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 some worrying cases. But it also reveals the suffering of those who are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The wait times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are lengthy. Many prefer to pay for a private assessment.
Symptoms
A private ADHD assessment will provide the answers you are looking for if you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for other disorders. An accurate diagnosis is essential for your health.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These signs can cause problems at school, at work, and at home. Relationships and emotional wellbeing are affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments can help you identify the signs of ADHD and will give you the treatment you require to live your best life.
If you're looking for a private ADHD assessment, it is crucial to find one that will take the time to assess you as an individual. This isn't a simple process, and the professional must be prepared to commit up to three hours at your assessment session. During the assessment, your specialist will have you discuss how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily functioning. Your specialist will also ask about your family history as well as any other mental health issues you might have. They may also want to speak with your employer or school to get a better understanding of your situation.
It is important that the medical professional who is conducting your private ADHD evaluation is a trained experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the best possible treatment. The same regulations apply to private healthcare providers just as they do to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also follow the best practice guidelines published in NICE.
It is also advisable to bring any supporting documentation along to the test. This could include medical records and psychological reports, letters from your GP or questionnaires you've completed. Your specialist will need to have these records to evaluate your symptoms and recommend a plan of treatment for you.
It is important to be aware that a few doctors have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD could look like. This makes it difficult to get a correct diagnosis. This is particularly relevant for people who are people of color, who is gender-specific at birth, or are not native English people.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex disorder which can impact the entire life of an individual. It can impact the ability to concentrate, impulsivity, as well as working memory. A private assessment of adhd can give a diagnosis and help a person take control of their symptoms and improve their lives. A precise diagnosis can help patients find the appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms, lessen their anxiety and improve their quality of life.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires an extensive medical history, questionnaires and an extensive physical examination. GPs have discretion when it is time to diagnose ADHD however they have to take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. The symptoms of a person will be evaluated using clinical interviews as well as a range of scales for rating that have been validated. It is crucial that the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation has the skills, knowledge and expertise to recognize ADHD. A specialist Psychiatrist or ADHD nurse is ideal, 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.
Unfortunately, some people don't get the diagnosis that they deserve or require because of the stigma surrounding mental health and ADHD. This could be because a GP is reluctant to refer someone to a specialist or has a preconceived idea of what ADHD appears to be. It can be a challenge for adults to get an assessment because they do not always exhibit the typical symptoms of ADHD.
It is advisable to schedule an appointment with a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics, if you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD symptoms. They offer online assessments that diagnose a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders and can also offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the issues you're having at work, home or in social situations. They should consider you a serious case and refer you to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory Hospitals or wellbeing centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from individual to individual however, they can involve medications or other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The type of therapy you are recommended for will depend on your symptoms and the severity. It is also important to consider whether you have any other mental health issues that may affect your symptoms.
There are concerns that some private clinics may be misdiagnosing patients with ADHD. This was exposed in an Panorama investigation that found an undercover reporter make appointments online at three different private clinics, and receive powerful drugs after unreliable assessments via virtual. The undercover journalist was able to answer questions with honesty about his symptoms however, he didn't inform the clinics that he was a reporter.
It is essential that your evaluation is conducted by a healthcare professional who has experience in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have specific skills, knowledge, experience and training in ADHD. It is not enough to possess a licence to practice, or to be registered on the NHS register to be considered a specialist in ADHD.
During the ADHD evaluation, your 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 that you might have. It is essential to answer fully to these questions, since they are key to determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
After your evaluation Your doctor will then discuss the next steps with you. This will likely involve a decision regarding whether or not to prescribe medication and the plan for your care in the future and following up. If you'd like, you can choose to continue treatment as a private-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared care.
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 due to long waiting lists. private adhd assessment london to Choose" scheme allows adults in England to obtain a treatment and diagnosis on their own. This is a good option in the event that you cannot wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a child or teenager recognize and accept their diagnosis and make positive lifestyle adjustments to improve their quality of life. A specialist ADHD assessment can be beneficial for adults who have been struggling with the symptoms for many years and have been affecting their relationship or work.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is a multidisciplinary team made up of Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists located in the UK with extensive experience assessing children and adults suffering from ADHD. They offer a comprehensive ADHD evaluation that includes diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE Guidelines. This can be paid in three or five installments at PS195 (excluding medications suggested by a clinician). Some private assessments do require a referral from a doctor however, others do not. Make sure to check with the provider you choose for their policy.