The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under Questioning
A BBC Panorama investigation has recently revealed the quality of private clinic ADHD assessment into question. The investigation by the BBC Panorama revealed that an undercover journalist was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics, despite a more thorough NHS assessment which found that he was not suffering from the condition.
However, many patients are forced to obtain private diagnoses and treatment due to logjammed NHS waiting lists. But how do private assessments perform?
What is a private assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a comprehensive process that starts with a thorough interview, whether in person or via the phone or via video link. The psychologist or psychiatrist who is assessing you will also complete an extensive medical history and may conduct additional tests, such as neuropsychological tests to provide insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbid conditions that you may have.
During the assessment, your clinician will discuss the impact that your symptoms impact your life and will work towards finding the most effective method of treatment for you. It could be CBT or medication, but it's important to determine what works best for you.
Our team of psychologists, psychiatrists and other professionals are experts in the evaluation of adults with ADHD. Our clinics have been certified by NHS England's 'Right To Choose' legislation, which provides you with the legal right to seek out specialist mental health treatment outside of your general practitioner. This is an enormous benefit because the NHS can have very long waiting times.
Many people with unmanaged ADHD experience serious problems with their personal and professional lives, and this can have a major impact on self esteem and overall wellbeing. Untreated ADHD can lead to depression or anxiety. This is why we believe that an adult-only ADHD assessment is so valuable, it can help you get the answers you need earlier, and help you find the best solution for you.
After receiving a diagnosis and you are able to return to your GP for what is known as an "shared care agreement". The psychiatrist or psychologist who diagnosed you will write to your GP with a form to sign that states that you are returning to their care. You will then be able to go back to your GP for follow up appointments and ongoing treatment.
It's important to remember that only an expert psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD and they are the only ones who can prescribe medication for it. Other mental health professionals, including psychologists, can carry out an assessment for ADHD but they are not able to prescribe medication.
Benefits of an assessment by a private person
Many people are seeking an individual ADHD evaluation because they are tired of waiting years for an NHS referral. This can be particularly frustrating for adults who have seen the damage that untreated ADHD causes to their professional life, relationships and financial security.
Private assessments are typically shorter in duration than NHS assessments and can be performed at a time to suit the client. Some clinics also provide flexible payment plans or accept insurance as a method of payment. The cost of a private exam will differ from provider to service, therefore it is essential to shop around and find a clinic that is suitable for your requirements and budget.
A private ADHD test is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist, as they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. These professionals are trained to observe, conduct interviews and administer psychometric tests to assess ADHD symptoms. The process of assessment will comprise questionnaires to determine whether you have enough symptoms of ADHD and observations at school and home (if appropriate), an in-depth psychological assessment and discussion of your family health history.
Psychologists are also able to identify other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which may co-exist with ADHD. Having these conditions identified and treated can have substantial benefits for people's health and wellbeing. It can also reduce the necessity for GPs to prescribe additional medication.
After a diagnosis is established, the physician will recommend treatment options, and suggest ways to manage the symptoms, including education, support at workplace or at home, exercise, diet, and lifestyle modifications. If medication is prescribed, a shared care agreement may be required between the GPs and patients.
Untreated ADHD can result in serious and lasting problems, such as criminal activity as well as substance abuse and even a decline in life expectancy. Untreated ADHD can have a similar impact as untreated Type 2 Diabetes in middle age. Therefore, it is essential that patients receive the support and help they require.
What to Expect during the Private Assessment
Scheduling an evaluation for your child or yourself can be overwhelming. Once you've got an appointment set, you can breathe a sigh relief.
It is important that you choose a doctor who has experience in ADHD assessment. They are medical professionals. Usually, they are psychiatrists or psychologists. They will discuss your history and symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They will also ask you to complete one or more of the standardized behavior rating scales, which are based on research that compares behaviors of people with and without ADHD.
These assessments will be discussed during your appointment. You could be diagnosed with ADHD or a different mental health issue like depression, learning disabilities, drinking and drug addiction or anxiety. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you and your psychiatrist will discuss the options for treatment. In general, it is advised that a prescribed medication regimen be paired with specialized coaching. This approach has been shown to produce the best long-term results in controlling symptoms for people suffering from ADHD.
Get recommendations from healthcare professionals that you trust when selecting a psychiatrist or a psychologist to conduct your examination. Examine the professional's accreditation, academic credentials and experience in treating adults with ADHD.
Your appointment will be scheduled and confirmed once you have completed the pre-screening forms. Once you've booked an appointment, these forms will be on your portal dashboard. They must be returned to your clinician by a certain date. They are vital to the appointment, as your physician will not see you until the forms have been approved and reviewed.
It is important to be honest during your assessment with the psychiatrist or psychologist who is conducting the assessment. This will help them identify the problem and determine your best treatment options. It is crucial to discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You may want to speak with the doctor, for example, you are having difficulty keeping financial records, or completing tasks at work or home.
What to Expect Following A Private Assessment
A private assessment begins with a medical interview that focuses on the symptoms and medical history. In this phase it is essential that the person being evaluated be open and honest, without holding back information because of guilt or fear of being judged. The accuracy of information will determine the quality of evaluation and treatment recommendations.
A questionnaire is usually given to the patient by the psychiatrist. The purpose of this questionnaire is to help doctors identify and rate different symptoms of adult ADHD such as impulsivity and lack of attention. The psychiatrist will inquire with the patient about the symptoms and how they have affected their lives. They will also talk about their personal relationships.
Many private assessments will include an immediate family member or friend for additional information. This is because the psychiatrist wants to know if the patient's symptoms affect them at home or in high-stress workplace situations. It can be difficult to assess how significant these effects are when a person is in an office with a psychiatrist, and this is why it is useful for someone who knows them well to provide feedback.
Some professionals may use additional tools during an assessment, like cognitive tests or a neuropsychological test. These tests can give an extensive view of the person's strengths, weaknesses, as well as any comorbid conditions that could contribute to the symptoms.
Report writing is typically the final stage of an evaluation. how to get a private adhd assessment will contain the diagnosis, and an appropriate treatment plan. The report will also provide suggestions for how to manage ADHD symptoms and improve functioning at school, work and home.
If you think you or your child might have ADHD an assessment by a private specialist is a good option. While it is possible to obtain an ADHD diagnosis through the NHS however, waiting times can be lengthy. Private assessments can be more efficient, and you can pick your individual specialist. This can make the process less stressful.