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 a BBC Panorama investigation. This revealed how an undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three different private clinics however, he had a more detailed face-to-face NHS examination that concluded there was no evidence of the condition. Many patients are forced, however they are required to seek a private diagnosis and treatment due to the lengthy NHS waiting list. But how do private assessments function? What is a private assessment? A private ADHD assessment begins with a comprehensive clinical interview. It can be conducted in person or over the phone or via video link. The psychiatrist or psychologist who is assessing you will complete an extensive medical history, and may also use additional tests like neuropsychological tests to determine your strengths and weaknesses, as and any comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from. During your assessment the doctor will talk with you about how your symptoms impact your life and help you find the best treatment option for you. This could be medication or CBT therapy, but every person is different, which is why it's crucial to find the right fit for you. We have an experienced team of psychologists and psychiatrists who are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of adults with ADHD. Our clinics have been accredited by NHS England's 'Right To Choose' law, which allows you to legally to seek out specialist mental health care outside of your GP practice. This is a huge advantage since the NHS has very long waiting times. Many people who suffer from untreated ADHD have serious issues with their professional and personal lives, and this can have a major impact on self-esteem and well-being. This can then lead to anxiety and depression, which are common side effects of untreated ADHD. This is the reason we believe that an adult private ADHD assessment is so valuable as it will provide the answers you need sooner, and find the best solution for you. After you receive a diagnosis after receiving a diagnosis, you can visit your GP to sign what is referred to as a "shared care agreement". The psychiatrist or psychologist that diagnosed you will submit a form to your GP for you to sign that you are returning to his care. You will then be able to go back to your GP for follow-up appointments and ongoing treatment. It's 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, including psychologists, can conduct an assessment for ADHD but they are not able to prescribe medication. Benefits of a private assessment Many people seek a private ADHD assessment because they are tired of waiting years for an NHS referral. This can be particularly frustrating for adults who have witnessed how untreated ADHD affects their work life and relationships as well as their financial security. Private assessments are usually shorter than NHS assessments, and can be scheduled at a time that suits the patient. Some clinics accept insurance or offer flexible payment plans. Private assessments may differ in price from one provider to another, so you should shop around to find the clinic that best suits your needs. A private ADHD assessment is usually conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist, as they are the only healthcare professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They are trained to observe, interview and administer psychometric tests which evaluate ADHD symptoms. The assessment process includes questionnaires to determine whether you have enough symptoms of ADHD, observations in the classroom and at home (if appropriate) as well as a psychological evaluation in depth, and a review of your family's history of mental health. Psychologists can also detect comorbid conditions that could co-exist with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can have a major impact on the health of a person and reduce the need for GPs prescribing other medications. Once a diagnosis is established, the doctor will recommend treatment options and suggest ways to control symptoms, for example education and support at home or at the workplace, exercise, diet and lifestyle modifications. If medication is prescribed, a shared care agreement may be required between the GPs and patients. It is crucial to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD can lead to grave and long-lasting issues, including criminal activity, substance abuse and even the loss of life expectancy. Untreated ADHD could have the same impact as untreated Type 2 Diabetes in middle age. Therefore, it is crucial that patients receive the help and help they require. What to Expect During an Assessment in Private If you suspect you have ADHD or believe your child might be suffering from it, scheduling an assessment could be overwhelming. Once you have an appointment booked, though, you can breathe a sigh of relief. It is essential to select a specialist who has been certified in conducting an ADHD assessment. They are medical experts. Most often, they are psychiatrists or psychologists. They will review your history, symptoms and conduct a medical exam. You will be asked to complete one or several standardized behavior evaluation scores based upon research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not. The results of these ratings will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation. You could be diagnosed with ADHD, or another mental health problem, like depression or learning disabilities, as well as drinking and drug addiction, or anxiety. If you're diagnosed with ADHD then you and your psychiatrist will discuss options for treatment. In general, it is recommended to combine a treatment plan with specialized coaching. This approach has been shown to provide the best long-term results in controlling symptoms for clients with ADHD. Ask for recommendations from healthcare professionals that you trust when selecting a psychiatrist or a psychologist to conduct your examination. After you've selected the right specialist, verify their professional certification and academic qualifications as well as whether they've had experience treating adults with ADHD. Your appointment will be scheduled and confirmed after you have completed the pre-screening forms. They are available on your portal dashboard after you have scheduled an appointment and must be returned by a date specified by your clinician. They are essential to the appointment, since your clinician will not meet you until these forms have been inspected and approved. During your examination it is crucial that you are honest with the psychiatrist or psychologist who is conducting it. This will help them reach a correct diagnosis and decide on the most effective treatment option for you. It is essential to discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. You may want to speak with the doctor you have difficulty keeping financial records or working at home or work. What to Expect Following a Private Assessment A private evaluation begins with a consultation focused on symptoms and medical histories. In this phase it is crucial that the person being evaluated be honest and open and not reserving information because of guilt or fear of criticism. The accuracy of the information will determine the quality of the evaluation and treatment recommendations. It is also a common practice for psychiatrists to ask the patient to complete a questionnaire. It is designed to help the doctor recognize and assess the severity of adult ADHD which include impulsivity as well as inattention. The psychiatrist will also inquire about the impact that the symptoms have had on the person's life, and will typically talk about the person's personal relationships as well. In a number of private evaluations, a close family member or a close friend may be included as a collateral source. The psychiatrist will determine if symptoms are present at home or when the person is under extreme stress. It is often difficult to determine how significant these effects are when a person is in the room with a psychiatrist, and this is why it's important for those who know them well to provide feedback. Certain professionals may employ additional tools in their assessment, like cognitive tests, or a neuropsychological test. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment can provide an extensive view of the person's strengths and weaknesses, and any comorbid conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms. The final stage of an examination is usually the writing of an assessment report. The report will contain an assessment and, should it be necessary, a treatment plan. The report will also provide suggestions on how to manage ADHD symptoms and improve performance at school, work, and at home. A private assessment is an excellent option for you or your child if he believes they might be suffering from ADHD. The NHS can identify ADHD however the waiting time is long. Private assessments can be more efficient and you can choose your own specialist. This makes the process less stressful.