How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
This week, BBC's Panorama program looked into how private clinics diagnose adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed alarming cases. It also highlights the plight for people who are caught between a rock ad a hard place.
The waiting times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are lengthy. Many choose to pay for a privately conducted assessment.
Signs and symptoms
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD If you or your child is suffering from symptoms of ADHD, a private ADHD assessment can provide the answers you require. ADHD symptoms are often mistaken for other disorders, so a correct diagnosis is vital to your wellbeing.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These signs can cause problems in school, work and at home. The symptoms can affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you identify whether you suffer from ADHD and provide the treatment you require to live your best life.
If you are looking to obtain an individual ADHD assessment, it is essential to choose a specialist who will be able to evaluate your individual needs. The specialist should be ready for a three-hour assessment session. The specialist will ask you how your ADHD symptoms affect your daily functioning. The specialist will also inquire about your family history and other mental health issues you may have. They might also contact your employer or school to gain an understanding of your situation.
It is important that the healthcare professional conducting your personal ADHD evaluation is a trained experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the top possible treatment. private adhd assessment adults apply to private healthcare providers as they do to NHS healthcare professionals. They must also adhere to the guidelines for best practice published in NICE.
It is also helpful to bring any supporting documentation with you to the assessment. This could include psychological and medical records or letters from your GP, questionnaires that you have completed or the results of the ADHD test. This information is needed by your doctor to evaluate your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan.
You should also be aware that a few medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to determine a proper diagnosis. This is especially the case for people of color, who were not assigned a gender at birth, or who don't speak English natively.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition that can affect every aspect of a person's life. It affects how our brains function, which could impact concentration, impulsivity and working memory. A private assessment of adhd can help identify the cause and allow a person to take control of their symptoms and live better lives. Finding a reliable diagnosis can help them discover a form of treatment which will ease symptoms, reduce anxiety and improve their quality of life.
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 must consider your concerns seriously. They will send you to an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales are used to assess the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is important that the healthcare professional carrying out your assessment is skilled, knowledgeable and experience to diagnose ADHD. A Psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse is ideal, but healthcare professionals who are based in an NHS clinic may be suitable since they are subject to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
However, some people don't receive the diagnosis they require or deserve because of the stigma surrounding mental health and ADHD. This could be due to the fact that an GP may be unwilling to refer them, or due to a preconceived idea about what it is like to have ADHD. It can also be difficult for adults to obtain a diagnosis since they may not exhibit the typical symptoms of ADHD.
If you suspect that you or your child may have symptoms of ADHD It is worth making an appointment to have an assessment by a reputable private practice such as Diverse Diagnostics. They provide online assessments to diagnose a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders and can also offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to speak with your GP and describe the difficulties you're having at work, home or in social situations. They should be able to take you seriously and refer you to an ADHD specialist in one of the Priory Hospitals or Wellbeing Centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD can vary depending on the individual. They could include medication or other types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy suggested will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing and the severity. It is also important to determine if you suffer from any other mental health problems that could affect your symptoms, and to take these into account when deciding on the best method of treatment.
There are concerns that some private clinics are not correctly diagnosing patients with ADHD. This was exposed in an Panorama investigation that saw an undercover reporter schedule appointments online at three different private clinics, and then receive powerful drugs following unreliable assessments via virtual. The undercover reporter was able to answer questions about his symptoms truthfully however, he did not inform the clinics that he was journalist.
It is vital that you get your test conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have particular skills as well as experience and knowledge in ADHD. It is not enough to have a licence to practice, or to be on the NHS register, to be considered a specialist in ADHD.
During the ADHD assessment, your doctor will talk about how you're feeling and what symptoms you are experiencing. They will also ask about your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you might have. You must give your best answers to these questions since they are essential in determining whether you suffer from ADHD.
After your assessment Your doctor will then discuss the next steps with you. It will likely include a decision on whether to prescribe medication and the plan for your future care and following up. You can choose to continue your treatment as an individual patient or back to the NHS (known as shared care) if you wish to do this.
It is important to be aware that If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it can be difficult to get the medication you require on the NHS because of long waiting lists. The 'Right to Choose' scheme has made it easier for adults living in England to get a private diagnosis and treatment, and it is recommended if you are struggling to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment helps teens or children to accept and comprehend their diagnosis, and implement positive lifestyle modifications to improve their quality-of-life. A specialist ADHD assessment can also be useful for adults who have struggled with the symptoms for a long time which have affected their relationships or work.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team of UK based Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists with extensive experience the assessment of adults and children with ADHD. They offer a full ADHD assessment, including diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines. This assessment can be paid for with three or five installments of PS195 (excluding any medication suggested by clinicians). Certain private assessments require a GP referral letter, whereas others do not. Contact the service provider to find out what their policy is.