How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama program this week has looked into the way that private clinics diagnose adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed some troubling instances. However, it also reveals the hardships of those who are caught between the rock and the hard place.
Waiting times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are lengthy. Many choose to pay for a privately-run assessment.
Symptoms
If you or your child are suffering from symptoms of ADHD, a private ADHD assessment can provide the answers you've been looking for. ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for other disorders. A proper diagnosis is crucial for your health.
The main symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These issues can create issues at school, working and at home. Relations and emotional wellbeing can be affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments can help you determine if you're ADHD and offer the treatment that you need to lead your best life.
If you are looking to obtain a private ADHD assessment it is important to choose a specialist who will take the time to assess you as an individual. It is not an easy process, and the professional must be prepared to commit more than three hours in your assessment session. During the assessment, your specialist will be asking you to discuss how your ADHD symptoms affect your daily functioning. They will also talk about your family history as well as any other mental health issues you may have. They might also contact your school or employer to get a better understanding of your situation.
It is crucial that the doctor who conducts your personal ADHD evaluation is a qualified experienced and skilled psychiatrist. This will ensure that you receive the highest level of treatment. The same regulations apply to private healthcare providers just as they do to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also follow the guidelines for best practice which are outlined in NICE.
It is also helpful to bring any supporting documents along to the test. This could include psychological and medical documents as well as letters from your GP and questionnaires you have completed, or the results of the ADHD test. This information is required by your doctor to determine your symptoms and determine the most effective course of treatment.
It is important to be aware that some doctors have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD might look like. This can make it difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. This is particularly true for people who are a person of color, have a gender assigned at birth or not native English people.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a nebulous disorder that can affect every aspect of an individual's life. It can impact the ability to concentrate, impulsivity, as well as working memory. A private adhd assessment can give a diagnosis and allow a person 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 requires an extensive medical history, questionnaires and an extensive physical exam. Doctors are able to diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to take your concerns seriously. They will recommend you to an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales are used to assess the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is crucial that the healthcare professional carrying out your assessment has the expertise, skills and experience to diagnose ADHD. A Psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse is best but healthcare professionals who are based in an NHS clinic can still be a good choice since they are subject to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Some people fail to get the diagnosis that they deserve or require because of the stigma surrounding mental health and ADHD. This is due to the fact that an GP may be unwilling to refer them, or due to an assumption about what it looks like to have ADHD. Adults may also have trouble finding a diagnosis, since they may not show the classic symptoms of ADHD.
If you think you or your child may be suffering from symptoms of ADHD It is worth scheduling an appointment at a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics. They offer online assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental disorders and can provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to speak with your GP and explain the difficulties you are having at home, work or in social settings. They should take your concerns seriously and arrange for you to be directed to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from person to person however, they can involve medication or different types of therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The type of therapy recommended will depend on your specific symptoms and the severity. It is important to determine if you have any other mental health issues that may be affecting your symptoms.
Private clinics could be misdiagnosing ADHD. Panorama's investigation has revealed that an undercover journalist could book appointments online with three private clinics, and received powerful medications following unreliable virtual assessments. The undercover reporter was able to answer questions regarding his health in a straight and honest manner and did not disclose to the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is crucial to get your test conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs, and other healthcare professionals with particular skills as well as experience and knowledge in ADHD. To be considered an ADHD specialist, it is not enough to hold an authorization to practice or be on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD assessment, your doctor will talk through how you are feeling and the symptoms you're experiencing. Your doctor will also inquire with you about any mental health issues and your family history. It is important that you provide the most complete answers to these questions, since they are crucial to determining whether or not you are suffering from ADHD.
After your evaluation is completed, your clinician will talk to you about the next steps. This will likely include a decision on whether to prescribe medication, and the plan for your care in the future and following up. If you wish you could continue treatment as a privately-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that if you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be difficult to access the medication you need on the NHS because of the long waiting lists. The "Right to Choose" scheme has made it easier for adults in England to get a private diagnosis and treatment and this is recommended if you're waiting for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help 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 be useful for adults who have been struggling with the symptoms for years and have been affecting their relationships or work.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team consisting of UK based Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists who have years of experience conducting assessments for adults and children suffering from ADHD. private adhd assessments provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment that includes diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines, which can be paid for with three or five payments of PS195 (excluding any medication recommended by the clinician). Some private assessments do require a referral from a doctor however, others do not. Check with your chosen provider for their policies.