How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama show this week examined the ways in which private clinics identify adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed some alarming incidents. But it also reveals the hardships of those who are stuck between the rock and the hard place.
The waiting times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are lengthy. Many choose to pay for a privately-run assessment.
Symptoms
A private ADHD assessment will provide the answers you're seeking if you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. A proper diagnosis is crucial to your health.
The main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at school, work and at home. Symptoms can also affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you determine if you're ADHD and provide you with the help you require to lead a fulfilling life.
It is crucial to find an independent ADHD assessor who can take the time needed to assess you in a person. The specialist must be prepared 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 any other mental health issues you might have. They might also contact your school or employer to gain an understanding of your situation.
It is crucial to ensure that the healthcare professional conducting your personal ADHD assessment is a qualified and experienced psychiatrist. This will ensure you receive the best quality of treatment. The same rules apply to private healthcare providers just as they apply to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also adhere to the guidelines for best practice that are published in NICE.
Additionally, it's important to bring any supporting documents you've got when you attend the assessment. This could include medical records and psychological reports as well as letters from your GP or questionnaires you've completed. This information is needed by your specialist to assess your symptoms and determine the most effective course of treatment.
You should also be aware that medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it hard to determine a proper diagnosis. This is especially the case for people of color, who were assigned genders at birth, or those who don't speak English natively.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a nebulous disorder that can affect every aspect of an individual's life. It affects how our brains function, which could impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd assessment can provide a diagnosis and allow the patient to manage their symptoms and live better lives. A clear diagnosis can allow them to find a form of treatment which can relieve symptoms, reduce anxiety and improve their lives.
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 consider your concerns seriously. They will send you to an assessment. A person's symptoms will be assessed through clinical interviews and a number of scales that are validated. It is crucial that the healthcare professional who conducts your test has the skills, knowledge and expertise to recognize ADHD. A specialist Psychiatrist or ADHD nurse is best but healthcare professionals who are based in an NHS clinic can still be suitable as they are controlled by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
private psychiatrist adhd assessment fail to receive the diagnosis they need or deserve because of the stigma surrounding mental health and ADHD. This could be because a GP is reluctant to refer a patient or has a preconceived view of what ADHD is like. Adults may also have trouble being diagnosed, as they may not always show the classic symptoms of ADHD.
If you think you or your child might 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 issues and can also 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 be attentive to your concerns and arrange to have you directed to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centers.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD may differ based on the individual. It could involve medications or other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of treatment you are recommended for will depend on the severity and symptoms. You should also consider if you have any other mental health issues that may influence your symptoms.
Private clinics might be misdiagnosing ADHD. This was highlighted in an Panorama investigation that saw an undercover journalist make appointments online at three different private clinics, and then receive powerful medications following unreliable assessments via virtual. The journalist who was undercover answered questions honestly about his symptoms, but he did not inform the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is essential that your evaluation is carried out by a healthcare specialist with experience in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs, and other healthcare professionals with specific skills with knowledge and experience in ADHD. To be regarded as an ADHD specialist, it's not enough to hold a license to practice or be listed on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD assessment process your doctor will inquire with you about how you feel and what symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about your family history of ADHD as well as any other mental health issues that you might have. You must answer with the most truthful answers possible to these questions as they are vital in determining whether you suffer from ADHD.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the next steps with you. This will probably involve a decision on whether or not to treat you with medication and a plan of treatment and follow-up. If you wish you could continue treatment as a privately-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared treatment.
It is important to be aware that if you have been diagnosed with ADHD it can be difficult to obtain the medication you require from 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're waiting for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a child or teen understand and accept their diagnosis, and make positive lifestyle adjustments to improve their quality of life. A specialist ADHD assessment can be beneficial for adults who have been struggling with the symptoms for many years which have affected their relationship or work.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team consisting of UK located Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists who have years of experience conducting assessments for adults and children suffering from ADHD. They provide a thorough ADHD evaluation with diagnosis and treatment suggestions according to NICE Guidelines. The cost can be paid in three or five payments at PS195 (excluding medications prescribed by clinicians). Certain private assessments require the submission of a GP referral letter, whereas others do not. Check with the service provider to find out what their policy is.