So You've Bought ADHD Private Assesment ... Now What?
How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama program this week has examined the ways in which private clinics identify adults with ADHD.
The investigation has revealed some worrying cases. However, it also reveals the hardships of those who are stuck between the rock and the hard place.
Waiting times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are lengthy. Many prefer to pay for a private assessment.
Symptoms

A private ADHD assessment will provide the answers you're seeking whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be misinterpreted as signs of other disorders. A correct diagnosis is crucial for your health.
The main symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These signs can cause difficulties at school, at working and at home. Relationships and emotional wellbeing can be affected by these symptoms. Private ADHD assessments will allow you to determine if you're ADHD and offer the help you require to lead your best life.
It is crucial to find a private ADHD assessor who will take the time necessary to assess you as an individual. It is not an easy process, and the professional must be prepared to commit up to three hours at the assessment session. During the assessment, your specialist will ask you to talk about how your ADHD symptoms affect your everyday functioning. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history and other mental health issues you may have. They may also want to contact your employer or your school to get more information about your situation.
It is essential that the medical professional who is conducting your personal ADHD assessment is a certified experienced and skilled psychiatrist. This will ensure you receive the best quality of care. The same regulations apply to private healthcare providers just as they apply to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also adhere to the guidelines for best practice that are which are outlined in NICE.
It is also helpful to bring any supporting documentation along to the assessment. This could include medical and psychological records, letters from your GP and questionnaires you've completed, or the results of the ADHD test. This information is required by your specialist to assess your symptoms and determine the most effective treatment plan.
It is also important to be aware that medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This could make it difficult for them to make an accurate diagnosis. This is especially relevant 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 affects every aspect of an individual's life. It affects the way that our brains function which can impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private adhd assessment can give a diagnosis and allow the patient to manage their symptoms and live better lives. A precise diagnosis can help patients find the appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms, reduce anxiety, and improve their lives.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD requires an extensive medical history, questionnaires, and a thorough physical exam. 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 are used to assess a person's symptoms. It is important that the healthcare professional who is carrying out your assessment has the expertise, skills and experience to diagnose ADHD. A Psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse is ideal, but healthcare professionals working in an NHS clinic may be suitable as they are regulated by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Unfortunately, some people don't get the diagnosis that they require or deserve due to the stigma associated with mental health and ADHD. adhd assessment private could be because a GP is reluctant to refer a patient or has a preconceived idea of what ADHD looks like. Adults can also have difficulty being diagnosed, as they might not display the classic symptoms of ADHD.
It is recommended to arrange an assessment at a reputable private clinic like Diverse Diagnostics, if you think that your child or you may be suffering from ADHD symptoms. They provide online assessments for a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders and can also provide an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to speak with your GP and explain the difficulties you're experiencing at work, home or in social settings. They should be attentive to your concerns and make arrangements for you to be referred to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centres.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD vary from person to person, but can include medication or different types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy you are recommended for will depend on your symptoms and the severity. You should also consider if you have other mental health issues that may be affecting your symptoms.
Private clinics could be misdiagnosing ADHD. This was highlighted in a Panorama investigation that saw an undercover reporter book online appointments with three different private clinics, and then receive powerful drugs after 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 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 who have specific expertise, knowledge and experience in ADHD. To be considered an ADHD specialist, it's not enough to have a license to practice or be listed on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD evaluation process, your doctor will ask you how you feel and what signs are present. private adhd assessment adult will also ask about your family history of ADHD as well as any other mental health issues you may have. It is important to provide the best possible answers to these questions because they are vital in determining if you have ADHD.
Once your assessment is complete, your clinician will talk to you about the next steps. This could include a decision regarding whether or not to treat you with medication, and a plan for future care and follow-up. If you wish you could continue treatment as a privately-paying client or return to the NHS for shared care.
It is important to be aware that if you have been diagnosed with ADHD it can be difficult to get the medication you require on the NHS due to long waiting lists. The "Right to Choose" scheme allows adults in England to obtain a private diagnosis and treatment. This is recommended if you can't wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment helps teens or children to accept and comprehend 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 years and have been affecting their work or relationships.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is an inter-disciplinary team comprising Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists based in the UK who have years of experience assessing children and adults who suffer from ADHD. They provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment that includes diagnosis and treatment recommendations that are in line with NICE guidelines, which can be paid for in three or five payments of PS195 (excluding any medication prescribed by the clinician). Some private assessments require the submission of a GP referral letter, whereas others do not. Make sure to check with the provider you choose for their policy.