How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama programme this week has investigated the way some private clinics diagnose adults suffering from ADHD.
The investigation has exposed some alarming cases. It also reveals the dire situation of those caught between a boulder and an icy spot.
The NHS has long waiting times for adult ADHD assessment. Many choose to pay for an assessment with a private consultant.
Symptoms
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, a private ADHD assessment can provide the answers you need. ADHD symptoms are often mistaken for other disorders, so an accurate diagnosis is essential to your wellbeing.
The most prominent symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These symptoms can lead to issues at school, at work and at home. Relationships and emotional wellbeing can be affected by these symptoms. 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.
If you're looking for a private ADHD assessment it is important to find a professional who will take the time to assess your individual needs. The specialist should be ready for a three-hour assessment session. During the assessment your specialist will ask you how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. The specialist will also inquire about your family history as well as any other mental health issues that you may have. They may also wish to discuss your situation with your employer or school to help you understand your situation.
It is essential that the medical professional who is conducting your private ADHD assessment is a certified experienced and skilled psychiatrist. You will receive the highest possible treatment. The same rules apply to private health providers as they apply to NHS healthcare professionals. They must 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 at the time you take part in the test. This could include medical records and psychological reports or letters from your GP or questionnaires that you have completed. Your specialist will need to have these documents to be able to assess your symptoms and recommend a course of treatment for you.
You should also be aware that some medical staff have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. This is particularly the case for those who are people of colour, gender assigned at birth or not native English native English speakers.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated disorder that can affect every aspect of a person's life. It can impact the ability to concentrate, impulsivity, as well as working memory. A private assessment for adhd can help identify the cause that allows a person to control their symptoms and improve their life. A precise diagnosis can help patients determine the best treatment option to alleviate symptoms, lessen their anxiety and improve their lives.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a process which involves a thorough examination, medical history and questionnaires. GPs can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to take your concerns seriously. They will recommend you to an assessment. The symptoms of an individual will be assessed using clinical interviews and a variety of scales that are validated. It is crucial that the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation has the skills, knowledge, and expertise to identify ADHD. The best approach is to consult a Psychiatrist, or an ADHD specialist nurse. However, healthcare professionals based in NHS clinics may also be assessed as they are regulated under the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
Unfortunately, the stigma associated with mental health and particularly ADHD means that some people do not get the treatment they require or deserve. 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 trouble being diagnosed, as they may not always show the typical symptoms of ADHD.
It is recommended to arrange an appointment with a reputable private clinic, such as Diverse Diagnostics, if you suspect that your child or yourself may be suffering from ADHD symptoms. They offer online assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental issues and can provide 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 take you seriously and suggest you see an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory Hospitals or wellbeing centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD vary from individual to individual and can include medication or different types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy suggested will depend on your symptoms and the severity. You should also consider if you have any other mental health issues that may affect your symptoms.
There are concerns that private clinics are not correctly diagnosing patients with ADHD. Panorama's investigation revealed that an undercover journalist was able to make appointments online at three private clinics and receive powerful medication after a lack of trust in the virtual assessments. The undercover reporter was able to answer questions regarding his symptoms in a truthful manner however, he did not inform the clinics he was a journalist.
It is essential to have your assessment conducted by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs as well as other healthcare professionals with specific skills, knowledge and experience in ADHD. To be deemed an ADHD specialist, it's not enough to hold an official license to practice or to be on the NHS Register.
During adhd private assessment will go about how you feel and the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you might have. It is important that you provide the most complete answers to these questions, since they are essential to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
After the assessment the doctor will discuss the next steps with you. This will probably include a decision about whether or not to treat you with medication, and a plan for the future treatment and follow-up. If you wish you could continue treatment as a private-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared treatment.
You must be aware when you've been diagnosed with ADHD it can be difficult to get the medication you require from 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 a good option when you are unable to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a child or teenager understand and accept their diagnosis and make positive lifestyle changes to improve their lives. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for many years and are affecting their relationships or work can also benefit from a professional ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is a multidisciplinary team that includes Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists based in the UK with extensive experience in assessing both adults and children suffering from ADHD. They offer a thorough ADHD assessment, including diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines, which can be paid for with three or five payments of PS195 (excluding any medication prescribed by the clinician). Certain private assessments require an GP referral letter, whereas others do not. Contact the service provider to find out what their policy is.