluate your attention, impulsivity and motor activity. This is an essential component of the diagnostic process and can be performed in clinic or via post. The clinician will then create an assessment report for the patient. This will be sent to their doctor. The doctor will then discuss the report with the patient and decide on a treatment plan, which can include behavioural therapy or medication. If the patient chooses to receive medication, he or she may return to his or her GP to obtain ongoing prescriptions. The GP will then be accountable for ensuring that the medication is properly administered and monitored, and should be aware of any adverse effects that may need to be reported.
Who should take into consideration an ADHD Assessment
ADHD is an illness of the mind that can impact your behavior and how you interact with others. It can cause problems in many areas of your life, including relationships, work and home. It is possible to manage ADHD symptoms with medications and other treatments. If you suspect you might have ADHD it is essential to seek the assistance of a specialist doctor or nurse.
Your doctor can recommend you to a psychiatrist for an ADHD assessment. A psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor who is an expert in mental health. They will be able give you the best possible treatment. The psychiatrist will look into your psychiatric past and examine any other issues that may be present in combination with or instead of ADHD. The psychiatrist will then make an assessment and recommend the best treatment.
During the examination the psychiatrist will ask you a number of questions about your behaviour and how it has affected your life. They will also inquire about your family history and any previous health issues. It is important to give as much information as possible.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you have ADHD they will recommend an intervention plan that could include medication or other therapies. They will then write an article for your GP outlining their recommendations. Depending on the policy of your doctor they may recommend ongoing medication through the NHS under a Shared-Care agreement.
Anecdotal evidence from a few NHS governance bodies reveal the tension between the desire to reduce long patient waiting times and the possibility of a higher cost for providing appropriate treatment for ADHD (87). This translates into young people who suffer from severe comorbidities caused by unmanaged ADHD receiving care that is not available, or not receiving any treatment at all (88).
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD accurately due to the myriad of preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD might look like. This can make it more difficult for certain people to be diagnosed, especially when they are of colour, an assigned female gender or not an native English speaker.
How is ADHD assessed?
During the assessment you will talk to a doctor who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This person will ask you about your symptoms as well as your background. They will also search for other possible causes for your symptoms. This is important because it can keep unnecessary treatments and ailments from being identified. It could take a long time to conduct an exhaustive examination but it will let your doctor to make a precise diagnosis.
The evaluator will also utilize tests to determine your mental health. This could include questionnaires, interviews with a doctor and brain scans. In certain instances your evaluator could recommend more thorough testing. These tests will confirm the diagnosis and assist you in determining the most effective treatment.
You will be asked if you would like to discuss medication with your psychiatrist as part of your treatment. If Iam Psychiatry choose to do so, your psychiatrist will ask your GP for prescription. Your doctor will then be accountable for ensuring that your treatment is monitored and any adjustments made as required.
It is worth noting that some patients who require private examinations are doing so to bypass gaps or blockages in NHS services (see Figure 1). Participants to the consensus acknowledged that some private healthcare providers profit of patients who are desperate for a response from their NHS services. Some private ADHD diagnostic reports fail to show that the clinical guidelines were followed, which can pose a problem for patients wishing to return to NHS treatment.
In some cases, a ADHD diagnosis will reveal other health issues, including anxiety or depression. Your psychiatrist will discuss with you these other health concerns and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated with medication, lifestyle modifications, and therapy. Medications are typically prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists or social professionals. Check your insurance policy to see whether it covers these services.
Support groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and CHADD can give you names of professionals who are specialists in treating ADHD. You can also request referrals from your GP.
What is the cost for an ADHD Assessment?
The cost of an ADHD assessment varies depending on who is conducting the test, if neuropsychological testing is included or not, as well as any other tests that might be ordered. Insurance coverage is the most common way to cover the cost of an ADHD assessment. You can find out whether your insurance will cover the cost of an assessment in different ways. Contact the insurance company prior to scheduling any appointments or making any appointments. The insurance company may provide you with the list of providers that will accept the insurance coverage that you have.
For those who are not able to access NHS services private healthcare organizations are usually the only option for ADHD assessment and diagnosis. Private healthcare organizations offer assessments faster than the NHS. Prices vary but they are generally more affordable. They are also able to offer comprehensive ADHD diagnostic reports.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of people seeking help for ADHD in the UK cannot access an assessment or treatment through the NHS due to lengthy waiting times. FOI requests by BBC News reveal that NHS Trusts across the country have waiting lists for adult ADHD services that can run up to five years. This is largely due a lack of adequate funding and the unwillingness of some services to increase their budgets in order to meet the demand.
Some people who cannot wait for an NHS diagnosis turn to internet-based self-referral websites where they can pay a single fee and receive a diagnosis within minutes. These websites should be used with caution. They aren't always regulated and may not be following good guidelines for clinical practice. The quality of online services is also a matter of debate. They may not provide the correct medication or counseling to those who have been diagnosed.
While there is a growing fear that people are being 'over diagnosed' with ADHD, it is clear that a lot of people with the condition aren't receiving the appropriate assistance and care from the NHS. There is a pressing need to invest more in mental health services and better coordination of state-funded services to ensure that adults who suffer from ADHD are referred appropriately.