The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under Questioning
A BBC Panorama investigation has recently revealed the quality of private clinic ADHD assessment under scrutiny. The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that an undercover journalist was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics despite a more thorough NHS assessment which found that he did not suffer from the condition.
However, many patients are forced to obtain private diagnosis and treatment due to the long NHS waiting lists. How do private assessments work however?
What is a private assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a thorough process that begins with a clinical interview, either in person, over the phone or via video link. The psychiatrist or psychologist who will be conducting the assessment will collect an extensive medical history and may use additional tests like neuropsychological tests to gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses as and any comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from.
During the evaluation your doctor will talk about the impact your symptoms have on your life and work on finding the most effective method of treatment for you. This could include medication or CBT therapy, but each person is different, which is why it's crucial to determine the best treatment for you.
Our team consisting of psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals are experts in the evaluation of adult ADHD. Our clinics are accredited by NHS England's ‘Right to Choose’ legislation, which gives you the right to seek specialist mental health care outside of your primary care physician. This is an enormous benefit since the NHS has very long waiting times.
Many people with unmanaged ADHD have serious issues with their professional and personal lives. This can have a major impact on self-esteem and well-being. If not treated, ADHD can lead to depression or anxiety. We believe that the private ADHD assessment for adults can be extremely beneficial. It will provide the answers you require and the best solution.
If you've had a diagnosis you can then return to your GP under what's known as a shared care agreement. The psychologist or psychiatrist who diagnosed you will write to your GP with a form for you to sign that states that you will be returning to their care. You will then be able to return to your GP to schedule follow-up appointments and ongoing treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that only a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in the field can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, such as psychologists, are able to conduct an assessment for ADHD but they are not able to prescribe medication.
Benefits of a private assessment
Many people seek an independent ADHD evaluation because they are tired waiting years for an NHS referral. This can be particularly frustrating for adults who have seen how untreated ADHD affects their work life and relationships, as well as their financial security.
Private assessments tend to be shorter than NHS ones, and can be scheduled at a time that works for the client. Some clinics also provide flexible payment plans or accept insurance as a means of payment. Private assessments can vary in cost from one clinic to another, so be sure to search around for the clinic that best suits your needs.
A private ADHD assessment is usually completed by a psychiatrist or psychologist, as they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They are skilled in observing conducting interviews and administering psychometric tests that assess for the symptoms of ADHD. The assessment process will include questionnaires to determine whether you have enough symptoms of ADHD, observations at school and at home (if appropriate) and a thorough psychological assessment and discussion of your family medical history.
private adhd assessment for adults are also able detect comorbid conditions that could be co-existent with ADHD like anxiety and depression. These conditions can have a significant effect on the health of a person and can reduce the need for GPs prescribing other medications.
After a diagnosis has been established, the doctor will then recommend treatments and suggest ways to control symptoms, for example education as well as support at home or in the workplace exercise, diet and lifestyle changes. A shared care agreement between the doctor and patient could also be required, if medication is prescribed.
Untreated ADHD can cause serious and long-lasting problems like criminality or substance abuse, and even a decline in life expectancy. Untreated ADHD could have the same impact as untreated Type 2 Diabetes in middle age. It is therefore vital that patients receive the support and help they need.
What to Expect During an Assessment in Private
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, or think your child has it, scheduling an evaluation can feel overwhelming. Once you have an appointment scheduled, however you can breathe a sigh relief.
It is crucial to select the right specialist who has been trained in conducting an ADHD assessment. They are medical professionals. They are usually psychologists or psychiatrists. They will discuss your history and symptoms and conduct a clinical exam. You will be asked to fill out one or several standardized behavior rating scores based on research comparing the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not.
These scores will be discussed during your consultation. You may be diagnosed with ADHD or another mental health issue, like depression, learning disabilities, alcohol and drug abuse or anxiety. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you. In general, it is recommended to combine a medication regimen with specialized coaching. This approach has shown to be the most effective approach to controlling symptoms for clients with ADHD.
When selecting a psychologist or psychiatrist to carry out your assessment and evaluation, seek recommendations from other patients or healthcare professionals you trust. Once you've chosen a specialist, check their professional certification and academic qualifications, as well as whether they've had prior experience treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Your appointment will be scheduled and confirmed after you have completed the pre-screening questions. They are available on your portal dashboard after you have booked an appointment and need to be returned by the date set by your doctor. These forms are essential to your appointment since your clinician won't meet you until they've been approved and reviewed.
It is crucial to be completely honest during your assessment with the psychiatrist or psychologist carrying out it. This will help them determine the most accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment options. It is essential to discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. You may want to tell the practitioner if you struggle to keep the track of your finances or performing tasks at work or home.
What to Expect After a Private Assessment
A private evaluation will begin with a medical interview that concentrates on the symptoms and medical history. In this phase it is crucial that the person who is being evaluated be honest and open, without holding back information because of feelings of shame or fear of criticism. The accuracy of information will determine the quality of evaluation and treatment recommendations.
A questionnaire is often given to the patient by the psychiatrist. This is intended to assist the doctor in identifying and evaluate the various signs of adult ADHD, including impulsivity and inattention. The psychiatrist will inquire with the patient about the symptoms and how they've impacted their lives. They will also discuss their personal relationships.
In many private evaluations, a close family member or a close friend may be considered as collateral information. This is because the psychiatrist would like to know whether the person's symptoms affect them at home or in high-stress work situations. It can be difficult to gauge the severity of these effects when a person is alone with psychiatrist. This is why someone who knows them very well can be a valuable source of feedback.
Certain professionals may employ additional tools in their assessment, like cognitive tests or a neuropsychological test. These tests can give an even more complete picture of the person's strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbid conditions that could contribute to the symptoms.
The final phase of an assessment is typically the writing of a report. The report should include the diagnosis, and in the event of a need the treatment plan. It is also typical for the report to include suggestions on how to manage the symptoms of ADHD and ways to improve functioning at school, home and at work.
A private assessment is an excellent choice If you or your child thinks they may be suffering from ADHD. The NHS can help diagnose ADHD, but the wait time is lengthy. A private assessment can be more efficient, and you will be able choose your own doctor and make the process less stressful.