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 exposed some troubling instances. But it also highlights the plight of people who are stuck between two rocks in a difficult place.
The NHS has long waiting periods for adults seeking an ADHD assessment. Many choose to pay for a private assessment.
Symptoms
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of ADHD, a private ADHD assessment will help you find the answers you require. ADHD symptoms could be misinterpreted as other conditions. A correct diagnosis is essential to your health.
The main symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These signs can cause problems at school, at work, and at home. The emotional well-being and relationships can be affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments will allow you to determine if you suffer from ADHD and provide you with 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 to evaluate you in a person. This isn't a simple process, and the specialist must be prepared to commit up to three hours during the assessment session. During the examination, your doctor will be asking you to discuss how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily functioning. Your specialist will also ask about your family history and any other mental health issues that you may have. They may also wish to speak to your employer or school to better understand your situation.
It is crucial to ensure that the healthcare professional who is conducting your personal ADHD assessment is a qualified and experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the best possible care. The same rules apply to private healthcare providers just as they apply to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also follow the best practice guidelines which are outlined in NICE.
It is also helpful to bring any supporting documentation along to the test. This could include medical records, psychological reports or letters from your GP or questionnaires that you have completed. Discover More Here is needed by your specialist to assess your symptoms and determine the most effective treatment plan.
You should also be aware that medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. This is particularly true for people who are people of colour, gender assigned at birth or not native English people.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a nebulous disorder that can affect every aspect of the life of a person. It affects the way our brains function, which can affect concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd assessment will provide a diagnosis and help a person control their symptoms and improve their lives. Getting an accurate diagnosis can help them discover an appropriate treatment option that will ease symptoms, reduce anxiety and improve their quality of life.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires a thorough medical history, questionnaires and an exhaustive physical examination. Doctors are able to diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to consider your concerns seriously. They will refer you to an assessment. The symptoms of an individual will be assessed through clinical interviews as well as a range of validated rating scales. It is crucial that the healthcare professional carrying your test has the expertise, skills and experience to recognize ADHD. A specialist Psychiatrist or ADHD nurse is ideal, but healthcare professionals who work in an NHS clinic could be suitable as they are subject to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Unfortunately, the stigma associated with mental health and specifically ADHD can mean that a few people aren't given the diagnosis they require or deserve. This can be due to the fact that an GP may be reluctant to refer them or because of an assumption about what it looks like to be diagnosed with ADHD. Adults can also have difficulty getting a diagnosis, as they may not always show the classic symptoms of ADHD.
If you think you or your child may have symptoms of ADHD It is worth scheduling an appointment with a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics. They offer online assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental conditions and can offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. In the beginning, you should talk with your GP regarding the difficulties you encounter at home, at work, or in social situations. They should consider you a serious case and refer you to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory Hospitals or Wellbeing Centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from one person to another and can include medication or different types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The type of therapy you are recommended for will depend on your symptoms and the severity. It is also crucial to consider whether you have any other mental health issues which could be affecting your symptoms, and to consider these when deciding on the most effective course of treatment.
Private clinics might be not correctly diagnosing ADHD. This was highlighted in a Panorama investigation that saw an undercover reporter make appointments online with three private clinics, and receive powerful medications following unreliable assessments via virtual. 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 vital that you get your test conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have particular skills as well as experience and knowledge in ADHD. It is not enough just to have a licence to practice, or to be listed on the NHS register, to be considered an expert in ADHD.
During the ADHD evaluation process the doctor will ask you how you feel and what signs are present. They will also inquire about your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you may have. You should answer with the most truthful answers possible to these questions as they are crucial in determining if you have ADHD.
After your examination is complete Your doctor will talk to you about the next steps. It will likely involve a decision regarding whether to prescribe medication, and the plan for your care in the future and following up. You can choose to continue your treatment as private patient or go back to the NHS (known as shared care) If you choose to do so.
It is important to keep in mind that, if you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be difficult to obtain the medication you require from the NHS because of the long waiting lists. The "Right to Choose" scheme allows adults in England to get private diagnosis and treatment. This is a good option if you can't wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment can help a child or teenager understand and accept their diagnosis, and make positive lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life. A specialist ADHD assessment can be beneficial for adults who have struggled with the symptoms for a long time, affecting their work or relationships.
RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team comprised of UK located Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists who have extensive experience in conducting assessments for adults and children suffering from ADHD. They offer a full ADHD assessment with diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines. This assessment can be paid for with three or five payments of PS195 (excluding any medication prescribed by a clinician). Some private assessments require a referral from a doctor, while others don't. Make sure to check with the provider you choose for their policies.