How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama programme this week has investigated the way some private clinics diagnose adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed alarming instances. But it also highlights the suffering of those who are stuck between the rock and the hard place.
The NHS has long waiting periods for adults seeking an ADHD assessment. Many prefer to pay for a privately conducted assessment.
Symptoms
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD If you or your child is suffering from symptoms of ADHD, a private ADHD assessment can provide the answers you require. ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for other disorders. A correct diagnosis is essential for your health.
Inattention, hyperactivity and hyperactivity are the most prominent symptoms of ADHD. These signs can cause difficulties at school, at working and at home. The emotional well-being and relationships can be affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments will allow you to determine if you are ADHD and provide you with the treatment that you need to lead your best life.
If you are looking to obtain an individual ADHD assessment, it is crucial to find a professional who will be able to evaluate your individual needs. This isn't a simple process, and the specialist must be prepared to commit more than three hours in your assessment session. During the examination, your doctor will have you discuss how your ADHD symptoms affect your daily functioning. The specialist will also inquire about your family history and any other mental health issues that you may be suffering from. They may also contact your employer or school to get a better understanding of your situation.
It is crucial to make sure the medical professional conducting your private ADHD assessment is a certified and experienced psychiatrist. Iampsychiatry will receive the top possible treatment. Private healthcare providers are bound by the same regulations as NHS healthcare professionals, and should follow best practice guidelines published by NICE.
In addition, it is beneficial to bring any additional information with you when you attend the assessment. This could include psychological and medical documents as well as letters from your GP or a questionnaire you have completed or the results of the ADHD test. Your doctor will need to have this information in order to assess your symptoms and recommend a course of treatment for you.
You should also be aware that medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This could make it difficult for them to make an accurate diagnosis. This is particularly relevant for people who are of colour, gender assigned at birth or not native English speakers.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex condition that can affect every aspect of a person's life. It affects the way our brains function, which can affect concentration, impulsivity and working memory. A private assessment of adhd can give a diagnosis and allow the patient to manage their symptoms and live better lives. An accurate diagnosis can help people determine the best treatment option to ease symptoms, decrease anxiety, and improve their life.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD involves a thorough medical history, questionnaires and a thorough physical exam. The GP has discretion when it regards diagnosing ADHD however they have to consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales are used to evaluate the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is essential that the healthcare professional conducting your test has the abilities, knowledge and experience to identify ADHD. A Psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse is the best choice, however healthcare professionals who work in an NHS clinic may be a good choice since they are regulated by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
However, some people don't receive the diagnosis they need or deserve because of the stigma surrounding mental health and ADHD. This could be due to the fact that a GP is hesitant to refer a patient or has a preconceived view of what ADHD looks like. Adults can also have difficulty getting a diagnosis, as they might not display the typical symptoms of ADHD.
It is worth arranging an assessment at a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics, if you believe that your child or yourself might have ADHD symptoms. They offer online assessments that diagnose a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. They also offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to your GP about the issues you are experiencing at home, at work, or in social settings. They must take your concerns seriously and make arrangements for you to be directed to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellness centers.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD vary from one person to another and can include medication or different types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy suggested will depend on your symptoms and the degree of the symptoms. It is also important to think about whether you have any other mental health issues that could be affecting your symptoms and to take these into account when deciding on the best course of treatment.
There are concerns that some private clinics are misdiagnosing people with ADHD. This was exposed in a Panorama investigation that found an undercover reporter able to schedule appointments online with three private clinics and receive powerful drugs following unreliable virtual assessments. The undercover reporter responded to questions regarding his health in a straight and honest manner, but did not tell the clinics that he was journalist.
It is vital that you get your test conducted by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have specific knowledge, skills, experience and training in ADHD. To be considered an ADHD specialist, it's not enough to hold an official license to practice or to be on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD assessment process the doctor will talk through how you are feeling and the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also inquire about your family history of ADHD, and any other mental health issues you may have. It is crucial to answer fully to these questions, as they are essential to determine whether or not you have ADHD.
Once your assessment is complete the doctor will discuss with you the next steps. It will likely involve a decision about whether to prescribe medication and a plan for your care in the future and follow-up. You can choose to continue to receive treatment as a private patient or go back to the NHS (known as shared care) if you wish to do so.
It is worth bearing in mind that, if you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be difficult to obtain the medication you require on the NHS because of the long waiting lists. The "Right to choose" scheme allows adults in England to get private diagnosis and treatment. This is a great option if you can't wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can aid a child or teen recognize and accept their diagnosis, and make positive lifestyle adjustments to improve their quality of life. A specialist ADHD assessment can also be useful for adults who have struggled 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 based in the UK who have years of experience in assessing both adults and children who suffer from ADHD. They offer a full ADHD assessment with diagnosis and treatment recommendations that are in line with NICE guidelines. The assessment can be paid for with three or five payments of PS195 (excluding any medication recommended by clinicians). Certain private assessments require the submission of a GP referral letter, whereas others do not. Contact the service provider to find out what their policy is.