How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama program this week has investigated the way some private clinics diagnose adults suffering from ADHD.
The investigation has revealed alarming cases. However, learn the facts here now reveals the hardships of those who are caught between a rock and a hard place.
Waiting times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are lengthy. Many opt to pay for an assessment with a private consultant.
Signs and symptoms
A private ADHD assessment will give you the information you're looking for If you or your child are suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. A proper diagnosis is crucial to your health.
Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the main symptoms of ADHD. These symptoms can lead to issues at school, at work, and at home. The emotional well-being and relationships can be affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments will help you determine whether you suffer from ADHD and provide the treatment you need to live your life to the fullest.
If you are looking to obtain an independent ADHD assessment it is important to choose a specialist who will take the time to assess your individual needs. It is not an easy process, and the specialist should be prepared to spend up to three hours during the assessment. During the assessment your specialist will ask you how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily functioning. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history and any other mental health issues that you may be suffering from. They may also suggest that you speak to your school or employer to help you understand your situation.
It is essential that the healthcare professional conducting your personal ADHD evaluation is a qualified, experienced psychiatrist. This will ensure that you receive the highest quality of care. The same rules apply to private healthcare providers as they apply to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also follow the guidelines for best practice that are which are outlined in NICE.
It is also advisable to bring any supporting documents along to the test. This could include medical records and psychological reports as well as letters from your GP or questionnaires you've completed. These records are required by your doctor to determine your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan.
It is also important to be aware that medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. This is especially relevant for people who are a person of color, who is gender-specific at birth, or are not native English speakers.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex disorder that can impact the entire life of an individual. It affects the way that our brains function which can impact the ability to concentrate, impulsivity and memory. A private adhd assessment can give a diagnosis and help a person take control of their symptoms and live better lives. Finding a reliable diagnosis can help them find a form of treatment which can relieve symptoms, reduce anxiety and improve their quality of life.
Diagnosis of adult ADHD is a process which involves a thorough exam as well as medical history and questionnaires. The GP has discretion when it is time to diagnose ADHD however they have to consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales will be used to evaluate the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is important that the healthcare professional carrying out your assessment has the skills, knowledge and experience to diagnose ADHD. The best choice is to speak with a Psychiatrist, or an ADHD specialist nurse. However healthcare professionals working in NHS clinics can also be assessed as they are regulated under the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
Unfortunately, the stigma associated with mental health and particularly ADHD can mean that a few sufferers are not given the diagnosis they need or deserve. This is due to the fact that the GP may be reluctant to refer them or due to an assumption about what it means to have ADHD. It can also be difficult for adults to get a diagnosis since they do not always have the typical signs of ADHD.
It is advisable to schedule an assessment at a reputable private clinic, such as Diverse Diagnostics, if you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD symptoms. They offer online assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental disorders and can offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk with your GP and explain the difficulties you're experiencing at work, home or in social situations. They should consider you a serious case and suggest you see an ADHD specialist in one of the Priory Hospitals or wellbeing centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD will vary based on the individual. They could include medications or other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy you are recommended for 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 affect your symptoms.
Some private clinics may be misdiagnosing ADHD. Panorama's investigation has revealed that an undercover journalist was able book appointments online with three private clinics and receive powerful medications following unreliable assessments online. The undercover journalist was able to answer questions with honesty about his symptoms but did not inform the clinics that he was a reporter.
It is essential that your assessment is carried out by a healthcare specialist who has experience in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs as well as other healthcare professionals with specific knowledge, skills and experience in ADHD. To be regarded as an ADHD specialist, it is not enough to possess a license to practice or be listed on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD assessment process your doctor will go about how you're feeling and what symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about your family history of ADHD as well as any other mental health issues that you might have. It is important that you answer fully to these questions because they are key to determining whether or not you are suffering from ADHD.
After your assessment, your clinician will discuss the next steps with you. This will probably involve a decision on whether or not to treat you with medication, and a plan for future treatment and follow-up. You may then decide to continue your treatment as an individual patient or back to the NHS (known as shared care) If you choose to do so.
You must be aware If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it may be difficult to access the medication you need 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 recommended if you are struggling to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment helps a teenager or child accept and understand their diagnosis, and make positive lifestyle modifications to improve their lives. Adults who have suffered from ADHD symptoms for many years and have a negative impact on their relationships or work could be able to benefit from a specialized ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team of UK based Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists who have years of experience assessing children and adults with ADHD. They offer a full ADHD assessment with diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines. The assessment can be paid for in three or five installments of PS195 (excluding any medication recommended by a clinician). Certain private assessments require an GP referral letter, while others do not. Check with your chosen provider to find out their policy.