ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Find a Private Clinic
If they suspect the patient might have ADHD they can refer them to private ADHD testing services. However the process can be lengthy and frustrating. It is important to choose an experienced psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD.
NHS guidelines in England, Wales and Northern Ireland offer a right to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, some patients don't receive the assistance they require.
We accept referrals by GPs
ADHD can be a difficult condition to manage. Being diagnosed will assist you in managing the symptoms. However, many people with ADHD find it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or treatment from the NHS. Many are forced pay for their medications privately and seek private assessments due to the lack of services. Some patients are taking out loans to cover the costs of their assessments as well as treatment. This is a waste of money that can create stress for the patient.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is through an extensive assessment and consultation with an expert psychiatrist. This assessment will take into account your family history as well as your current symptoms and the way you deal with the disorder. It will also include tests that are designed to assess your ADHD symptoms, such as standard tests for children, as well as modified for adults, such as the ADOS or Conners adult ADHD rating scales. The semi-structured interview will be followed by questionnaires and diaries. In some cases the psychiatrist might ask to see reports from the past.
Before scheduling an appointment, it's important to confirm that the doctor has experience with ADHD. Some psychiatrists only have experience treating children, and might not be able to assess adults suffering from the condition. It is also important to inquire with the psychiatrist about the medications they prescribe and if they have a special interest in this field.
If private adhd assessment schedule an appointment for a private ADHD assessment you will meet with a consultant psychiatrist and take a variety of psychological tests. These tests are similar to the ones that are used in the NHS, but can be tailored to suit adults with ADHD. They will be looking for the specific characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsiveness. It is helpful to prepare for your test by studying the various characteristics, so you can think of instances of how they affect you in your daily life.
You have the right to choose a mental health clinic in England depending on where you reside. This includes selecting a clinic that has quick wait times for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to make an appointment with your local NHS trust, try downloading the ADHD UK support letter and taking it to your GP.
We are based in Belfast
Our highly trained clinicians will spend time understanding your symptoms and the impact they can have on your everyday life. We will then go over the treatment options that are available. This may include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. We can also provide suggestions on a course of action, whether you choose to go private or return to NHS treatment. You will be seen by a highly qualified clinical psychologist, who has completed advanced training in ADHD and related mental health issues. They are committed to providing an exceptional level of treatment.
Patients are being offered powerful drugs and told that they suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) due to an online assessment that is not reliable according to a BBC investigation has revealed. The undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD by three private clinics through video calls, however a more detailed NHS evaluation showed that he did not suffer from the condition. The private clinics, which include Harley Psychiatrists and ADHD Direct are said to conduct comprehensive assessments and follow national guidelines. Panorama saw a letter from one of the clinics requesting a patient to remove negative online reviews.
The Northern Trust has reported an increase in adult referrals who believe they suffer from ADHD. The time to receive diagnosis could take years. According to a response from a trust assembly it could take "several" years to get a patient's first assessment. Many people are turning to private clinics in the interim to get a diagnosis.
A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on the daily life of a person. It can cause problems in the workplace, at school or at home and lead to feelings like anxiety and depression. It can also make it difficult to maintain relationships. It can be a challenge for those with ADHD to find a job or to find housing.
Many adults with ADHD aren't aware that they suffer from it, and some are being referred to psychiatrists due to the fact that their children have been diagnosed with it. Parents are required to be aware of the symptoms and seek advice from a healthcare professional. Certain adults suffering from ADHD may be eligible for Disabled Student Allowance. However, they must first have medical diagnosis from a GP.
We offer a variety treatments
Adult ADHD is a disorder that is getting more common and many adults suffer from it, without ever being diagnosed. This can have a negative impact on their relationships, jobs and careers. It can also lead to health problems such as anxiety and depression. Adults suffering from ADHD require a diagnosis in order to receive the treatment they need. There are a variety of treatment options available for people suffering from ADHD. These include medications and psychological therapy.
The BBC Panorama investigation of the past few days has revealed that ADHD services are not being provided in a timely manner. The BBC Panorama investigation discovered that a journalist had been misdiagnosed and that NHS assessments are not always thorough. This led to the journalist not receiving help for his ADHD symptoms that could have had a negative impact on his career and studies.
The NHS is struggling to cope with the demand for ADHD services however the quality of assessment and service is inconsistent across different regions. In certain areas adults are waiting for years to be assessed for ADHD. In England, the NHS recently launched a 'Right to Choose" process that allows patients to choose their mental health professional and to visit a psychiatrist with ADHD expertise. This is a faster route to the ADHD diagnosis and could save people time and frustration.
In Northern Ireland, several health boards and NHS Trusts have admitted that they have a difficult time providing ADHD services to adults. A Freedom of Information request by ADHD UK to the NI health and social care trusts revealed that adults were waiting for more than 4 years to see an expert. This is a significant amount of time in comparison to the average waiting time of two years or less in Wales, three and a half years in England, and more than one year in Scotland.
If you're referred to a private facility for an ADHD assessment they can tell you if you're meeting the criteria needed to be diagnosed with ADHD or if your issues are more easily explained by another condition. They may also suggest treatments. If they decide not to provide you with the diagnosis of ADHD they will provide a reason the reason. They should also provide you with an official copy of the report, which could be delivered to your GP.
We are committed to providing exceptional service
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, however it can be diagnosed in a straightforward way. A thorough assessment will include a discussion of symptoms and a review of the patient's mental history, and information provided by those who know the patient. Without a thorough assessment it's impossible to safely prescribe medication. This is why it's important to find a private doctor that offers a top-quality service.
A charity said that many adults who suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD must pay for private assessments because of a lack of NHS resources. BBC News NI reported that the Northern Trust is unable accept new referrals to adult ADHD assessments due to the increase in demand. The trust has committed to launching a local service to assist those who have been referred in April.
The process will include a thorough review of the patient's past and current difficulties and an interview with them and their family members. It will also inquire about the patient's behaviour and activities. The psychiatrist will conduct an DIVA semi-structured interview, and will also look at school reports, to assess whether the symptoms fit the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
The service will then send an written report that will be sent to the GP. The report can be used to support an application for Disability Living Allowance or to prove ADHD to a student in order to apply for Disabled Students Allowance. The report will include treatment options. The patient will then be able to discuss the report with their GP to come up with the best treatment plan. The GP can then arrange for the medication to be prescribed by an expert.