How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama programme this week has looked into the way that private clinics identify adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed some alarming incidents. However, it also reveals the hardships of those who are stuck between two rocks in a difficult place.
Waiting times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are lengthy. Many prefer to pay for an assessment with a private consultant.
private adhd assessment adults and symptoms
A private ADHD assessment can provide the answers you are looking for if you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms are often misinterpreted as other disorders, so a correct diagnosis is vital to your overall health.
The most prominent symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These issues can create issues at school, work and at home. These symptoms can affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you determine if you suffer from ADHD and offer the treatment that you need to lead your best life.
It is important that you locate an individual ADHD assessor who can take the time necessary to assess you as an individual. This is not a quick procedure, and the expert is expected to devote more than three hours in the assessment. During the assessment, your specialist will have you discuss how your ADHD symptoms affect your everyday functioning. They will also talk about your family history as well as any other mental health issues that you may have. They might also speak with your employer or school to gain an understanding of your situation.
It is crucial to ensure that the healthcare professional conducting your private ADHD assessment is a certified and experienced psychiatrist. This will ensure you receive the best quality of treatment. The same regulations apply to private health providers as they apply to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also adhere to the guidelines for best practice which are outlined in NICE.
It is also helpful to bring any supporting documents along to the assessment. This could include medical and psychological documents, letters from your GP and questionnaires you have completed, or the results of the ADHD test. These records are required by your doctor to evaluate your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan.
You should be aware that certain doctors have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD might look like. This could make it difficult for them to make an accurate diagnosis. This is especially true for people who are people of colour, gender assigned at birth, or who are not native English speakers.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a nebulous disorder that can impact every aspect of the life of a person. It can affect the ability to concentrate, impulsivity, as well as working memory. A private adhd assessment can give a diagnosis and help a person manage their symptoms and live better lives. Finding a reliable diagnosis can allow them to find a form of treatment which will ease symptoms, reduce anxiety and improve their life quality.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires a thorough medical history, questionnaires and an extensive physical examination. Doctors are able to diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to consider your concerns seriously. They will recommend you to an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales will be used to evaluate a person's symptoms. It is crucial that the healthcare professional who conducts your assessment has the necessary abilities, knowledge and experience to diagnose ADHD. A Psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse is the best choice, however healthcare professionals who are based in an NHS clinic can still be a good choice since they are regulated by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Unfortunately, some people don't get the diagnosis that they deserve or require due to the stigma associated with mental health and ADHD. This could be due to the fact that the GP is hesitant to refer someone to a specialist or has a preconceived idea of what ADHD is like. Adults may also have trouble finding a diagnosis, since they may not always show the typical symptoms of ADHD.
If you think you or your child might be suffering from symptoms of ADHD, it is worth arranging for an assessment with a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics. They offer online assessments that diagnose a range of neurodevelopmental disorders and can also provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. In the beginning, you should talk to your GP about the difficulties that you encounter at home, at work, or in social settings. They should be attentive to your concerns and arrange to have you taken to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centers.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from one person to another, but can include medication or other forms of therapy such as cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). The type of treatment suggested will depend on the severity and symptom. It is important to determine if you have any other mental health issues that may be affecting your symptoms.
Private clinics could be not correctly diagnosing ADHD. Panorama's investigation found that an undercover journalist was able to book appointments online with three private clinics and receive powerful medication after a lack of trust in the virtual assessments. The journalist who was undercover answered questions with honesty about his symptoms but did not inform the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is important that your test is performed by a healthcare professional who has expertise 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 just to have an official license to practice or to be listed on the NHS register to be considered a specialist in ADHD.
During the ADHD evaluation your doctor will inquire with you about your feelings and what signs are present. Your doctor will also ask you about any mental health issues and your family history. You should provide the best possible answers to these questions since they are crucial in determining if you suffer from ADHD.
After your evaluation, your clinician will discuss the next steps with you. It 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 to you want to continue treatment as a privately-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that if you are diagnosed with ADHD, it can be difficult to obtain the medication you require on the NHS because of the long waiting lists. The 'Right to choose' scheme has made it easier for adults in England to get a private diagnosis and treatment, and is highly advised if you are struggling to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a child or teen recognize and accept their diagnosis and make positive lifestyle changes to improve their lives. A specialist ADHD assessment is also useful for adults who have struggled with the symptoms for years, affecting their work or relationships.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team of UK located Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists with extensive experience assessing children and adults with ADHD. They offer a full ADHD assessment that includes diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines. This assessment can be paid for with three or five installments of PS195 (excluding any medication recommended by a clinician). Some private assessments do require a referral from a doctor and some don't. Make sure to check with the provider you choose to find out their policy.