How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama show this week investigated the way some private clinics diagnose adults suffering from ADHD.
The investigation has revealed some alarming instances. It also highlights the plight for people who are caught between a rock and a hard place.
The waiting times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are long. Many prefer to pay for a privately-run 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 help you get the answers you require. ADHD symptoms are often mistaken for other disorders, so a correct diagnosis is vital for your health.
The most prominent symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These signs can cause problems at school, at work, and at home. Relations and emotional wellbeing can be affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments will allow you to determine if you are ADHD and offer the treatment you require to live your best life.
It is important that you find an individual ADHD assessor who will take the time necessary to assess you individually. The specialist should be prepared for a three-hour evaluation session. During the assessment, your specialist will have you discuss how your ADHD symptoms affect your daily functioning. They will also talk about your family history and any other mental health issues that you may have. They might also talk to your employer or your school to get more information about your situation.
It is important that the doctor who conducts your private ADHD evaluation is a qualified, experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the highest possible treatment. The same rules apply to private health providers as they do to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also adhere to the best practice guidelines that are published in NICE.
In addition, it is beneficial to bring any additional documents you've got at the time you take part in the test. This could include medical records, psychological reports as well as letters from your GP or questionnaires you've completed. Your specialist will need to have these records to evaluate your symptoms and recommend a plan of treatment for you.
You should be aware that a few doctors have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD could look like. This makes it difficult to get a correct diagnosis. This is especially relevant for people who are people of colour, gender assigned at birth, or are not native English people.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition that can impact every aspect of someone's life. It can impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd assessment will provide a diagnosis, allowing a person to manage their symptoms and improve their life. An accurate diagnosis can help people determine the best treatment option to relieve symptoms, reduce anxiety and improve their life.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires an extensive medical history, questionnaires, and an exhaustive physical exam. GPs can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they must be attentive to your concerns. They will refer you to an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales will be used to evaluate the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is vital that the healthcare professional who conducts your evaluation has the skills, knowledge and expertise to diagnose ADHD. A specialist Psychiatrist or ADHD nurse is ideal, but healthcare professionals who are based in an NHS clinic could be suitable as they are subject to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Unfortunately, the stigma associated with mental health, and especially ADHD means that some people do not get the diagnosis they need or need or. This could be due to the fact that an GP may be reluctant to refer patients or due to an assumption about what it means to have ADHD. Adults can also have difficulty being diagnosed, as they may not always show the classic symptoms of ADHD.
It is advisable to schedule an assessment at a reputable private clinic, such as Diverse Diagnostics, if you suspect that your child or you might have ADHD symptoms. They offer online assessments for a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders and can provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. First, you should speak with your GP about the difficulties that you are experiencing at home, at work, or in social situations. They should consider you a serious case and suggest you see an ADHD specialist in one of the Priory Hospitals or wellbeing centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD vary from individual to individual however, they can involve medication or different types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy recommended will depend on your symptoms and the severity. It is also crucial 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 most effective method of treatment.
There are concerns that some private clinics may be misdiagnosing patients with ADHD. This was highlighted in a Panorama investigation that found an undercover reporter able to book online appointments with three different private clinics, and then receive powerful drugs after unreliable virtual assessments. The undercover reporter was able to answer questions regarding his symptoms in a truthful manner, but did not tell the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is essential that your assessment is conducted by a healthcare professional who has expertise in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have specific skills as well as experience and knowledge in ADHD. It is not enough to have an authorization to practice, or to be registered on the NHS register to be considered a specialist in ADHD.
During the ADHD assessment the doctor will talk through how you are feeling and the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also inquire about your family history of ADHD, and any other mental health issues you may have. It is crucial to give your fullest answers to these questions, since they are essential to determine whether or not you are suffering from ADHD.
After the assessment Your doctor will then discuss the next steps with you. This could involve a decision regarding whether to prescribe medication, and an action plan for your care in the future 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) should you wish to do so.
It is worth bearing in mind that if you are diagnosed with ADHD it may 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 this is recommended if you are having trouble waiting for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a child or teen to accept and accept their diagnosis and make positive lifestyle adjustments to improve their lives. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for many years and have a negative impact on their relationships or work may be able to benefit from a specialized ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is a multidisciplinary team made up of Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists located in the UK who have years of experience in assessing both adults and children who suffer from ADHD. They offer a comprehensive ADHD evaluation that includes diagnosis and treatment suggestions according to NICE Guidelines. The assessment can be paid in either three or five installments at PS195 (excluding medications prescribed by clinicians). Some private assessments require a GP's referral, while others don't. Be sure to inquire with your chosen provider for their policies.