How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
This week, the BBC's Panorama program looked into how private clinics diagnose adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed some alarming incidents. But private adhd assessment adults of people who are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The NHS has long waiting times for adult ADHD assessment. Many prefer to pay for an assessment by a private company.
Symptoms
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD A private ADHD assessment will help you find the answers you require. ADHD symptoms are often confused with other disorders, and a correct diagnosis is vital to your overall health.
Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the main symptoms of ADHD. These signs can cause difficulties at school, at working and at home. The symptoms can affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you determine if you're ADHD and offer the treatment you require to lead a fulfilling life.
It is important that you locate a private ADHD assessor who will spend the time to evaluate you individually. This is not a quick process, and the specialist is expected to devote up to three hours during your assessment session. During the examination, your doctor will have you discuss how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily functioning. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history as well as any other mental health issues that you might have. They might also contact your school or employer to gain a better understanding of your situation.
It is essential that the healthcare professional conducting your private ADHD evaluation is a qualified, experienced psychiatrist. This will ensure you receive the highest level of care. Private healthcare providers are bound by the same rules as NHS healthcare professionals, and must adhere to best practice guidelines issued by NICE.
Additionally, it's beneficial to bring any additional documents you've got at the time you take part in the test. This could include medical records and psychological reports, letters from your GP or questionnaires you have completed. This information is needed by your doctor to evaluate your symptoms and determine the most effective course of treatment.
It is also important to be aware that a few medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. This is particularly relevant for people who are of colour, gender assigned at birth, or who are not native English people.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex condition that can affect every aspect of a person's life. It can impact the ability to concentrate, impulsivity, as well as working memory. A private assessment for adhd can provide a diagnosis that allows a person to control their symptoms and improve their life. An accurate diagnosis can help people find the right treatment to ease symptoms, decrease anxiety and improve their quality of life.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a process that involves a thorough examination, medical history and questionnaires. GPs can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to be attentive to your concerns. They will refer you to an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales will be used to assess the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is essential that the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation has the abilities, knowledge and experience to recognize ADHD. The best option is to consult a Psychiatrist or an ADHD specialist nurse. However, healthcare professionals based in NHS clinics can also be taken into consideration as they are licensed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
Unfortunately, some people don't receive the diagnosis they require or deserve because of the stigma surrounding mental health and ADHD. This is due to the fact that a GP may be reluctant to refer them or due to an unfounded notion of what it is like to have ADHD. It is also difficult for adults to get an assessment because they may not exhibit the typical symptoms of ADHD.
If you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from symptoms of ADHD It is worth arranging for an assessment by a reputable private practice like Diverse Diagnostics. They offer online assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental issues and can provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk with your GP and describe the difficulties you are having at work, at home or in social situations. They should consider you a serious case and recommend you to an ADHD specialist in one of the Priory Hospitals or Wellbeing Centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD vary from one person to another however, they can involve medication or different types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The type of treatment suggested will depend on the severity and symptoms. It is also important to consider whether you have other mental health issues that could affect your symptoms.
Private clinics might be not correctly diagnosing ADHD. This was exposed in an Panorama investigation that saw an undercover journalist make appointments online with three private clinics and receive powerful drugs after unreliable assessments via virtual. The undercover reporter answered questions about his symptoms truthfully and did not disclose to the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is essential to have your assessment conducted by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs as well as other healthcare professionals who have specific knowledge, skills of experience, and training in ADHD. It is not enough to have a licence to practice, or to be listed on the NHS register, to be regarded as a specialist in ADHD.
During the ADHD assessment process your doctor will go about how you feel and the symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor will also inquire with you about any mental health concerns and your family history. You should provide the best possible answers to these questions because they are essential in determining whether you suffer from ADHD.
Once your assessment is complete, your clinician will talk to you about the next steps. This could involve a decision about whether to prescribe medication and an action plan for your future care and following up. You may then decide to continue to receive treatment as private patient or go back to the NHS (known as shared care) if you wish to do so.
It is worth bearing in mind that when you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be difficult to get the medication you require on the NHS due to long waiting lists. The "Right to choose" scheme allows adults in England to get treatment and diagnosis on their own. This is a good option when you are unable to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can aid a child or teen understand and accept their diagnosis and make positive lifestyle adjustments to improve their quality of life. Adults who have suffered from ADHD symptoms for many years and have been affecting their relationships or work can also benefit from a specialist ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is a multidisciplinary team that includes Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists based in the UK with extensive experience in assessing adults and children who suffer from ADHD. They offer a comprehensive ADHD evaluation that includes diagnosis and treatment recommendations in line with NICE Guidelines. The cost can be paid in either three or five installments at PS195 (excluding the medication recommended by clinicians). Some private assessments require an GP referral letter, whereas others do not. Make sure to inquire with the provider to see what their policy is.