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ADHD Diagnosis – Why Some Private Clinics May Be Exploiting Vulnerable People A recent BBC Panorama investigation has found that certain private ADHD clinics could be exploiting vulnerable individuals. Some patients are given a diagnosis before they have been assessed or their mental health history is considered. GPs are able to relay your symptoms and ask about family history, but they are not able to provide a complete ADHD diagnosis. A private psychiatric evaluation will help you get the diagnosis you need to get started on treatment. Waiting times The NHS is a great source for diagnosing ADHD. However waiting times can be long. It's not unusual to hear of patients waiting up to two years for an NHS assessment. Some people choose to pay for a privately-run assessment, which is more expensive but is often quicker. However an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation has raised concerns that private clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses and prescribing powerful drugs without considering the risks. Panorama's investigation was conducted by an undercover journalist who went to three private ADHD assessment clinics. Each one of them diagnosed him with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs to be used long-term. The report also pointed out the lack of accurate mental health assessments as well as a failure to consider other conditions that can be confused with ADHD. A good clinical interview with an ADHD specialist can last for up to two hours, which allows the doctor time to examine the causes of your symptoms, even those you may not be aware of. It is important that the professional understand the causes of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The specialist will provide you with diagnosis and go over treatment options including medication. If you're unsure if your GP will allow you to use Right to Choose, you can consult your GP about the NHS waiting lists for adult ADHD evaluations. You should also make sure you have a copy of this NHS document to show them, which explains how the policy operates. Many local Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) are exploring new ways to reduce ADHD wait time, including using Right to Choose. However, this method can be a bit complicated, and many GPs haven't become familiar with the procedure. If you're considering using this method it's a good idea download and print this support letter from ADHD UK. This will aid you in explaining to your GP the reasons you believe you should be referred to an ADHD assessment. Options for taking medication You might be wondering how your child will manage the symptoms if diagnosed with ADHD. There are many possibilities for treatment which include medication as well as other therapies. If you are concerned about the adverse effects of medicines discuss it with your counselor. They may suggest safer alternatives. Parents who do not want to sit in long lines at the NHS can choose to have a private examination. The process is fast and easy. Your doctor will also take into account your medical background. Physical examinations are also carried out to rule out conditions that might have similar symptoms similar to ADHD such as sleeping disorders or learning disabilities. While a GP who is a private practitioner will not be able prescribe controlled substances, they may recommend an ADHD assessment by a specialist psychiatrist or a nurse who is trained to treat the condition. If they think that your child is suffering from ADHD, they will conduct an array of tests and interviews to determine whether or not the condition affects their daily lives. They will then draft a report with the diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Undiagnosed ADHD in children and teens can cause significant problems at school, home and at work. private adhd assessment uk tailored treatment plan and an ADHD diagnosis can make a big difference. A personal ADHD assessment by Diverse Diagnostics will help you find answers and give your family the care they deserve. If you have a medical insurance policy that covers medical insurance, you could be able to pay for an online private ADHD assessment. Make sure the website you choose to use is managed by a GMC-registered consultant psychiatrist, and follows NICE guidelines for adult ADHD assessment. These guidelines require a health professional to be qualified to assess adult ADHD sufferers and follow the guidelines of practice. It is essential to be aware of the rules for private providers if you decide to use them. In general private psychiatrists is only able to provide a prescription for the first time through Shared Care with your GP It is worth checking the policies on their website prior to making an appointment. Making an answer to a question If you're located in England, and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment You are entitled to choose where to go. This is known as “Right to Choose” and is a great way to get an assessment quicker than waiting for the NHS. Private clinics provide a faster service and often will give you the medication you need immediately if you ask for it. During an online adhd personal assessment, the clinician will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll also ask you about your family history and any other mental health issues. This will help them to determine if you have ADHD and if medication would be suitable. They'll then suggest the best treatment plan and go over the options that are available to you. It is important to know that only healthcare professionals who are experienced and trained in this field are able to diagnose ADHD. This includes GPs and Consultant psychiatrists. If you're a student, you might be able to obtain an ADHD assessment from your school – however, they're not able to prescribe medication for you unless they have an agreement of shared care with your GP. The doctor will explain why you do not meet the requirements. It could be because they think you're not suffering enough or that a different issue is causing your symptoms more. However, you don't need to accept the result and you can still consult an alternative opinion. A thorough evaluation can take several hours. It will include interviews, questionnaires, you and your caregivers as well as tests of neuropsychological and psychological nature. Other tests may be suggested depending on your personal preferences. This could include blood testing, genetic testing or brain imaging. Adults may have difficulty to get an ADHD diagnosis, particularly in cases where it is not recognized as a disability. A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your daily living and assist you to manage your issues. You can also access support, such as reasonable adjustment and Disabled Student's Allowance. Treatment options It can be difficult to cope with daily life when you suffer from ADHD. It can cause issues at school, at home as well as at work. There are a variety of treatment options to help manage your symptoms. These treatments can enhance your relationships and your quality of life. These treatments may include medication management and therapy. Telehealth is a service that lets you access some of these services from the comfort of home. A lot of these services accept insurance, so you can get the help you need at a price you can afford. If your GP can't recommend an assessment or has the time to do so, you may go to a private hospital or wellbeing centre for an appointment with an accredited ADHD consultant. These experts are GMC-registered psychiatrists who have experience diagnosing ADHD. You and a family member or close friend will be asked to evaluate certain behaviours in various social situations. They can also conduct neuropsychological tests to determine the functioning of your brain. They will also look at your medical records and history. It is important to know that only psychiatrists are able to diagnose ADHD among adults. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are not able to make this diagnosis. They can however prescribe ADHD medications. Some psychiatrists will require a GP referral letter prior to providing an assessment, however some do not. This is why it is crucial to inquire with your chosen provider to find out whether you require one or not. BBC Panorama recently exposed a issue with the NHS's treatment for ADHD. Some patients were forced to wait for up to three years to get a diagnosis and then pay for private consultations. This is a major problem and even though the NHS claims that its waiting times for patients with ADHD are reasonable however, the system is failing a lot of patients. Despite the lengthy wait for an NHS diagnosis there are a variety of online companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. These services are usually faster and more convenient than visiting a doctor. For instance, LifeStance offers a variety of treatments that include Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can help you focus on the present moment and alter ineffective behavior. If needed, they can prescribe stimulants. They also have a vast network of doctors across the nation.