How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama program this week has looked into the way that private clinics identify adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed alarming incidents. But it also highlights the suffering of those who are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The waiting times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are long. Many choose to pay for a privately conducted assessment.
Symptoms
A private ADHD assessment can give you the information you are looking for If you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often misinterpreted as other disorders, so an accurate diagnosis is essential for your health.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at school, work and in the 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 treatment that you need to live your best life.
If you are looking to obtain a private ADHD assessment, it is crucial to choose a specialist who will take the time to assess your personal needs. The specialist must be ready for a three-hour assessment session. During the assessment, your specialist will ask how your ADHD symptoms affect your daily functioning. The specialist will also inquire about your family history and other mental health issues that you may have. They might also want to talk to your school or employer to understand your situation better.
It is essential to ensure that the healthcare professional conducting your personal ADHD assessment is a certified and experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the top possible treatment. The same rules apply to private healthcare providers as they do to NHS healthcare professionals. They must also adhere to the guidelines for best practice published in NICE.
It is also beneficial to bring any supporting documents along to the assessment. This could include medical records, psychological reports as well as letters from your GP or questionnaires you have completed. These records are required by your specialist to assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.
You should also be aware that some medical staff have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This could make it difficult for them to get an accurate diagnosis. This is particularly the case for those who are of color, have a gender assigned at birth, or who are not native English native English speakers.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated disorder that can affect every aspect of a person's life. It can affect the ability to concentrate, impulsivity, as well as working memory. A private adhd assessment will provide a diagnosis, allowing a person to manage their symptoms and improve their life. Getting an accurate diagnosis can help them discover a form of treatment which can relieve symptoms, reduce anxiety and improve their life quality.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires a thorough medical history, questionnaires and an extensive physical exam. The GP has discretion when it comes to diagnosing ADHD however they have to consider your concerns seriously and refer you for 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 conducting your test has the skills, knowledge and expertise to identify ADHD. The best approach is to talk to a psychiatrist, or an ADHD specialist nurse. However healthcare professionals working in NHS clinics are also considered as they are regulated by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
The stigma surrounding mental health and particularly ADHD results in some people do not get the treatment they require or deserve. This can be due to the fact that an GP may be unwilling to refer them, or because of an unfounded notion of what it is like to have ADHD. It can also be difficult for adults to obtain an assessment because they don't always present with the classic symptoms of ADHD.
If you think you or your child may have symptoms of ADHD It is worth making an appointment to have an assessment 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. First, you should speak to your GP about the difficulties that you are experiencing at home, at work, or in social situations. They should be able to take you seriously and suggest you see an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory Hospitals or wellbeing centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD will vary based on the person. They could include 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 important to consider whether you have any other mental health issues that could be affecting your symptoms.
Some private clinics may be misdiagnosing ADHD. Panorama's investigation has revealed that an undercover journalist could make appointments online with three private clinics and receive powerful medications after unreliable assessments online. The undercover reporter responded to questions regarding his health in a straight and honest manner however, he did not inform the clinics he was journalist.
It is essential to get your test conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs, and other healthcare professionals who have particular skills as well as experience and knowledge in ADHD. It is not enough to possess an authorization to practice, or to be registered on the NHS register, to be regarded as an expert in ADHD.
During the ADHD assessment process the doctor will talk about how you feel and the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also ask about your family history of ADHD, and any other mental health issues that you might have. It is important to provide the best possible answers to these questions because they are essential 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 to prescribe medication and a plan for your care in the future and following up. You can choose to continue your treatment as a private patient or go back to the NHS (known as shared care) if you wish to do this.
It is important to keep in mind that, if you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be difficult to access the medication you require from the NHS due to long waiting lists. The 'Right to Choose" scheme allows adults in England to receive a private diagnosis and treatment. This is a good option when you are unable to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help teens or children to accept and comprehend their diagnosis, and makes positive lifestyle modifications to improve their quality-of-life. A specialist ADHD assessment can also be beneficial for adults who have been struggling with the symptoms for years which have affected their relationship or work.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is a multidisciplinary team that includes Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists located in the UK with extensive experience in assessing both adults and children suffering from ADHD. They offer a full ADHD assessment that includes diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines. The assessment can be paid for with three or five installments of PS195 (excluding any medication suggested by clinicians). Certain private assessments require a GP's referral and some don't. Be sure to inquire with your chosen provider for their policies.