How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help

This week, the BBC's Panorama program looked into how private clinics diagnose adults with ADHD.

The investigation has highlighted some alarming cases. However, it also reveals the suffering of those who are stuck between the rock and the hard place.

Waiting times for adult add adhd ADHD assessments on the NHS are long. Many opt to pay for a privately-run assessment.

Symptoms

A private ADHD assessment will provide the answers you're seeking whether you or your child are suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be misinterpreted as signs of other disorders. An accurate diagnosis is essential for your health.

Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the main symptoms of ADHD. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, at work and in the home. Relations and emotional wellbeing can be affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments can help you understand if you have ADHD and will give you the treatment you need to live your best life.

It is important that you locate an independent ADHD assessor who can take the time to evaluate you in a person. This is not a quick procedure, and the expert should be prepared to spend up to three hours during the assessment. During the assessment, your specialist will be asking you to discuss how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily functioning. The specialist will also inquire about your family history as well as any other mental health issues you may have. They might also speak with your school or employer to get a better understanding of your situation.

It is important that the doctor who conducts your personal ADHD assessment is a certified experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the highest possible care. The same rules apply to private health providers as they apply to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also adhere to the best practice guidelines published in NICE.

It is also advisable to bring any supporting documentation along to the assessment. This could include medical records and psychological reports as well as letters from your GP or questionnaires that you have completed. These records are required by your specialist to assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.

You should be aware that a few doctors have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD might look like. This can make it difficult to establish a valid diagnosis. This is especially the case for those who are of colour, gender assigned at birth, or who are not native English people.

Diagnosis

ADHD is a complicated disorder that affects every aspect of a person's life. It affects the way that our brains function, which could impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd evaluation will provide a diagnosis, Adult Add Adhd allowing a person to control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. A clear diagnosis can allow them to find the right treatment that will ease symptoms, reduce anxiety and improve their life quality.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires an extensive medical history, questionnaires and an exhaustive physical exam. The GP has discretion when it is time to diagnose ADHD but they'll need to take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. The symptoms of a person will be evaluated using clinical interviews as well as a range of validated rating scales. It is vital that the healthcare professional conducting your assessment has the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to identify ADHD. A Psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse is the best choice, however healthcare professionals working in an NHS clinic could be suitable since they are regulated by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

Unfortunately, the stigma associated with mental health, and especially ADHD results in some sufferers are not given the diagnosis they need or deserve. This could be due to the fact that a GP is reluctant to refer someone to a specialist or has a preconceived notion of what ADHD is like. It is also difficult for adults to receive a diagnosis since they do not always exhibit the typical symptoms of ADHD.

If you think that you or your child may have symptoms of ADHD, it is worth making an appointment to have an assessment by a reputable private practice such as Diverse Diagnostics. They provide online assessments to diagnose a range of neurodevelopmental disorders and can also offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. In the beginning, you should talk with your GP about the issues 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 vary from one person to another and can 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. You should also consider if you have any other mental health issues that could be affecting your symptoms.

Private clinics might be incorrectly diagnosing ADHD. This was highlighted in a Panorama investigation, which saw an undercover reporter able to book online appointments at three different private clinics, and then receive powerful drugs following inaccurate virtual assessments. The undercover reporter was able to answer questions regarding his symptoms in a truthful manner, but did not tell the clinics he was a journalist.

It is important that your test is conducted by a healthcare specialist who has expertise in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs and other healthcare professionals who have specific skills, knowledge and experience in ADHD. It is not enough to possess a licence to practice, or to be listed on the NHS register to be regarded as an expert in ADHD.

During the ADHD evaluation, your doctor will ask you about how you feel and what signs are present. They will also inquire about your family history of ADHD as well as any other mental health issues that you might have. It is important that you answer fully to these questions, as they are key to determining whether or not you are suffering from ADHD.

After your examination is complete the doctor will discuss with you the next steps. This could involve a decision about whether to prescribe medication, and the plan for your care in the future and follow-up. If you wish, you can choose to continue treatment as a privately-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared treatment.

It is important to keep in mind that, in the event that you're diagnosed with ADHD it may be difficult to obtain the medication you need on the NHS because of the long waiting lists. The "Right to Choose" scheme allows adults in England to obtain a treatment and diagnosis on their own. This is a good option if you can't wait for an NHS appointment.

Support

A private ADHD assessment can help a teenager or child accept and understand their diagnosis, and makes positive lifestyle modifications to improve their lives. A specialist ADHD assessment is also beneficial for adults who have been struggling with the symptoms for years which have affected their relationships or work.

RTN Mental Health Solutions has a multidisciplinary team consisting of UK based Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists who have years of experience assessing children and adults adhd with ADHD. They offer a thorough ADHD assessment with diagnosis and treatment recommendations in accordance with NICE guidelines, which can be paid for in three or five payments of PS195 (excluding any medication suggested by clinicians). Some private assessments do require a referral from a physician and some don't. Make sure to check with the provider you choose for their policies.