How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama programme this week has investigated the way some private clinics diagnose adults suffering from ADHD.
The investigation has revealed some alarming instances. It also highlights the plight for those who are between a rock ad a hard place.
The NHS has long waiting periods for adult ADHD assessment. Many choose to pay for an assessment by a private company.
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 could be misinterpreted as other disorders. A proper diagnosis is crucial for your health.
The most common symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. These signs can cause issues at school, at work and at home. Symptoms can also affect relationships and emotional well-being. Private ADHD assessments can help you determine if you're ADHD and provide you with the help you require to lead a fulfilling life.
private adult adhd assessment uk is important that you find an individual ADHD assessor who will take the time to evaluate you individually. This isn't a simple process, and the specialist must be prepared to commit up to three hours during the assessment session. During the assessment your specialist will ask how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history and any other mental health issues you may be suffering from. They might also contact your employer or school to gain a better understanding of your situation.
It is important that the doctor who conducts your personal ADHD evaluation is a qualified experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the top possible treatment. Private healthcare providers are subject to the same rules as NHS healthcare professionals, and they should adhere to the best practice guidelines that are published by NICE.
It is also advisable to bring any supporting documentation along to the assessment. This could include your medical and psychological records or letters from your GP, questionnaires that you've completed or the results of the ADHD test. This information is needed by your specialist to assess your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan.
You should also be aware that some medical staff have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to get a correct diagnosis. This is especially relevant for people who are of colour, gender assigned at birth, or who are not native English people.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex disorder that can affect every aspect of an individual's life. It affects the way that our brains function, which can affect concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private assessment of adhd can provide a diagnosis and allow the patient to manage their symptoms and improve their lives. Finding a reliable diagnosis can help them discover a form of treatment which can ease symptoms, decrease anxiety and improve their life quality.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires a thorough medical history, questionnaires, and an extensive physical examination. GPs can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they must take your concerns seriously. They will send you to an assessment. The symptoms of an individual will be assessed using clinical interviews and a number of validated rating scales. It is important that the healthcare professional carrying out your assessment is skilled, knowledgeable and experience to recognize ADHD. The best option is to talk to a psychiatrist or an ADHD specialist nurse. However healthcare professionals working in NHS clinics can also be assessed as they are regulated by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
The stigma surrounding mental health and particularly ADHD can mean that a few people do not get the diagnosis they need or deserve. This can be due to the fact that the GP may be reluctant to refer them or because of a preconceived idea about what it looks like to have ADHD. It is also difficult for adults to obtain an assessment because they may not have the typical signs of ADHD.
It is worth arranging an appointment at a trusted private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics, if you think that your child or yourself may have ADHD symptoms. They provide online assessments to diagnose a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. They also provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk with your GP about the difficulties that you encounter at home, at work or in social situations. They should take you seriously and recommend you to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory Hospitals or Wellbeing Centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from person to person however, they can involve medication or other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of treatment you are recommended for will depend on the severity and nature of symptoms. It is also crucial to think about whether you have any other mental health issues which could affect your symptoms, and to take these into account when deciding on the best course of treatment.
Private clinics could be incorrectly diagnosing ADHD. Panorama's investigation has revealed that an undercover journalist was able make appointments online with three private clinics, and received powerful medications after unreliable assessments via virtual devices. The undercover journalist was able to answer questions in a straight and honest manner about his health however, he didn't inform the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is crucial to have your assessment conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists as well as GPs and other healthcare professionals with specific knowledge, skills, experience and training in ADHD. It is not enough to possess a licence to practice, or to be on the NHS register to be regarded as an expert in ADHD.
During the ADHD assessment process the doctor will talk 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 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.
Once your assessment is complete, your clinician will discuss with you the next steps. It will likely include a decision about whether or not to treat you with medication and a plan of care and follow-up. If you'd like to, you can choose to continue treatment as a privately-paying client or return to the NHS for shared care.
You must be aware when you've been diagnosed with ADHD it may be difficult to get the medication you require from the NHS because of long waiting lists. The "Right to choose" scheme allows adults in England to obtain a private diagnosis and treatment. This is a good option in the event that you cannot 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 quality of life. A specialist ADHD assessment is also useful for adults who have been struggling with the symptoms for a long time and have been affecting their work or relationships.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team of UK based Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists with extensive experience conducting assessments for adults and children suffering from ADHD. They offer a thorough ADHD assessment with diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines, which can be paid for with three or five payments of PS195 (excluding any medication suggested by a clinician). Certain private assessments require a referral from a physician and some don't. Check with your chosen provider for their policy.