How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
This week, the BBC's Panorama program investigated how some private clinics diagnosed adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed alarming cases. However, it also reveals the suffering of those who are caught between a rock and a hard place.
The NHS has long waiting periods for adult ADHD assessment. Many prefer to pay for a private assessment.
Symptoms
A private ADHD assessment will provide the answers you are looking for whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often misinterpreted as other disorders, and an accurate diagnosis is essential for your health.
Inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature are the primary symptoms of ADHD. These issues can create problems in school, working and at home. These symptoms can affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you understand the signs of ADHD and provide the treatment you need to live your life to the fullest.
It is essential to find a private ADHD assessor who can take the time needed to assess you individually. 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. They will also talk about your family history as well as any other mental health issues that you may have. They may also suggest that you speak to your school or employer to understand your situation better.
It is essential to make sure the medical professional conducting your personal ADHD assessment is a trained and experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the highest possible treatment. The same regulations apply to private healthcare providers just as they do to NHS healthcare professionals. They must also adhere to the best practice guidelines published in NICE.
It is also beneficial to bring any supporting documentation along to the test. This could include medical records and psychological reports, letters from your GP or questionnaires that you have completed. This information is needed by your doctor to determine your symptoms and determine the most effective treatment plan.
It is also important to be aware that a few medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone with ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to establish a valid diagnosis. This is especially the case for those who are people of color, have a gender assigned at birth or not native English people.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition that can affect the entire life of an individual. It can impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A personal adhd test can provide a diagnosis and help a person manage their symptoms and improve their lives. Finding a reliable diagnosis can allow them to find a form of treatment which can ease symptoms, decrease anxiety and improve their life quality.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a process which requires a thorough examination as well as medical history and questionnaires. The GP has discretion when it is time to diagnose 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 assess the severity of the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is important that the healthcare professional who is carrying out your assessment is skilled, knowledgeable and experience to diagnose ADHD. A Psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse is ideal, but healthcare professionals working in an NHS clinic may be suitable since they are subject to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
However, some people don't get the diagnosis that they deserve or require due to the stigma associated with mental health and ADHD. This could be because the GP is hesitant to refer a patient or has a preconceived idea of what ADHD is like. It can be a challenge for adults to obtain a diagnosis since they don't always have the typical signs of ADHD.
If you think that you or your child may have symptoms of ADHD you should consider making an appointment to have an assessment at a reputable private clinic such as Diverse Diagnostics. They offer online assessments that identify a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. They 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 take your concerns seriously and make arrangements for you to be referred to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD vary from person to person however, they can involve medication or different types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of treatment suggested will depend on the severity and symptoms. It is important to determine if you have any other mental health issues that may affect your symptoms.
Private clinics might be misdiagnosing ADHD. Panorama's investigation found that an undercover journalist was able book appointments online with three private clinics, and received powerful medications after unreliable virtual assessments. The undercover journalist answered questions in a straight and honest manner about his health, but he did not inform the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is essential that your evaluation is performed by a healthcare professional who has expertise in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs as well as other healthcare professionals with specific knowledge, skills, experience and training in ADHD. To be deemed an ADHD specialist, it is not enough to hold an authorization to practice or be on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD assessment process the doctor will talk through how you are feeling and the symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor will also ask you about any mental health issues and your family history. It is important that you give your fullest answers to these questions because they are crucial to determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
After your evaluation, your clinician will discuss the next steps with you. It will likely involve a decision regarding whether to prescribe medication, and an action plan for your care in the future 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) should you wish to do this.
It is worth bearing in mind that in the event that 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 receive a private diagnosis and treatment. This is recommended when you are unable to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a child or teenager recognize and accept their diagnosis and make positive lifestyle adjustments to improve their quality of life. A specialist ADHD assessment can be useful for adults who have struggled with the symptoms for many years and have been affecting their relationships or work.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team of UK based Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists who have extensive experience in the assessment of adults and children with ADHD. They offer a comprehensive ADHD evaluation that includes diagnosis and treatment suggestions in line with NICE Guidelines. This can be paid in three or five installments at PS195 (excluding medication recommended by clinicians). Some private assessments require a GP referral letter, while others do not. Check with adhd private assessment to determine their policy is.