How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
This week, BBC's Panorama program investigated how some private clinics diagnosed adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed some alarming cases. But it also highlights the hardships of those who are caught between two rocks in a difficult place.
The NHS has long waiting times for adults seeking an ADHD assessment. Many opt to pay for a private assessment.
Signs and symptoms
A private ADHD assessment can provide the answers you are looking for if you or your child are suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often confused with other disorders, so a correct diagnosis is vital to your wellbeing.
The most prominent symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, at work and at home. Symptoms can also affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you identify whether you suffer from ADHD and provide you with the treatment you need to live your life to the fullest.
It is important that you find an individual ADHD assessor who can take the time to evaluate you as an individual. The specialist should be prepared for a three-hour assessment session. During the assessment your specialist will ask you how your ADHD symptoms affect your daily functioning. The specialist will also inquire about your family history and any other mental health issues you may have. They may also want to talk to your employer or school to get an understanding of your situation.
private adhd assessment london is essential that the doctor who conducts your personal ADHD evaluation is a qualified experienced and skilled psychiatrist. You will receive the best possible treatment. Private healthcare providers are governed by the same regulations as NHS healthcare professionals, and should adhere to best practice guidelines issued by NICE.
In addition, it's important to bring any supporting information you have with you at the time you take part in the test. This could include medical records and psychological reports, letters from your GP or questionnaires you've completed. This information is needed by your doctor to determine your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.
It is important to be aware that certain doctors have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD could look like. This can make it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. This is especially relevant for people of color, those who were assigned genders at birth, or who don't speak English natively.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition that can impact every aspect of a person's life. It can impact the ability to concentrate, impulsivity, as well as working memory. A private assessment of adhd can provide a diagnosis and allow a person to manage their symptoms and improve their lives. An accurate diagnosis can help people determine the best treatment option to ease symptoms, decrease anxiety and improve their life.
Diagnosis of adult ADHD is a process which involves a thorough examination as well as medical history and questionnaires. Doctors can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to take your concerns seriously. They will refer you to an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales will be used to assess the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is crucial that the healthcare professional carrying your test is skilled, knowledgeable and experience to diagnose ADHD. The best choice is to consult a Psychiatrist, or an ADHD specialist nurse. However healthcare professionals working in NHS clinics are also taken into consideration as they are licensed under the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
However, some people don't get the diagnosis that they deserve or require because of the stigma that surrounds mental health and ADHD. This could be due to the fact that an GP may be reluctant to refer them or due to an assumption about what it means to have ADHD. Adults can also have difficulty being diagnosed, as they may not show the typical symptoms of ADHD.
It is advisable to schedule an assessment at a reputable private clinic, such as Diverse Diagnostics, if you suspect that your child or yourself might have ADHD symptoms. They offer online assessments for a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders and can provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the issues you're experiencing at home, work or in social settings. They should be attentive to your concerns and arrange to have you referred to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD vary from individual to individual however, they can involve medication or different types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy suggested will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing and the degree of the symptoms. It is also important to consider whether you have any other mental health issues that may be affecting your symptoms.
Private clinics could be incorrectly diagnosing ADHD. Panorama's investigation has revealed that an undercover journalist was able to book appointments online with three private clinics and receive effective medication after a lack of trust in the virtual assessments. The journalist who was undercover answered questions honestly about his symptoms but 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 an expert in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have specific skills, knowledge and experience in ADHD. To be regarded as an ADHD specialist, it's not enough to possess a license to practice or be listed on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD assessment process, your doctor will ask you how you feel and what signs are present. They will also ask about your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you might have. It is important to provide the best possible answers to these questions as they are essential in determining if you suffer from ADHD.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the next steps with you. This will probably include a decision regarding whether or not to treat you with medication, and a plan for future care and follow-up. You can then choose to continue to receive treatment as private patient or go back to the NHS (known as shared care) if you wish to do so.
You should be aware that if you have been diagnosed with ADHD it can be difficult to obtain the medication you require on the NHS due to the 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 in the event that you cannot wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a teenager or child accept and understand their diagnosis, and makes positive lifestyle changes to improve their quality-of-life. A specialist ADHD assessment is also useful for adults who have struggled with the symptoms for a long time and have been affecting their relationships or work.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is a multidisciplinary team that includes Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists based in the UK with extensive experience in assessing adults and children with ADHD. They offer a thorough ADHD assessment, including diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines, which can be paid for in three or five payments of PS195 (excluding any medication suggested by a clinician). Some private assessments require a referral from a doctor however, others do not. Make sure to inquire with the provider to see what their policy is.