How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
This week, the BBC's Panorama program looked into how private clinics diagnosed adults with ADHD.
The investigation has exposed some troubling instances. But it also highlights the suffering of those who are caught between a rock and a hard place.
The wait times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are long. Many prefer to pay for an assessment with a private consultant.
Signs and symptoms
If you or your child is suffering from symptoms of ADHD A private ADHD assessment can provide the answers you need. ADHD symptoms are often misinterpreted as other disorders, and the correct diagnosis is crucial for your health.
The main symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These symptoms can lead to issues at school, at work and at home. Symptoms can also affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments will allow you to determine if you suffer from ADHD and provide you with the help you require to lead a fulfilling life.
It is essential to find an individual ADHD assessor who can take the time necessary to assess you as an individual. It is not an easy process, and the professional must be prepared to commit more than three hours in the assessment. During the assessment, your specialist will inquire about how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. The specialist will also inquire about your family history and other mental health issues that you may be suffering from. They might also want to speak to your employer or school to help you understand your situation.
It is essential to ensure that the healthcare professional conducting your private ADHD assessment is a trained and experienced psychiatrist. This will ensure you receive the highest level of care. The same rules apply to private healthcare providers as they do to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also adhere to the best practice guidelines published in NICE.
In addition, it's helpful to have any supporting information with you during the assessment. This could include medical records and psychological reports as well as letters from your GP or questionnaires that you have completed. Your specialist will need to have these documents to evaluate your symptoms and recommend a plan of treatment for you.
It is also important to be aware that a few medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. This is particularly relevant for people who are people of color, who is gender-specific at birth or not native English people.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated disorder that can affect every aspect of an individual's life. It affects how our brains function which can impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. private adhd assessment adult can give a diagnosis and allow the patient to take control of their symptoms and live better lives. Accurate diagnosis can help people determine the best treatment option to ease symptoms, decrease anxiety and improve their life.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a process which involves a thorough exam as well as medical history and questionnaires. Doctors can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to be attentive to your concerns. They will send you to an assessment. The symptoms of a person will be evaluated using clinical interviews and a number of scales for rating that have been validated. It is vital that the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation has the abilities, knowledge and experience to identify ADHD. The best choice is to talk to a psychiatrist or an ADHD specialist nurse. However healthcare professionals working in NHS clinics can also be taken into consideration as they are licensed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
Unfortunately, some people don't receive the diagnosis they deserve or require because of the stigma that surrounds mental health and ADHD. This could be because a GP is reluctant to refer someone or has a preconceived idea of what ADHD looks like. It can also be difficult for adults to receive an assessment because they do not always have the typical signs 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 with a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics. They offer online assessments for a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders and can offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk with your GP about the issues you are experiencing at home, at work, or in social situations. They should consider you a serious case and refer you to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory Hospitals or wellbeing centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from one person to another and can include medication or different types of therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The type of therapy you are recommended for will depend on your symptoms and the severity. It is also crucial to think about whether you have any other mental health issues which could affect your symptoms, and to take these into account when deciding on the most effective course of treatment.
There are concerns that private clinics are misdiagnosing people with ADHD. This was highlighted in an Panorama investigation that found an undercover reporter make appointments online with three private clinics, and then receive powerful medications following unreliable assessments via virtual. The undercover journalist was able to answer questions in a straight and honest manner about his health however, he didn't inform the clinics that he was a reporter.
It is essential that your assessment is conducted by a healthcare specialist with experience in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have particular skills with knowledge and experience in ADHD. It is not enough to have an authorization to practice, or to be listed on the NHS register, to be considered a specialist in ADHD.
During the ADHD evaluation your doctor will inquire with you about your feelings and what signs are present. Your doctor will also ask you about any mental health issues and your family history. You should give your best answers to these questions since they are vital in determining if you have ADHD.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the next steps with you. This will likely include a decision on whether to prescribe medication, and a plan for your future care 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 wish to do so.
You should be aware that If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it may be difficult to access the medication you require on the NHS due to the long waiting lists. The "Right to Choose" scheme allows adults in England to obtain a treatment and diagnosis on their own. This is recommended when you are unable to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help teens or children accept and understand their diagnosis, and make positive lifestyle changes to improve their lives. Adults who have suffered from ADHD symptoms for many years and are affecting their relationships or work can also benefit from a specialist ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team of UK based Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists who have extensive experience in assessing children and adults with ADHD. They provide a thorough ADHD evaluation with diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE Guidelines. This can be paid in three or five installments at PS195 (excluding the medication suggested by a clinician). Certain private assessments require a GP referral letter, while others do not. Be sure to inquire with your chosen provider to find out their policy.