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 revealed alarming cases. It also highlights the hardship of those caught between a rock and in a rocky spot.
The waiting times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are lengthy. Many opt to pay for an assessment with a private consultant.
Symptoms
A private ADHD assessment can help you find the answers you're seeking whether you or your child are suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms could be misinterpreted as other disorders. A correct diagnosis is crucial for your health.
private adhd assessment for adults of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These symptoms can cause difficulties at school, at work, and at home. The emotional well-being and relationships can be affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments will help you determine if you're ADHD and offer the treatment you require to lead your best life.
It is important that you find an independent ADHD assessor who will take the time to evaluate you as an individual. This is not a quick process, and the professional should be prepared to spend up to three hours at the assessment session. The specialist will ask you how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. They will also talk about your family history as well as any other mental health issues you may have. They may also suggest that you talk to your employer or school to understand your situation better.
It is important that the medical professional who is conducting your private ADHD evaluation is a qualified, experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the top possible treatment. The same regulations apply to private health providers as they do to NHS healthcare professionals. They must also adhere to the guidelines for best practice that are that are published in NICE.
It is also helpful to bring any supporting documents with you to the assessment. This could include medical records, psychological reports, letters from your GP or questionnaires you have completed. Your specialist will need to have these records in order to assess your symptoms and recommend a plan of treatment for you.
You should be aware that some doctors have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD could look like. This can make it hard 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 speakers.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex disorder which can impact the entire life of an individual. It affects the way our brains function which can impact the ability to concentrate, impulsivity and memory. A private assessment of adhd can give a diagnosis and allow the patient to manage their symptoms and live better lives. A precise diagnosis can help patients determine the best treatment option to ease symptoms, decrease anxiety and improve their lives.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a process which requires a thorough examination as well as medical history and questionnaires. Doctors can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to consider your concerns seriously. They will recommend you to an assessment. A person's symptoms will be evaluated using clinical interviews and a number of scales that are validated. It is essential that the healthcare professional who conducts 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 as they are subject to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Unfortunately, some people don't get the diagnosis that they require or deserve because of the stigma surrounding mental health and ADHD. This is due to the fact that an GP might be unwilling to refer them, or due to 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 assessment at a reputable private clinic, such as Diverse Diagnostics, if you believe that your child or you may have ADHD symptoms. They provide online assessments to identify a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. They also offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk with your GP regarding the difficulties you are experiencing at your home, at work or in social situations. They should consider you a serious case and recommend 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 however, they can involve medication or different types of therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The type of therapy suggested will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing and the severity. It is also important to consider whether you have other mental health issues that may be affecting your symptoms.
There are fears that certain private clinics are misdiagnosing people with ADHD. This was exposed in an Panorama investigation that saw an undercover reporter book online appointments with three different private clinics, and receive powerful medications following inaccurate virtual assessments. The undercover reporter responded to questions about his symptoms truthfully however, he did not inform the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is vital that you have your assessment conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have specific expertise, knowledge and experience in ADHD. It is not enough to have a licence to practice, or to be registered on the NHS register to be regarded as an expert in ADHD.
During the ADHD evaluation the doctor will ask you about your feelings and what symptoms are present. They will also ask about your family history of ADHD as well as any other mental health issues you might have. You must give your best answers to these questions as they are crucial in determining whether you suffer from ADHD.
After your assessment the doctor will discuss the next steps with you. This will probably involve a decision on whether or not to treat you with medication and a plan of care and follow-up. You can choose to continue to receive treatment as private patient or go back to the NHS (known as shared care) if you wish to do this.
It is important to be aware that when you've been diagnosed with ADHD it can be difficult to obtain the medication you need on the NHS due to the long waiting lists. The 'Right to Choose' scheme has made it easier for adults in England to access private diagnosis and treatment and is highly recommended if you are struggling to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment helps a teenager or child to accept and comprehend their diagnosis, and implement positive lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life. A specialist ADHD assessment can also be beneficial for adults who have struggled with the symptoms for a long time, affecting their relationship or work.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is a multidisciplinary team that includes Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists located in the UK who have extensive experience in assessing both adults and children 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 payments of PS195 (excluding any medication suggested by clinicians). Certain private assessments require a GP's referral however, others do not. Be sure to inquire with your chosen provider for their policies.