How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama programme this week has looked into the way that private clinics diagnose adults suffering from ADHD.
The investigation has revealed some alarming incidents. It also highlights the hardship for people who are caught between a boulder and a hard place.
The NHS has long waiting times for adult ADHD assessment. Many prefer to pay for an assessment by a private company.
Signs and symptoms
A private ADHD assessment will give you the information you are looking for whether you or your child are suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms could be misinterpreted as other disorders. A proper diagnosis is essential to your health.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, at work and at home. Relationships and emotional wellbeing are affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments will help you determine whether you suffer from ADHD and will give you the treatment you need to live your best life.
When trying to get a private ADHD assessment, it is crucial to find one that will be able to evaluate your individual needs. This is not a quick process, and the specialist should be prepared to spend up to three hours during the assessment session. The specialist will inquire about 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 might also talk to your employer or your school to get a better understanding of your situation.
It is essential to make sure the healthcare professional conducting your private ADHD assessment is a certified and experienced psychiatrist. This will ensure that you receive the best quality of care. Private healthcare providers are subject to the same regulations as NHS healthcare professionals, and must adhere to best practice guidelines issued by NICE.
It is also helpful to bring any supporting documents along to the assessment. This could include psychological and medical documents as well as letters from your GP, questionnaires that you have completed or the results of the ADHD test. This information is needed by your specialist to assess your symptoms and determine the most effective method of treatment.
It is important to be aware that a few doctors have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD could appear like. This can make it difficult to determine a proper diagnosis. This is particularly relevant for people who are of color, have a gender assigned at birth, or are not native English speakers.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition that can impact the entire life of an individual. It can affect concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A personal adhd test can provide a diagnosis and allow the patient to manage their symptoms and live better lives. A clear diagnosis can help them discover a form of treatment which can relieve symptoms, reduce anxiety and improve their lives.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires an extensive medical history, questionnaires and an exhaustive physical exam. Doctors can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they must take your concerns seriously. They will recommend you to an assessment. The symptoms of an individual will be assessed using clinical interviews and a variety of scales for rating that have been validated. It is essential that the healthcare professional carrying out your assessment has the skills, knowledge and experience to diagnose ADHD. A specialist Psychiatrist or ADHD nurse is best but healthcare professionals working 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 get the diagnosis that they need or deserve because of the stigma that surrounds mental health and ADHD. This could be due to the fact that the GP might be unwilling to refer them, or because of an assumption about what it means to have ADHD. It is also difficult for adults to obtain an assessment because they do not always exhibit the typical symptoms of ADHD.
It is worth arranging an appointment at a trusted private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics, if you believe that you or your child might have ADHD symptoms. They offer online assessments to diagnose a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. They also offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to your GP about the issues you encounter at your home, at work or in social settings. They should take your concerns seriously and arrange to have you taken 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 medication or other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity and symptom. It is important to determine if you have any other mental health issues that could affect your symptoms.
Private clinics could be misdiagnosing ADHD. This was highlighted in an Panorama investigation, which saw an undercover reporter make appointments online with three private clinics and receive powerful drugs after inaccurate virtual assessments. The journalist who was undercover answered questions with honesty about his symptoms, but he did not inform the clinics that he was a reporter.
It is important that your assessment is carried out by a healthcare professional who has experience in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have specific skills as well as experience and knowledge in ADHD. It is not enough to have a licence to practice, or to be on the NHS register to be regarded as a specialist in ADHD.
During the ADHD assessment your doctor will go about how you feel and the symptoms you're experiencing. They will also inquire about your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you might have. You must answer with the most truthful answers possible to these questions since they are crucial in determining if you suffer from ADHD.
After your evaluation Your doctor will then discuss the next steps with you. This will likely involve a decision about whether to prescribe medication, and a plan for your care in the future and following up. If you'd like to, you can choose to continue treatment as a privately-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared treatment.
You must be aware when you've been diagnosed with ADHD it can be difficult to access the medication you need on the NHS due to the long waiting lists. The "Right to Choose" scheme has made it easier for adults living in England to obtain private diagnosis and treatment, and it is recommended if you are struggling to 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. on the main page is also beneficial for adults who have struggled 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 based in the UK who have years of experience assessing children and adults with ADHD. They offer a full ADHD assessment that includes diagnosis and treatment recommendations that are in line with NICE guidelines, which can be paid for with three or five payments of PS195 (excluding any medication recommended by clinicians). Some private assessments require a GP's referral, while others don't. Be sure to inquire with your chosen provider for their policies.