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 alarming cases. However, it also 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 long. Many choose to pay for a privately conducted assessment.
Symptoms
If you or your child are suffering from symptoms of ADHD, a private ADHD assessment can provide the answers you've been looking for. ADHD symptoms are often misinterpreted as other disorders, so an accurate diagnosis is essential for your health.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and an impulsive nature are the primary symptoms of ADHD. These signs can cause difficulties at school, work and at home. Symptoms can also affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you understand the signs of ADHD and provide the treatment you need to live your best life.
If you're looking for an independent ADHD assessment, it is essential to find a professional who will take the time to assess you as an individual. The specialist must be ready for a three-hour assessment session. The specialist will ask how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily functioning. They will also discuss your family history and any other mental health issues you may have. They may also wish to discuss your situation with your employer or school to understand your situation better.
It is important to make sure the healthcare professional conducting your personal ADHD assessment is a trained and experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the top possible care. The same rules apply to private healthcare providers as they apply to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also adhere to the guidelines for best practice that are published in NICE.
Additionally, it's helpful to have any supporting information with you when you attend the assessment. This could include medical records, psychological reports, letters from your GP or questionnaires that you have completed. Your doctor will need to have these documents to evaluate your symptoms and suggest a course of treatment for you.
You should be aware that certain doctors have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD could appear like. This makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. This is especially the case for people of color, those who were assigned genders at birth, or who do not speak English natively.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex disorder that can affect the entire life of an individual. It affects the way our brains function which can impact concentration, impulsivity and working memory. A private adhd assessment can help identify the cause and help a person take control of their symptoms and improve their lives. An accurate diagnosis can help people find the appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms, lessen their anxiety and improve their lives.
Diagnosis of adult ADHD is a process which involves a thorough exam, medical history and questionnaires. Doctors have discretion when comes to diagnosing ADHD but they'll need to take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. The symptoms of an individual will be evaluated using clinical interviews and a number of validated rating scales. It is vital that the healthcare professional conducting your assessment has the necessary abilities, knowledge and experience to diagnose ADHD. A Psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse is best but healthcare professionals who work in an NHS clinic may be suitable since they are regulated by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
The stigma surrounding mental health and specifically ADHD can mean that a few people aren't given the treatment they require or deserve. private adhd assessments could be because the GP is hesitant to refer someone to a specialist or has a preconceived notion of what ADHD looks like. It is also difficult for adults to receive a diagnosis because they don't always have the typical signs of ADHD.
If you think you or your child may be suffering from symptoms of ADHD you should consider scheduling an appointment with a reputable private clinic such as Diverse Diagnostics. They offer online assessments that diagnose a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. They also provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk with your GP and explain the difficulties you are having at work, at home or in social situations. They should be able to take you seriously and suggest you see an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centers.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from individual to individual, but can include medications or other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy you are recommended for will depend on your symptoms and the degree of the symptoms. It is also essential to consider whether you have any other mental health issues that may be affecting your symptoms, and to consider these when deciding on the most effective course of treatment.
There are fears that certain private clinics may be misdiagnosing patients with ADHD. This was exposed in an Panorama investigation that saw an undercover reporter make appointments online with three different private clinics and receive powerful drugs following inaccurate virtual assessments. The undercover journalist answered questions with honesty about his symptoms however, he didn't inform the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is crucial that your assessment is conducted by a healthcare professional who has expertise in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs, and other healthcare professionals who have particular skills with knowledge and experience in ADHD. To be deemed an ADHD specialist, it is not enough to possess a license to practice or to be on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD assessment process the 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 may have. It is important to give your best answers to these questions since they are essential in determining if you suffer from ADHD.
After your evaluation Your doctor will then discuss the next steps with you. This could include a decision on whether to prescribe medication and a plan for your future treatment and following up. If you'd like you want to continue treatment as a privately-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared care.
It is worth bearing in mind that when you're diagnosed with ADHD, it can be difficult to get the medication you require on the NHS because of long waiting lists. The "Right to Choose" scheme has made it easier for adults in England to access private diagnosis and treatment and this is recommended if you are struggling to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment helps a teenager or child to accept and comprehend their diagnosis, and implement positive lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for many years 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 located in the UK who have extensive experience in assessing adults and children who suffer from ADHD. They provide a full ADHD evaluation with diagnosis and treatment recommendations according to NICE Guidelines. This can be paid in three or five installments at PS195 (excluding medication suggested by a clinician). Some private assessments do require a referral from a physician and some don't. Check with the provider to determine their policy is.