How to Find a Private ADHD Assessment in Leicester
Lack of investment in NHS mental healthcare services has led to a demand that is outpacing the supply, leading to long waiting lists for ADHD assessment. This has led many to seek out private clinics that charge for poor assessments and inadequate follow-up care.
Some private providers follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, but others don't. It is essential to do your research prior to booking an appointment.
What is ADHD Assessment?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental issue which is characterised by persistent and impaired attention, hyperactivity and the ability to be impulsive. It is often diagnosed in the early years of childhood and continues to be prevalent throughout adulthood. Many people have symptoms throughout their lives. ADHD can affect the home, work, relationships and social interactions.
A specialist psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and determine if you are suffering from ADHD. The specialist psychiatrist will also take into consideration other conditions that may be causing the symptoms, like mental health issues or physical ailments.
NHS referrals to a specialist psychiatrist to assess ADHD can be arranged through your GP. However, patients must be aware of the right to choose law that allows them to self-refer for an assessment with a private psychiatric service when they are registered with an GP in England.
A thorough assessment of ADHD can be completed in two or more appointments. The psychiatrist will collect an extensive medical history and conduct an examination that is structured to assess the person's mental health.
The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their personal and family history, including any previous or present mental health difficulties. They may also interview family members, friends and colleagues to learn more about the patient's behavior in different situations (e.g. Church, school, and scout groups). In some cases the doctor might utilize prescreening questionnaires that can be completed prior to an appointment.
Additionally, the doctor will carry out objective tests to determine your impulsivity, attention and motor activity. This is an essential component of the diagnostic process and can be conducted in a clinic or by post. The doctor will then create a report for the patient, and it will be shared with their GP. The clinician will then go over the report with the patient and decide on the treatment plan. This could include behavioral therapy or medication. If the patient chooses to receive medication, they can go back to their GP for ongoing prescriptions. The GP will then be accountable for ensuring that the medication is properly administered and monitored, and should be aware of any side effects that require reporting.
Who should be considering 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 aspects of your life, including relationships, work and at home. It is possible to manage ADHD symptoms with medication and other treatments. If you think you may have ADHD, it is important to seek out help from a specialist doctor or nurse.
Your GP can refer you for an ADHD assessment however, psychiatrists are a medically qualified doctor who is specialized in mental health and will be able to provide you with the highest quality of care. The psychiatrist will look into your psychiatric history as well as examine any other issues that might be present addition to or instead of ADHD. The psychiatrist will make the diagnosis and suggest a treatment.
During the assessment the psychiatrist will ask numerous questions about your behavior and how it has affected you. The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family history, as well as past medical issues. It is important to be as honest as you can and provide the most complete picture of your circumstances.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you suffer from ADHD, they will suggest the treatment plan, which may include medication or other therapies. They will then prepare a report for your GP detailing their recommendations. Depending on your GP's policy, they may then offer you ongoing treatment through the NHS on the basis of a Shared Care Agreement.
Anecdotal reports from certain NHS governance bodies reveal the tension between the desire to cut down the length of waiting times for patients and the possibility of a higher cost for providing adequate treatment for ADHD (87). This could lead to children suffering from severe comorbidities due to unmanaged ADHD not receiving care or being denied care (88).
It can be hard to identify ADHD accurately due to the myriad of assumptions about what a person with ADHD might look like. This makes it difficult for some people to be diagnosed, especially when they are of colour, an assigned female gender or not a native English speaker.
How do you assess ADHD?
During the evaluation you will meet with an expert who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. This person will ask about your symptoms and your history with them. They will also search for other possible explanations for your symptoms. This is crucial as it could help prevent unnecessary treatment or other conditions being diagnosed. A thorough examination may take a few hours, but this will allow your specialist to make a precise diagnosis.
The evaluator may also use tests to assess your mental health. This may include questionnaires, interviews with a psychiatrist as well as brain scans. In some cases, the evaluator will recommend that you undergo more thorough tests done. These tests will confirm the diagnosis and help you choose the most effective treatment.
You will be asked if would like to discuss medication with your psychiatrist as part of your treatment. If you decide to discuss this, your psychiatrist will ask for the prescription from your GP. Your GP will be accountable for ensuring that your treatment is being monitored and any changes made as needed.
It is important to note that some patients seeking private assessments do so to bypass any gaps or blocks in NHS services (see Figure 1). Consensus participants noted problems with some private healthcare providers taking advantage of the desperate state of those who are waiting for a prompt response from their NHS service. In addition certain private ADHD diagnostic reports fail to sufficiently demonstrate that the guidelines for clinical care were adhered to, which could be a problem for patients who want to return to NHS care.
In certain cases, an ADHD diagnosis will reveal other health issues, including anxiety or depression. Your psychiatrist will talk to you the other health issues and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication, lifestyle adjustments 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, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and CHADD can provide the names of professionals who specialize in treating ADHD. You can also request a referral from your GP.
What is the cost for an ADHD Assessment?
The cost of an ADHD assessment varies depending on who is conducting the assessment, whether neuropsychological testing is included as well as any other tests that could be ordered. The most common way to pay for an ADHD assessment is through insurance coverage. There are several methods to determine whether you are eligible for insurance coverage. Contact the company prior to making any appointments or ordering any tests. The insurance company may provide you with a list of providers who accept the specific insurance coverage you are entitled to.
For individuals who are unable to access NHS services private healthcare providers are often the only option for an ADHD assessment and diagnosis. Private healthcare organisations provide assessments quicker than the NHS. Prices vary, but they are usually cheaper. They can also provide comprehensive ADHD diagnostic reports.
Unfortunately, a large portion of people seeking assistance for ADHD in the UK are unable to get an 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 run up to five years. This is largely due to an insufficient funding and the reluctance of certain services to increase their budgets to meet the demand.
Some people who are unable wait for an NHS diagnosis turn to internet-based self-referral websites where they can pay a one-off fee and receive a diagnosis within minutes. These websites should be utilized with caution. They are not always regulated and may not adhere to the best practices in clinical practice. The quality of the online services is also in question. private adhd assessments might not provide the right medication or counselling to those who have been diagnosed with.
There is a growing fear that people are being 'over diagnosed with ADHD, it is clear that many people suffering from the condition aren't receiving the proper treatment and support from the NHS. There is a need to invest more in mental healthcare services and better coordination of services funded by the state to ensure that people who have ADHD are appropriately referred to.