How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama programme this week has looked into the way that private clinics diagnose adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed alarming instances. But it also reveals the plight of people who are caught between two rocks in a difficult place.
The NHS has long waiting times for adult ADHD assessment. Many choose to pay for an assessment with a private consultant.
Signs and symptoms
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of ADHD 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 confused with other disorders, so an accurate diagnosis is essential to your overall health.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These issues can create difficulties at school, at work, and at home. Symptoms can also affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you understand if you have ADHD and will give you the treatment you require to live your life to the fullest.
It is essential to locate an individual ADHD assessor who will take the time necessary to assess you in a person. The specialist should be prepared for a three-hour evaluation session. During the assessment, your specialist will ask you to talk about how your ADHD symptoms affect your everyday functioning. Your specialist will also ask about your family history and any other mental health issues you may have. They might also speak with your employer or school to get a better understanding of your situation.
It is crucial that the medical professional who is conducting your personal ADHD assessment is a certified experienced and skilled psychiatrist. You will receive the best possible treatment. Private healthcare providers are subject to the same regulations as NHS healthcare professionals, and they should adhere to the best practice guidelines that are published 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, psychological reports or letters from your GP or questionnaires that you have completed. Your doctor will need to have these records in order to assess your symptoms and recommend a plan of treatment for you.
It is important to be aware that some doctors have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD might look like. This makes it difficult to establish a valid diagnosis. This is especially true for people of color, who were assigned a gender at birth, or those who do not speak English natively.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex disorder that can affect every aspect of the life of a person. Suggested Looking at can impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd evaluation can help identify the cause, allowing a person to control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Getting an accurate diagnosis can help them discover the right treatment that will ease symptoms, reduce anxiety and improve their lives.
Diagnosis of adult ADHD is a process that involves a thorough exam, medical history and questionnaires. The GP has discretion when it regards diagnosing ADHD but they'll need to take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment. The symptoms of a person will be assessed through clinical interviews and a variety of scales that are validated. It is essential that the healthcare professional conducting your test has the skills, knowledge, and expertise to identify ADHD. A specialist Psychiatrist or ADHD nurse is best but healthcare professionals who are based in an NHS clinic can still be suitable since they are subject to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Sadly, the stigma of mental health, and especially ADHD results in some sufferers are not given the diagnosis they require or deserve. This could be due to the fact that the GP might be unwilling to refer them, or because of an unfounded notion of what it means to be diagnosed with ADHD. It can also be difficult for adults to get a diagnosis since they don't always present with the classic symptoms of ADHD.
If you think that you or your child might be suffering from symptoms of ADHD you should consider making an appointment to have an assessment with a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics. They provide online assessments to diagnose a range of neurodevelopmental disorders and can also offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. In the beginning, you should talk with your GP regarding the difficulties you are experiencing at home, at work or in social situations. They should be attentive to your concerns and arrange for you to be referred to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellness centers.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from individual to individual however, they can involve medication or different types of therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The type of treatment you are recommended for will depend on the severity and symptom. You should also consider if you have other mental health issues that may affect your symptoms.
There are concerns that private clinics may be misdiagnosing patients with ADHD. Panorama's investigation revealed that an undercover journalist was able make appointments online at three private clinics, and received powerful medications following unreliable assessments via virtual devices. The undercover journalist was able to answer questions honestly about his symptoms however, he didn't inform the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is crucial that your evaluation is conducted by a healthcare professional with experience in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have particular skills, knowledge and experience in ADHD. To be regarded as an ADHD specialist, it's not enough to have a license to practice or to be on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD evaluation, your doctor will ask you about your feelings and what signs are present. The doctor will also ask you about any mental health issues and your family history. It is important that you provide the most complete answers to these questions because they are essential to determine whether or not you are suffering from ADHD.
Once your assessment is complete the doctor will discuss with you the next steps. This could involve a decision about whether to prescribe medication, and the plan for your care in the future and follow-up. If you wish, you can choose to continue treatment as a privately-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared care.
It is worth bearing in mind that in the event that you're diagnosed with ADHD, it can be difficult to get the medication you require from 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 great option when you are unable to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a teenager or child accept and understand their diagnosis, and make positive lifestyle modifications to improve their lives. A specialist ADHD assessment is also useful for adults who have been struggling with the symptoms for years, affecting their relationship or work.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team consisting of UK based Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists who have extensive experience in assessing children and adults with ADHD. They provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment with diagnosis and treatment recommendations that are in line with NICE guidelines. The assessment can be paid for in three or five installments of PS195 (excluding any medication recommended by a clinician). Some private assessments require a referral from a doctor however, others do not. Make sure to inquire with the provider to determine their policy is.