Why Private ADHD Assessment Belfast Is The Right Choice For You

ADHD Assessment - Why it's Important to Find a Private Clinic
The GP can refer patients for private ADHD assessment services if they suspect they may have the condition. This process can be frustrating and time-consuming. It is essential to select an experienced psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD.
NHS guidelines in England, Wales and Northern Ireland provide a right to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Some patients aren't getting the care they need.
We accept referrals from GPs
ADHD can be a difficult condition to manage. Being diagnosed will aid in managing the symptoms. However, many adults with ADHD struggle to obtain a diagnosis or treatment from the NHS. Many are forced pay for their medication privately and seek private assessments due to the deficiency of services. Some are even using loans to cover their assessments and treatments. This is an unnecessary expenditure that can cause stress to the patient.
The most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is to speak with an experienced psychiatrist with years of experience in the field. This assessment will take into consideration your family history as well as your current symptoms, and how you personally struggle with the disorder. The tests will consist of standard tests for children and adult versions, like ADOS or Conners adult ADHD ratings scales. The semi-structured interview will be followed by diaries and questionnaires. In certain cases the psychiatrist might request to see reports from the past.
Before booking an appointment, it is crucial to confirm that the doctor has experience with ADHD. Some psychiatrists only have 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 field.
If you decide to book a private ADHD assessment you will consult with a psychiatrist consultant and take a variety of psychological tests. These tests are similar to the tests used by the NHS however they can be modified to meet the needs of adults with ADHD. They will be looking for specific characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness. You can prepare for your assessment by researching the different characteristics to understand how they affect you.
You are entitled to choose the mental health provider in England according to where you reside. You can select one with a minimal waiting time for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to make an appointment with your local NHS trust, you can download the ADHD UK support letter and taking it to your GP.
We are based in Belfast
Our highly skilled doctors take the time to fully comprehend your symptoms and the effects on your daily life. We will then discuss the treatment options available. This could include cognitive behavioural therapy or medication. We can also provide advice on an aftercare plan, whether you opt for private care or return to NHS care. You will be treated by a highly qualified clinical psychologist, who has undergone advanced training in ADHD and related mental health issues. They are committed to providing a high-quality level of care.
Patients are being offered powerful medications and told they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) due to unreliable online assessments an BBC investigation has revealed. Three private clinics identified the undercover reporter via video call, but a detailed NHS assessment revealed that he did not have ADHD. Private clinics like Harley Psychiatrists or ADHD Direct claim to provide thorough assessments in accordance with the national guidelines. One clinic sent a letter to a patient, seen by Panorama asking her to remove any negative reviews online.
The Northern Trust has reported an increase in adult referrals who believe they have ADHD. The time it takes to get an assessment could last for years. According to a trust assembly response it could take "several" years to get an initial assessment of a patient. Many patients are going to private clinics to determine the diagnosis.
An ADHD diagnosis can have a significant impact on a person's life. It can cause issues at school, work, or at home and cause anxiety and depression. It can also make maintaining a relationship difficult. Additionally, it may be difficult for those with ADHD to find a job or to find accommodation.
Many adults with ADHD are unaware of the disorder. Some are referred to psychiatrists after their children were diagnosed. Parents are required to recognize the signs and seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Certain adults with ADHD can be entitled to Disabled Student Allowance, however they must be diagnosed with a medical condition from a GP before they can apply for this.
We offer a variety treatments
Adult ADHD is a condition that is becoming more prevalent and many adults live with it without ever being diagnosed. This can adversely affect their relationships, careers, and even their job. It could also cause mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Adults suffering from ADHD require a diagnosis in order to receive the treatment they require. There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD. They include medication and psychotherapy.
However, the quality of ADHD services is not adequate and this was highlighted by the recent BBC Panorama investigation. The programme found that a journalist was misdiagnosed by private clinics as well as that NHS assessments were often not thorough enough. The journalist missed out on receiving support for his ADHD symptoms. This could have affected his career and studies.
The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand for ADHD services, but the quality of assessment and the service is inconsistent across different regions. In some areas adults are waiting for years to be assessed for ADHD. In England the NHS recently launched a 'Right to Choose" pathway that allows people to select their mental health professional and to see a psychiatrist with ADHD expertise. This is a much faster route to an ADHD diagnosis and could help people avoid frustration and time.
In Northern Ireland, several health boards and NHS Trusts have admitted that they have a difficult time providing ADHD services for adults. A Freedom of Information request by ADHD UK to the NI health and social care trusts revealed that people were waiting for more than 4 years to see a specialist. This is considerably higher than the standard of just over two years in Wales, three-and-a-half years in England and more than a year in Scotland.
If you are referred to an individual clinic for an ADHD assessment, they will be able tell you if you are eligible for an assessment of ADHD or if another condition is more likely to explain your issues. They may also suggest treatments. If they do not provide you with a diagnosis of ADHD they will explain the reason. They should provide you with a copy, which can be forwarded to your GP.
We are committed to providing exceptional customer service
ADHD is a multi-faceted neurodevelopmental disorder that can be diagnosed in a precise manner. A comprehensive assessment will include a discussion of symptoms and a review of the patient's mental history, and information given by people who know the patient. Without go source to safely prescribe medication. It is important to choose a private clinic that provides excellent service.
A charity stated that many adults who believe they have undiagnosed ADHD are required to pay for private tests due to a shortage of NHS resources. BBC News NI reported that the Northern Trust is unable accept new referrals to adult ADHD assessments because of the increasing demand. The trust has pledged to creating a local service in order to engage those who have been assessed in April.
The procedure will consist of an extensive assessment of the patient's past and current problems, as well as an interview with them as well as their families. The service will also ask questions 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 meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
The service will provide a written diagnosis which will be sent to your GP. The report can be used to support an application for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or to prove that a student has ADHD to qualify for Disabled Students' Allowance. The report will also include recommendations for treatment options. The patient can then discuss these with their GP and choose the best treatment plan. The GP will then arrange for an expert to prescribe the medication.