How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama show this week looked into the way that private clinics diagnose adults with ADHD.
The investigation has highlighted some alarming cases. It also reveals the dire situation of those caught between a rock and in a rocky spot.
The NHS has long waiting times for adult ADHD assessment. Many choose to pay for a private assessment.
Symptoms
A private ADHD assessment will give you the information you are looking for If you or your child are suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often mistaken for other disorders, so an accurate diagnosis is essential to your overall health.
Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the main symptoms of ADHD. These signs can cause difficulties at school, work and at home. The symptoms can affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you understand whether you suffer from ADHD and provide the treatment you require to live your life to the fullest.
It is crucial to locate an individual ADHD assessor who can take the time needed to assess you individually. The specialist should be prepared for a three-hour assessment session. During the examination, your doctor will ask you to talk about how your ADHD symptoms affect your daily functioning. They will also talk about your family history and any other mental health issues you might have. They might also want to talk to your school or employer to help you understand your situation.
It is important to ensure that the healthcare professional conducting your private ADHD assessment is a qualified and experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the best possible treatment. Private healthcare providers are bound by the same rules as NHS healthcare professionals, and they should adhere to best practice guidelines issued by NICE.
In addition, it's helpful to have any supporting information you have with you at the time you take part in the test. This could include medical records and psychological reports or letters from your GP or questionnaires you've completed. Your doctor will need to have these documents to evaluate your symptoms and recommend a course of treatment for you.
It is also important to be aware that medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD appears like. This can make it hard to get a correct diagnosis. This is especially the case for those who are of colour, gender assigned at birth, or are not native English speakers.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated disorder that affects every aspect of a person's life. It can affect concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd assessment can provide a diagnosis that allows a person to manage their symptoms and improve their lives. An accurate diagnosis can help people determine the best treatment option to ease symptoms, decrease their anxiety and improve their lives.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD involves a thorough medical history, questionnaires and an exhaustive physical exam. GPs can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they must take your concerns seriously. They will send you to an assessment. The symptoms of an individual will be assessed using clinical interviews and a number of validated rating scales. It is essential that the healthcare professional carrying your test is skilled, knowledgeable and experience to diagnose ADHD. The best choice is to talk to a psychiatrist or an ADHD specialist nurse. However, healthcare professionals based in NHS clinics can also be considered as they are regulated under the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
Unfortunately, some people don't receive the diagnosis they require or deserve due to the stigma associated with mental health and ADHD. This could be due to the fact that a GP may be unwilling to refer them, or because of an unfounded notion of what it is like to be diagnosed with ADHD. Adults may also have a difficult time being diagnosed, as they may not show the typical symptoms of ADHD.
If you think 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 like Diverse Diagnostics. They provide online assessments for a variety of neurodevelopmental conditions and can provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. First, you should speak with your GP regarding the difficulties you are experiencing at home, at work, or in social settings. They should take you seriously and refer you to an ADHD specialist in one of the Priory Hospitals or Wellbeing Centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD may differ based on the person. It could involve medications or other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy recommended will depend on your specific symptoms and the degree of the symptoms. It is also crucial to think about whether you have any other mental health problems that may be affecting your symptoms, and to consider these when deciding on the best method of treatment.
There are concerns that private clinics may be misdiagnosing patients with ADHD. cost of private adhd assessment was highlighted in an Panorama investigation that saw an undercover reporter able to schedule appointments online at three different private clinics and receive powerful drugs following inaccurate virtual assessments. The undercover reporter answered questions regarding his health in a straight and honest manner and did not disclose to the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is crucial that your evaluation is conducted by a healthcare specialist who has experience in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs as well as other healthcare professionals who have specific skills, knowledge and experience in ADHD. To be deemed an ADHD specialist, it is not enough to have a license to practice or be listed on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD assessment process your doctor will go about how you're feeling and the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also ask about your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you may have. It is crucial to answer fully to these questions, since they are essential to determine whether or not you are suffering from ADHD.
Once your assessment is complete, your clinician will discuss with you the next steps. It will likely involve a decision on whether or not to treat you with medication and a plan for future care and follow-up. You may then decide to continue to receive treatment as an individual patient or back to the NHS (known as shared care) should you wish to do so.
It is worth bearing in mind that, when you're diagnosed with ADHD it could be difficult to get the medication you need on the NHS due to long waiting lists. The "Right to Choose" scheme allows adults in England to get treatment and diagnosis on their own. This is a good option if you can't wait 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 lives. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for many years and are affecting their relationships or work could also benefit from a professional ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is a multidisciplinary team made up of Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists based in the UK with extensive experience in assessing adults and children who suffer from ADHD. They offer a full ADHD assessment, including diagnosis and treatment recommendations that are in line with NICE guidelines. This assessment can be paid for with three or five installments of PS195 (excluding any medication suggested by the clinician). Some private assessments require a referral from a doctor and some don't. Check with your chosen provider to find out their policy.