How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
This week, the BBC's Panorama program examined how certain private clinics diagnosed adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed some alarming cases. It also reveals the dire situation for people who are caught between a rock and a hard place.
The NHS has long waiting times for adults seeking an ADHD assessment. Many opt to pay for a privately-run assessment.
Symptoms
A private ADHD assessment can give you the information you're looking for whether you or your child are suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. A correct diagnosis is essential for your health.
The main symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These symptoms can lead to difficulties at school, work, and at home. The emotional well-being and relationships are affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments will help you determine if you are ADHD and offer the help you require to lead your best life.
It is important that you find an independent ADHD assessor who will take the time needed to assess you individually. This is not a quick process, and the professional should be prepared to spend up to three hours at the 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 may have. They might also want to speak to your school or employer to help you understand your situation.
It is crucial to ensure that the healthcare professional who is conducting your private ADHD assessment is a qualified and experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the highest possible treatment. Private healthcare providers are bound by the same rules as NHS healthcare professionals, and they should adhere to the best practice guidelines that are published by NICE.
It is also beneficial to bring any supporting documentation along to the assessment. This could include medical records, psychological reports, letters from your GP or questionnaires you've completed. This information is needed by your doctor to evaluate your symptoms and determine the most effective course of treatment.
You should also be aware that some medical staff have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. This is particularly relevant for people of color, people who were assigned genders at birth, or who do not speak English natively.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a nebulous disorder that can affect every aspect of an individual's life. It can impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd assessment can provide a diagnosis and help a person manage their symptoms and improve their lives. A precise diagnosis can help patients 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 of medical history, questionnaires and a thorough examination. GPs can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to take your concerns seriously. They will recommend you to an assessment. The symptoms of an individual will be evaluated using clinical interviews and a variety of scales that are validated. It is vital that the healthcare professional who conducts your test has the skills, knowledge, and expertise to recognize ADHD. A Psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse is best but healthcare professionals working in an NHS clinic can still be a good choice since they are subject to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
The stigma surrounding mental health and specifically ADHD means that some people do not get the diagnosis they need or deserve. This could be because the GP is reluctant to refer someone or has a preconceived notion of what ADHD is like. It can also be difficult for adults to obtain a diagnosis since they do not always present with the classic symptoms of ADHD.
It is recommended to arrange an appointment with a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics, if you believe that your child or you might have ADHD symptoms. They provide online assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental conditions and can also provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the issues you are having at work, at home or in social situations. They should take your concerns seriously and arrange for you to be referred to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centers.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD will vary based on the person. They may include medications or other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity and symptom. It is also crucial to determine if you suffer from any other mental health issues that may be affecting your symptoms, and to consider these when deciding on the best method of treatment.
Private clinics might be not correctly diagnosing ADHD. Panorama's investigation revealed that an undercover journalist was able make appointments online at three private clinics and receive powerful medications after unreliable assessments online. The undercover journalist answered questions honestly about his symptoms, but he did not inform the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is crucial that your evaluation is carried out by a healthcare professional who has experience in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists as well as GPs and other healthcare professionals with specific skills, knowledge of experience, and training in ADHD. It is not enough just to have a licence to practice, or to be registered on the NHS register to be regarded as an expert in ADHD.
During the ADHD assessment your doctor will go through how you are feeling and what symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you may have. You should provide the best possible answers to these questions since they are vital in determining whether you suffer from ADHD.
After your evaluation is completed Your doctor will talk to you about the next steps. It will likely involve a decision regarding whether or not to prescribe medication and an action plan for your future care and following up. You can choose to continue to receive treatment as a private patient or go back to the NHS (known as shared care) should you wish to do so.
You must be aware if you have been diagnosed with ADHD it can be difficult to obtain the medication you require on the NHS due to long waiting lists. The 'Right to Choose" scheme allows adults in England to obtain a treatment and diagnosis on their own. This is recommended if you can't wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a teenager or child recognize and accept their diagnosis, and implement positive lifestyle changes to improve their lives. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for a long time and are affecting their relationships or work may be able to benefit from a specialized ADHD assessment.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is a multidisciplinary team made up of Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists based in the UK with extensive experience in assessing adults and children who suffer from ADHD. They offer a comprehensive ADHD assessment that includes diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE Guidelines. The cost can be paid in three or five payments at PS195 (excluding medication recommended by clinicians). 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 policies.