How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama programme this week has looked into the way that private clinics identify adults with ADHD.
The investigation has exposed some worrying cases. It also highlights the hardship for people who are caught between a boulder and an icy spot.
The NHS has long waiting periods for adult ADHD assessment. Many prefer to pay for a privately conducted assessment.
Signs and symptoms
A private ADHD assessment can provide the answers you are looking for whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for other disorders. A correct diagnosis is essential for your health.
Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the main symptoms of ADHD. These signs can cause problems at school, at work, and at home. These symptoms can affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you determine if you suffer from ADHD and offer the help you require to lead your best life.
When trying to get a private ADHD assessment it is important to choose a specialist who will be able to evaluate your personal needs. The specialist should be ready for a three-hour assessment session. During the assessment your specialist will ask you how your ADHD symptoms affect your daily functioning. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history and any other mental health issues that you may have. They may also want to talk to your employer or your school to get more information about your situation.
It is crucial to ensure that the healthcare professional conducting your private ADHD assessment is a qualified and experienced psychiatrist. This will ensure that you receive the highest level of treatment. Private healthcare providers are subject to the same rules as NHS healthcare professionals, and they should adhere to best practice guidelines issued by NICE.
It is also helpful to bring any supporting documents along to the assessment. This could include medical and psychological records as well as letters from your GP, questionnaires that you've completed, or the results of the ADHD test. Your specialist will need to have these records to evaluate your symptoms and recommend a plan of treatment for you.
It is important to be aware that a few doctors have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD could look like. This makes it difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. This is especially relevant for people who are of colour, gender assigned at birth, or are not native English speakers.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition which can impact the entire life of an individual. It affects the way our brains function, which could impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd evaluation can help identify the cause and help a person manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. A precise diagnosis can help patients find the right treatment to alleviate symptoms, lessen their anxiety and improve their life.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD involves an extensive medical history, questionnaires and a thorough physical exam. GPs can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to take your concerns seriously. They will recommend you to an assessment. A person's symptoms will be evaluated using clinical interviews as well as a range of scales that are validated. It is crucial that the healthcare professional carrying out your assessment is skilled, knowledgeable 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 may also be assessed as they are regulated by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
However, some people don't get the diagnosis that they need or deserve because of the stigma surrounding mental health and ADHD. This is due to the fact that the GP might be unwilling to refer them, or due to a preconceived idea about what it is like to have ADHD. adhd assessment private may also have trouble getting a diagnosis, as they might not display the classic signs of ADHD.
If you think you or your child may be suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it is worth scheduling an appointment at a reputable private clinic such as 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 explain the difficulties you're having at work, home or in social settings. They should be able to take you seriously and recommend you to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory Hospitals or Wellbeing Centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from person to person and can include medication or other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The type of therapy suggested will depend on your specific symptoms and the degree of the symptoms. It is also crucial to consider whether you have any other mental health problems that could be affecting your symptoms and to take these into account when deciding on the best course of treatment.
There are fears that certain private clinics are not correctly diagnosing patients with ADHD. Panorama's investigation revealed that an undercover journalist was able to make appointments online at three private clinics and receive effective medications after unreliable virtual assessments. The undercover journalist answered questions with honesty about his symptoms but did not inform the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is essential to get your assessment done by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs, and other healthcare professionals with specific skills as well as experience and knowledge in ADHD. To be deemed an ADHD specialist, it is not enough to have a license to practice or to be on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD assessment process the doctor will ask you how you feel and what signs are present. Your doctor will also inquire with you about any mental health concerns and your family history. You must answer with the most truthful answers possible to these questions because they are crucial in determining if you suffer from ADHD.
After the assessment the doctor will discuss the next steps with you. This will likely involve a decision about whether or not to prescribe medication and an action plan for your care in the future and following up. You can then choose to continue to receive treatment as a private patient or go back to the NHS (known as shared care) If you choose to do so.
It is important to be aware that If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it can be difficult to obtain the medication you require from the NHS due to the long waiting lists. The "Right to choose" scheme allows adults in England to obtain a private diagnosis and treatment. This is recommended if you can't wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a teenager or child accept and understand their diagnosis, and make positive lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for many years and have been affecting their relationships or work could also benefit from a professional ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is an inter-disciplinary team comprising Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists based in the UK who have years of experience in assessing adults and children suffering from ADHD. They offer a thorough ADHD assessment with diagnosis and treatment recommendations that are in line with NICE guidelines, which can be paid for with three or five payments of PS195 (excluding any medication suggested by the clinician). Certain private assessments require a GP referral letter, while others do not. Make sure to inquire with the provider to determine their policy is.