How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
This week, BBC's Panorama program investigated how some private clinics diagnose adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed alarming instances. Read Even more for those who are between a rock and an icy spot.
The waiting times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are long. Many choose to pay for an assessment with a private consultant.
Signs and symptoms
A private ADHD assessment will give you the information you're seeking If you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be misinterpreted as signs of other conditions. An accurate diagnosis is essential for your health.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and hyperactivity are the most prominent symptoms of ADHD. These issues can create difficulties at school, at working and at home. The symptoms can affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments will allow you to determine if you suffer from ADHD and provide you with the treatment that you need to lead your best life.
It is essential to find an independent ADHD assessor who will take the time necessary to assess you as an individual. The specialist is expected to be ready for a three-hour assessment session. During the assessment, your specialist will ask how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily functioning. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history and any other mental health issues you may be suffering from. They may also suggest that you speak to your school or employer to understand your situation better.
It is important that the medical professional who is conducting your personal ADHD evaluation is a trained experienced psychiatrist. This will ensure that you receive the highest level of care. The same regulations apply to private healthcare providers as they do to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also adhere to the best practice guidelines which are outlined in NICE.
It is also helpful to bring any supporting documents along to the test. This could include medical records, psychological reports, letters from your GP or questionnaires you've completed. These records are required by your doctor to evaluate your symptoms and determine the most effective method of treatment.
You should also be aware that some medical staff have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to establish a valid diagnosis. This is particularly the case for people of color, who were not assigned a gender at birth, or who don't speak English natively.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex disorder that can affect every aspect of someone's life. It can affect concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd assessment can help identify the cause and help a person manage their symptoms and live better lives. Accurate diagnosis can help people find the appropriate treatment to ease symptoms, decrease their anxiety and improve their lives.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires an extensive medical history, questionnaires, and an exhaustive physical examination. The GP has discretion when it is time to diagnose ADHD however they have to take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment. The symptoms of an individual will be assessed using clinical interviews and a variety of scales that are validated. It is crucial that the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation has the abilities, knowledge and experience to diagnose ADHD. A Psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse is the best choice, however healthcare professionals who work in an NHS clinic could be suitable as they are controlled 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 because the GP is hesitant to refer someone or has a preconceived idea of what ADHD looks like. It can also be difficult for adults to receive a diagnosis because they don't always exhibit the typical symptoms of ADHD.
It is advisable to schedule an appointment at a trusted private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics, if you believe that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD symptoms. They offer online assessments for a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders and can offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to consult with your GP and explain the difficulties you're having at home, work or in social situations. They should be attentive to your concerns and make arrangements for you to be referred to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centers.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD may differ based on the person. It could involve medications or other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy suggested will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing and the severity. You should also consider if you have other mental health issues that could influence your symptoms.
There are concerns that private clinics are misdiagnosing people with ADHD. This was exposed in an Panorama investigation that found an undercover reporter schedule appointments online with three private clinics and receive powerful drugs following unreliable virtual assessments. The undercover reporter was able to answer questions about his symptoms truthfully, but did not tell the clinics he was a journalist.
It is vital that you have your assessment conducted by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs as well as other healthcare professionals with specific expertise, knowledge, experience and training in ADHD. It is not enough to possess a licence to practice, or to be listed on the NHS register to be considered an expert in ADHD.
During the ADHD assessment process, your doctor will talk about how you feel and the symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor will also inquire with you about any mental health issues and your family history. It is crucial to give your fullest answers to these questions because they are key to determining whether or not you are suffering from ADHD.
Once your assessment is complete, your clinician will talk to you about the next steps. This could involve a decision on whether or not to treat you with medication and a plan for the future care and follow-up. You can choose to continue to receive treatment as an individual patient or back to the NHS (known as shared care) should you wish to do this.
It is important to keep in mind that, if you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be difficult to get the medication you require on the NHS because of long waiting lists. The "Right to Choose" scheme has made it easier for adults living in England to access private diagnosis and treatment, and it is advised if you are waiting for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a child or teenager understand and accept their diagnosis and make positive lifestyle adjustments to improve their quality of life. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for many years and have been affecting their relationships or work could also benefit from a specialist ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is an inter-disciplinary team comprising Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists located in the UK with extensive experience assessing children and adults who suffer from ADHD. They provide a thorough ADHD evaluation with diagnosis and treatment suggestions according to NICE Guidelines. This can be paid in three or five installments at PS195 (excluding medications prescribed by clinicians). Certain private assessments require a GP referral letter, whereas others do not. Make sure to inquire with the service provider to find out what their policy is.