The lack of investment in NHS mental health services has led to the demand for services that is far greater than the supply, leading to long wait lists for ADHD assessment. This has caused people to seek out private clinics, which charge poor assessments and poor follow-up care.
Some private providers adhere to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's guidelines however, others don't. Be sure to research prior to making an appointment.
What is an ADHD Assessment?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is marked by impulsivity, hyperactivity and a constant lack of attention. It is often diagnosed in early childhood and can persist until adulthood. Many people have symptoms throughout their lives. ADHD can affect your the home, work, relationships and social life.
A visit to a specialist psychiatrist can help determine if you suffer from ADHD and identify the best treatment option for your symptoms. private adhd assessment for adults will take into consideration any other conditions that may be the cause of your symptoms, such as mental health problems or physical illness.
Your GP can refer you to an expert psychiatrist who will examine your ADHD. Patients must be aware of the 'right-to-choose' legislation allows them to self refer for an assessment at a private psychiatric facility provided they have a registered physician in England.
The complete assessment of ADHD is completed over one or two appointments. The psychiatrist will assess the mental health of the patient and take an extensive medical record.
The doctor will also ask the patient about their personal and family history, including any past or present mental health difficulties. They will also speak with other members of the patient's family, and friends and colleagues who can provide information about how the patient behaves in different environments (e.g. church, school and scout group. In some instances, the doctor may use screening questionnaires that are completed in advance of the appointment.
In addition, the clinician will conduct tests objectively to assess your attention, impulsivity and motor activity. This is an essential element of diagnosing the condition and can be conducted in the clinic or post. The clinician will then create an account for the patient, and it will be sent to their GP. The clinician will discuss the report with the patient and decide on the treatment plan, which can include medication or behavioural therapy. If the patient wishes to be prescribed medication, they is able to return to his her GP for prescriptions that are ongoing. The GP will then be responsible for ensuring the medication is correctly managed and monitored, and will be aware of any adverse effects that may need to be reported.
Who should consider an ADHD Assessment?
ADHD is a mental health condition which can affect 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, however, possible to treat the symptoms of ADHD by taking medications and other treatments. If you suspect you may have ADHD it is important to seek the assistance of an expert physician or nurse.
Your doctor may recommend an ADHD assessment however a psychiatrist is a medically qualified doctor who specialises in mental health and is capable of providing you with the best treatment. The psychiatrist will take an exhaustive psychiatric history, and will also look into any other illnesses that may be present in conjunction with or as a result of the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will then provide an accurate diagnosis of your disorder and suggest a treatment plan.
During the examination, the psychiatrist will ask you lots of questions regarding your behavior and how it has affected your life. They will also ask about your family history, as well as any past medical issues. It is important to give as much detail as you can.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you have ADHD they will recommend a treatment plan which may include medication or other therapies. The psychiatrist will then send a detailed report to your GP detailing their recommendations. Based on the policy of your GP they might recommend continued medication through the NHS under a Shared Care Agreement.
Anecdotal reports from some NHS governing bodies show the tension between the desire to reduce the length of waiting times for patients and the cost associated with providing the right treatment for ADHD (87). This could result in adolescents suffering from severe comorbidities due to untreated ADHD not receiving care or being denied care (88).
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD because there are a variety of preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can make it harder for certain people to be diagnosed, particularly those who are of color, assigned gender, or are not an native English speaker.
How is an ADHD Assessment carried out?
During the test, you will meet with a specialist who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This person will ask about your symptoms as well as your experiences with them. They will also look for other possible explanations of your symptoms. This is important, as it can avoid unnecessary treatment or other medical conditions from being diagnosed. A thorough examination may take a few hours, but this will allow your specialist to establish a precise diagnosis.
The evaluator will also use tests to assess your mental health. This could include questionnaires, clinical interviews and brain scans. In certain instances the evaluator might suggest that you have more extensive testing performed. These additional tests will aid in confirming the diagnosis and find the most effective treatment for you.
Then, you will be asked if you'd like to discuss medications as part of your treatment. If you choose to do this, your psychiatrist will ask for a prescription from your GP. Your GP will then be accountable for ensuring that your treatment is monitored and any changes made as needed.
It is important to recognize that some patients seek private assessments in order circumvent gaps or obstructions in NHS services (see figure 1). Participants to the consensus noted that some private healthcare providers profit of patients who are in desperate need of answers from their NHS services. Additionally certain private ADHD diagnostic reports do not sufficiently demonstrate that the guidelines for clinical care have been adhered to, which could be problematic for patients wishing to return to NHS care.
In certain cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be a sign of other health issues such as anxiety or depression. Your psychiatrist will discuss these health issues with you and recommend treatment if needed.
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication, lifestyle modifications, and therapy. Psychiatrists, psychologists or social professionals are typically the ones who prescribe medication. Check your insurance policy to determine if it covers these services.
Support groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and CHADD can provide you with names of professionals who specialize in treating ADHD. You can also request an appointment with 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, and any other tests that might be ordered. Insurance coverage is the most common method to pay for an ADHD evaluation. You can find out whether your insurance covers the cost of an ADHD assessment in a variety of ways. Contact the company prior to making any appointments or ordering any tests. The insurance company can also provide you with an inventory of the providers who will accept the insurance coverage that you are entitled to.
Private healthcare providers are often the only option for those who cannot access NHS services. They can provide an ADHD diagnosis and assessment. They vary in cost but are generally able to provide assessments at a faster rate than the NHS. They are also able to provide comprehensive ADHD diagnostic reports.
A significant number of people seeking help in the UK for ADHD are unable to receive the diagnosis or treatment they need through the NHS due to long wait times. BBC News FOI requests revealed that NHS Trusts in the United Kingdom have adult ADHD waiting lists that could be as long as five years. This is largely due to an insufficient funding and the reluctance of some services to increase their budgets in order to satisfy demand.
Self-referral websites available on the internet are a hit with people who cannot wait to get an answer from the NHS. They can pay a small fee and receive an accurate diagnosis in minutes. However these websites should be treated with caution. They aren't always monitored, and they might not adhere to the guidelines of good clinical practice. The quality of the online services is also in question. They may not be able to provide the right medication or counselling for patients who have been diagnosed with.
There is a growing concern that people are being "over diagnosed' with ADHD however, it is evident that many people suffering from the condition are not receiving the proper assistance and care from the NHS. There is a need for more investment in mental health services and better coordination between state-funded services to ensure that adults with ADHD are appropriately referred to.
