ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Find a Private Clinic
If they suspect someone may be suffering from ADHD they can refer them to private ADHD testing services. However this procedure can be lengthy and frustrating. It is important to locate a psychiatrist with experience treating ADHD.
The NHS guidelines for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland guarantee adults with ADHD the right to diagnosis and treatment. However, some patients don't receive the help they need.
We accept referrals from GPs
ADHD can be a difficult condition to live with, and getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial to addressing the symptoms. However, many people with ADHD have difficulty to obtain a diagnosis or treatment from the NHS. Many are forced to pay for their medication privately and seek private assessments due to the absence of services. Some people are taking out loans to cover the costs of their assessments and treatment. This is an enormous waste of cash and can cause a lot of anxiety for patients.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is through an extensive assessment and consultation with a specialist psychiatrist. This assessment will take into consideration your family history as well as your current symptoms and the way you deal with the disorder. The tests will consist of standard tests for adults and children versions, like ADOS or Conners adult ADHD ratings scales. The semi-structured interview will be followed by diaries and questionnaires. In certain cases psychiatrists may request old school reports.
Before making an appointment, it is important to confirm that the specialist has experience in ADHD. Some psychiatrists have only experience treating children and might not be able to evaluate adults suffering from the condition. It is also important to inquire with the psychiatrist about the medication they prescribe and whether they have a particular interest in this area.
When you book a private ADHD assessment, you can expect to consult with a psychiatrist consultant and complete a range of psychological tests. These tests are similar in nature to those used by the NHS but are able to be customized for adults with ADHD. They will focus on the specific symptoms (traits) of ADHD such as hyperactivity as well as lack of attention and impulsivity. It is beneficial to prepare for your test by reading up on the different traits, so you can think of examples of how they affect you in your daily life.
Depending on where you reside in England You have a legal right to choose your mental health provider. This includes choosing a clinic that has quick wait times for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable make an appointment with your local NHS trust try downloading the ADHD UK Support Letter and presenting it to a GP.
We are located in Belfast
Our highly skilled clinicians take the time to understand your symptoms and their effects on your daily life. We will then go over the treatment options that are available. This could include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. We will also offer suggestions on a course of action, if you decide to seek private or return to NHS treatment. You will be treated by a psychologist who is fully trained and has advanced training in ADHD and other mental health issues. They are dedicated to providing a high-quality level of care.
A BBC investigation found that patients are being prescribed powerful drugs and told to have ADHD due to inaccurate online assessments. Three private clinics identified the undercover reporter through a video call, but an extensive NHS assessment showed that he didn't have ADHD. Private clinics such as Harley Psychiatrists or ADHD Direct claim to conduct comprehensive assessments that are in line with the guidelines of the national government. Panorama saw an email from one the clinics requesting a patient to delete negative online reviews.
The Northern Trust has reported an increase in adult referrals who believe they suffer from ADHD. However, the wait for a diagnosis could be years. According to a trust assembly response it could take "several" years for an initial assessment of a patient. Many people are seeking private clinics in the interim to get a diagnosis.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a major influence on the daily life of an individual. It can cause issues in the work place, at school or at home, and cause feelings like anxiety and depression. It can also make it difficult to maintain a relationship. Additionally, it may be hard for people with ADHD to find work or to find an accommodation.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not know that they are suffering from it, and some are being referred to psychiatrists because their children have been diagnosed with it. It is important for parents to recognise the signs and seek advice from a healthcare professional. Some adults with ADHD are eligible for Disabled Students Allowance. However, they must be diagnosed with a medical condition from a GP before they can apply for this.
We offer a range of treatments
Adult ADHD has become an increasingly common condition and many adults live with it but are not diagnosed. This can negatively impact their careers, relationships, and even their job. It can also lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Adults suffering from ADHD need to be diagnosed in order to receive the treatment they need. There are a variety of treatment options available for people suffering from ADHD. These include medication and psychotherapy.
private adhd assessment near me has revealed that ADHD services are not being provided well. The BBC Panorama investigation found that a journalist was incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD and that NHS assessments aren't always thorough. This led to the journalist missing out on support for his ADHD symptoms which could have had an impact on his studies and career prospects.
The NHS is struggling with the rising demand for ADHD services. However, the quality of assessment and services varies from region to region. In some areas adults wait years to be assessed for ADHD. The NHS has recently introduced the 'Right to Choose option in England which gives patients the option of choosing their mental healthcare team and be referred to psychiatrists who specialize in ADHD. This is a much faster way to get getting an ADHD diagnosis and can help people avoid frustration and time.
In Northern Ireland, several health boards and NHS Trusts have stated that they have a difficult time providing ADHD services for adults. ADHD UK sent a Freedom of Information request to the NI Health and Social Care Trusts. The request revealed that adults had been waiting for more than four years before seeing an expert. This is a significant amount of time compared to the average waiting time of two years or less in Wales, three and one-half years in England and more than a year in Scotland.
If you're referred to an individual clinic to conduct an ADHD assessment they will be able tell whether you meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD or if another disorder could be the reason for your problems. They can suggest treatment options. If they do not give you a diagnosis of ADHD they will explain why. They should give you an original copy, which could be forwarded to your GP.
We are committed to providing exceptional service
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, but there are clear ways to diagnose it. A comprehensive assessment will include a discussion of the symptoms and a review of the patient's mental history, as well as information provided by those who know the patient. Without a thorough evaluation, it is not possible to safely prescribe medication. This is why it's important to locate a private clinic which can provide a high-quality service.

A charity stated that many adults who believe they have undiagnosed ADHD are required to pay for private assessments due to a shortage of NHS resources. The Northern Trust told BBC News NI that demand has increased so much that it is not able to take new referrals for adult ADHD tests. The trust has said it will start a local service in April to meet with those who were previously referred.
The service will include a thorough evaluation of the patient's past and current issues, as well as an interview with both them and their families. It will also inquire regarding the patient's behavior and activities. The psychiatrist will use the DIVA semistructured interview, and school reports to determine if the symptoms are in line with an ADHD diagnosis.
The service will provide a written diagnosis which will be sent to your GP. The report can be used to aid an application for Disability Living Allowance or to prove ADHD to a student in order to apply for Disabled Students Allowance. The report will also provide recommendations for treatment options. The patient will then be able to discuss these recommendations with their GP and then decide on the treatment plan. The GP will then make arrangements for an expert to prescribe the medication.