So , You've Purchased ADHD Private Assesment ... Now What?
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 revealed some alarming incidents. It also highlights the hardship for those who are between a boulder and an icy spot.
The NHS has long waiting periods for adults seeking an ADHD assessment. Many prefer to pay for a privately-run assessment.

Signs and symptoms
A private ADHD assessment can give you the information you're looking for whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for other disorders. A proper diagnosis is essential to your health.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and hyperactivity are the most prominent symptoms of ADHD. These symptoms can cause difficulties at school, at work and at home. Relationships and emotional wellbeing can be affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments will allow you to determine if you're ADHD and offer the treatment that you need to lead a fulfilling life.
When trying to get an independent ADHD assessment it is important to choose a specialist who will take the time to assess your personal needs. The specialist is expected to be ready for a three-hour assessment session. During private adhd assessments , your doctor will be asking you to discuss how your ADHD symptoms affect your everyday functioning. They will also talk about your family history and any other mental health issues you might have. They might also talk to your employer or school to get more information about your situation.
It is crucial that the doctor who conducts your personal ADHD evaluation is a qualified experienced psychiatrist. This will ensure that you receive the highest quality of treatment. The same rules apply to private health providers as they do to NHS healthcare professionals. They should also adhere to the guidelines for best practice that are published in NICE.
It is also beneficial 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. This information is required by your doctor to determine your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.
You should also be aware that some medical staff have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD looks like. This could make it difficult for them to make an accurate diagnosis. This is particularly true for people of color, people who were assigned a gender at birth, or those who don't speak English natively.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a nebulous disorder that can impact every aspect of a person's life. It affects the way our brains function which can impact concentration, impulsivity, and working memory. A private assessment for adhd will provide a diagnosis that allows a person to control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. An accurate diagnosis can help people determine the best treatment option to alleviate symptoms, lessen anxiety and improve their lives.
Diagnosis of adult ADHD is a process that involves a thorough examination as well as medical history and questionnaires. Doctors can diagnose ADHD at their discretion, but they have to take your concerns seriously. They will refer you to an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales will be used to evaluate the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is important that the healthcare professional who is carrying your test has the skills, knowledge and experience to diagnose ADHD. The best approach is to speak with a Psychiatrist or an ADHD specialist nurse. However healthcare professionals working in NHS clinics can also be taken into consideration as they are licensed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
The stigma surrounding mental health, and especially ADHD can mean that a few sufferers are not given the diagnosis they need or are entitled to. This could be due to the fact that the GP might be reluctant to refer them or because of an assumption about what it is like to be diagnosed with ADHD. Adults may also have a difficult time getting a diagnosis, as they may not show the classic symptoms of ADHD.
It is advisable to schedule an appointment with a reputable private clinic, such as Diverse Diagnostics, if you believe that your child or yourself may have ADHD symptoms. They provide online assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental conditions and can offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to speak with your GP and explain the difficulties you are having at work, home or in social settings. They should take your concerns seriously and make arrangements for you to be referred to an ADHD specialist at one of the Priory hospitals or wellbeing centers.
Treatment
Treatment options for ADHD differ from person to person, but can include medication or different types of therapy such as cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT). The type of treatment suggested will depend on the severity and symptom. It is also important to determine if you suffer from any other mental health issues which could be affecting your symptoms, and to consider these when deciding on the best method of treatment.
Private clinics might be not correctly diagnosing ADHD. This was exposed in a Panorama investigation that saw an undercover journalist schedule appointments online at three different private clinics, and receive powerful drugs after unreliable assessments via virtual. The undercover reporter answered questions regarding his health in a straight and honest manner, but did not tell the clinics that he was a journalist.
It is essential that your assessment is performed by a healthcare specialist who has expertise in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists, but also GPs and other healthcare professionals with specific knowledge, skills, experience and training in ADHD. To be deemed an ADHD specialist, it's not enough to possess a license to practice or to be on the NHS Register.
During the ADHD evaluation your doctor will inquire with you about your feelings and what signs are present. The doctor will also ask you about any mental health concerns and your family history. It is crucial to answer fully to these questions because they are crucial to determining whether or not you suffer from ADHD.
After your assessment, your clinician will discuss the next steps with you. This could involve a decision regarding whether or not to prescribe medication and the plan for your care in the future and follow-up. If you'd like you could continue treatment as a privately-paying patient or return to the NHS for shared care.
It is worth bearing in mind that in the event that you're diagnosed with ADHD, it can be difficult to obtain the medication you require on the NHS due to long waiting lists. The 'Right to Choose' scheme has made it easier for adults in England to get a private diagnosis and treatment and this is recommended if you are waiting for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment helps a teenager or child accept and understand their diagnosis, and implement positive lifestyle modifications to improve their lives. A specialist ADHD assessment is also beneficial for adults who have struggled with the symptoms for many 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 with extensive experience the assessment of adults and children with ADHD. They provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment that includes 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 the clinician). Some private assessments do require a GP's referral, while others don't. Make sure to check with the provider you choose for their policies.