How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
This week, BBC's Panorama program investigated how some private clinics diagnosed adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed alarming cases. It also reveals the dire situation for people who are caught between a rock ad in a rocky spot.
The NHS has long waiting periods for adult ADHD assessment. Many opt to pay for a privately conducted assessment.
Symptoms
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of ADHD A private ADHD assessment can help you get the answers you've been looking for. ADHD symptoms can be misinterpreted as signs of other conditions. An accurate diagnosis is essential for your health.
Inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature are the primary symptoms of ADHD. These signs can cause problems at school, at work and in the home. The symptoms can affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you determine if you are ADHD and offer the treatment that you need to lead your best life.
It is crucial to locate an independent ADHD assessor who will take the time needed to assess you individually. It is not an easy procedure, and the expert should be prepared to spend more than three hours in the assessment. During the assessment your specialist will ask how your ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. They will also talk about your family history and any other mental health issues you may have. They might also want to speak to your school or employer to understand your situation better.
It is important to make sure the healthcare professional conducting your personal ADHD assessment is a qualified and 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 should adhere to the best practice guidelines that are published by NICE.
In addition, it is important to bring any supporting documents you've got when you attend the assessment. This could include medical records, psychological reports as well as letters from your GP or questionnaires that you have completed. Your doctor will need to have this information to be able to assess your symptoms and recommend a plan of treatment for you.
It is also important to be aware that some medical staff have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. This is particularly the case for those who are a person of color, who is gender-specific at birth or not native English native English speakers.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex condition which can impact every aspect of a person's life. It affects the way that our brains function, which could impact concentration, impulsivity and working memory. A private adhd assessment can provide a diagnosis, allowing a person to control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. A precise diagnosis can help patients find the right treatment to ease symptoms, decrease anxiety, and improve their life.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires a thorough medical history, questionnaires and a thorough physical exam. GPs have discretion when it is time to diagnose ADHD however they have to consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales are used to assess the symptoms of a person. It is important that the healthcare professional carrying out your assessment has the skills, knowledge and experience to recognize ADHD. The best approach is to talk to a psychiatrist or an ADHD specialist nurse. However healthcare professionals working in NHS clinics can also be assessed as they are regulated by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
Unfortunately, some people don't receive the diagnosis they need or deserve because of the stigma surrounding mental health and ADHD. This could be because the GP is hesitant to refer a patient or has a preconceived notion of what ADHD appears to be. It can be a challenge for adults to receive an assessment because they do not always have the typical signs of ADHD.
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it is worth making an appointment to have an assessment at a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics. They provide online assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental conditions and can also provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. In the beginning, you should talk with your GP regarding the difficulties you encounter at home, at work or in social settings. They should be attentive to your concerns and make arrangements for you to be directed to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centers.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD vary from individual to individual, but can include medication or different types of therapy, such as cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). The type of therapy suggested will depend on your specific symptoms and the severity. It is also important to determine if you suffer from any other mental health issues that could be affecting your symptoms and to consider these when deciding on the best course of treatment.
There are concerns that private clinics are not correctly diagnosing patients with ADHD. Panorama's investigation has revealed that an undercover journalist could make appointments online with three private clinics and receive powerful medication after a lack of trust in the assessments via virtual devices. The undercover reporter answered questions regarding his symptoms in a truthful manner however, he did not inform the clinics he was journalist.
It is important that your assessment is performed by a healthcare specialist who has expertise in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs, and other healthcare professionals who have specific expertise, knowledge and experience in ADHD. It is not enough to have an official license to practice or to be listed on the NHS register to be considered a specialist in ADHD.
During the ADHD evaluation the doctor will ask you how you feel and what symptoms you are experiencing. They will also ask about your family history of ADHD, and any other mental health issues that you might have. You should answer with the most truthful answers possible to these questions since they are crucial in determining if you suffer from ADHD.
Once your assessment is complete, your clinician will discuss with you the next steps. This could involve a decision on whether or not to treat you with medication and a plan of care and follow-up. private adhd assessments can then choose to continue to receive treatment as a private patient or go back to the NHS (known as shared care) should you wish to do so.
You should be aware that when you've been diagnosed with ADHD it can be difficult to obtain the medication you need on the NHS because of long waiting lists. The 'Right to Choose' scheme has made it easier for adults living in England to obtain private diagnosis and treatment and is highly recommended if you're struggling to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a child or teenager understand and accept their diagnosis, and make positive lifestyle changes to improve their lives. Adults who have suffered from ADHD symptoms for a long time and have a negative impact on their relationships or work could also benefit from a professional ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team comprised of UK based Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists who have extensive experience in assessing children and adults with ADHD. They offer a thorough ADHD assessment that includes diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines, which can be paid for with three or five installments of PS195 (excluding any medication prescribed by clinicians). Certain private assessments require an GP referral letter, whereas others do not. Make sure to check with the provider you choose for their policies.