The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under Questioning
The quality of private clinic ADHD assessments has recently come under scrutiny in the wake of an BBC Panorama investigation. This revealed how an undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three different private clinics even though he had a more detailed face-to-face NHS assessment that found he did not have the condition.
Yet, many patients are forced to seek private diagnoses and treatment due to logjammed NHS waiting lists. How do private assessments work but what are the advantages?
What is a Private Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a thorough procedure that begins with a clinical interview, which can be conducted in person or via the phone or video link. The psychologist or psychiatrist who is assessing you will also complete a comprehensive medical history and may use additional tests, such as neuropsychological tests to provide insights into your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that you have.
During the assessment your doctor will talk about the impact the symptoms you are experiencing have on your life and work on finding the most effective method of treatment for you. This could be medication or CBT therapy, but everyone is different, so it's essential to find the best fit for you.
We have a dedicated team of psychologists and psychiatrists who are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. Our clinics have been certified by NHS England's "Right to Choose' law, which gives you the legal right to seek out specialist mental health treatment outside of your GP practice. This is a huge advantage, considering that the NHS can be very slow.
Many people with unmanaged ADHD suffer from serious problems in their personal and professional lives and this can have a major impact on self-esteem and well-being. If not treated, ADHD can cause depression or anxiety. This is the reason we believe that an adult private ADHD assessment is so valuable as it will provide the answers you require earlier, and help you find the most effective solution for you.
After you've received a diagnosis you can then return to your GP in the form of a shared care agreement. The psychiatrist or psychologist who diagnosed you will write to your GP with paperwork for you to sign stating that you will be returning to their care. You will then be able to go back to your GP for follow up appointments and ongoing treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that only an expert psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD, and only they can prescribe medication for it. Other mental health professionals like psychologists can assess ADHD however they are not able to prescribe medication.
Benefits of a private assessment
Many people seek an independent ADHD assessment due to the fact that they are tired of waiting years for an NHS referral. This can be particularly difficult for those who have witnessed the harm that untreated ADHD can cause to their work life, relationships and financial security.
Private assessments are usually shorter than NHS ones, and can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for the patient. Some clinics will accept insurance or offer flexible payment plans. Private assessments can vary in cost from one clinic to another, so you should search around for the clinic that is most suitable for your needs.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can complete an individual ADHD assessment, since they are the only healthcare professionals who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. They are trained to observe, interview and administer psychometric tests to assess ADHD symptoms. The assessment process consists of questionnaires to determine whether you show enough signs for ADHD as well as observations at school and at home (if appropriate) and a psychological assessment in depth and a discussion of your family's history of mental health.
Psychologists can also detect comorbid conditions that could co-exist with ADHD like anxiety and depression. These conditions can have a major impact on the health of a person and decrease the need for GPs prescribing other medications.
After a diagnosis is established, the physician will recommend treatment options and suggest ways to control the symptoms, such as education, assistance at workplace or at home, exercise, diet, and lifestyle adjustments. A shared care agreement between a GP and patient may also be required if medication is prescribed.
It is vital to remember that an untreated diagnosis of ADHD can lead to grave and long-lasting issues, including criminal activity, substance abuse and even an increase in life longevity. The effects of untreated ADHD can be similar to the effects of untreated Type 2 diabetes in middle age. Therefore, it is crucial that patients receive the support and help they require.
What to Expect During a Private Assessment
The process of scheduling an evaluation for your child or yourself can be overwhelming. Once you've scheduled an appointment, you can relax.
It is crucial to select an expert who is trained in conducting an ADHD assessment. They are medical professionals, generally psychologists or psychiatrists. They will review your history, symptoms and perform a medical examination. They will also ask you to fill out one or more standardized behavior rating scales, which are based on research comparing the behavior of people with and without ADHD.
These ratings will be discussed at your appointment. You could be diagnosed with ADHD, or another mental health issue such as depression or learning disabilities, drug and alcohol abuse or anxiety. If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you. Generally, it is recommended to combine a treatment plan with specialized coaching. This method has been proven to be the most effective in controlling symptoms for clients with ADHD.
Get recommendations from healthcare professionals you trust when choosing the right psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct your assessment. Verify the specialist's professional accreditation, academic credentials and the experience of treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Your appointment will be scheduled and confirmed after you have completed the pre-screening forms. Once you have booked an appointment these forms will be available on your portal dashboard. They must be returned to your clinician on a specified date. They are vital to the appointment, since your physician will not see you until these forms have been approved and reviewed.
It is crucial to be honest in your assessment with the psychologist or psychiatrist who is conducting the assessment. This will allow them to make an accurate diagnosis and determine your best treatment options. It is also essential to talk about all your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For example, if you have trouble keeping track of your finances or performing tasks at work or home, you will want to discuss it with your doctor.
What to Expect After A Private Assessment
A private assessment begins with a medical interview that focuses on symptoms and medical histories. During this process it is crucial that the person who is being evaluated be honest and open, without holding back information because of guilt or fear of being judged. This is because the accuracy of the evaluation and treatment recommendations will rely on the quality of the information that is provided.
It is also common for the psychiatrist to request the patient to complete a questionnaire. This questionnaire is designed to assist doctors in identifying and evaluate the various symptoms of adult ADHD like inattention and impulsivity. 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.
In a number of private assessments, a close family member or friend will be considered as collateral information. This is because the psychiatrist will want to know if the person's symptoms impact them at home or in high-stress work situations. It is often difficult to determine the extent of these effects when a patient is in an office with psychiatrists, which is why it's important for those who know them well to provide feedback.
Certain professionals may employ additional instruments during an assessment, such as cognitive tests or a neuropsychological test. These can give an extensive picture of the person's strengths and weaknesses and help the doctor identify any comorbid conditions which could be causing their symptoms.
Report writing is typically the final stage of an evaluation. The report will include the diagnosis, and the treatment plan, if needed. It is also normal for the report to contain recommendations on how to manage the symptoms of ADHD and also how to improve performance at home, school, and work.
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD an assessment by a private specialist is a good option. While private adhd assessment cost is possible to get an ADHD diagnosis through the NHS but the wait times can be long. A private assessment is more efficient, and you will be able to select your own doctor and make the process less stressful.