15 Reasons To Not Ignore ADHD Private Assesment
How a Private ADHD Assessment Can Help
The BBC's Panorama programme this week has investigated the way some private clinics diagnose adults suffering from ADHD.
The investigation has highlighted some worrying cases. But it also highlights the hardships of those who are caught between a rock and a hard place.
The wait times for adult ADHD assessments on the NHS are long. Many choose to pay for a privately conducted assessment.

Symptoms
A private ADHD assessment will help you find the answers you're seeking if you or your child is suffering from ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for other disorders. A correct diagnosis is essential to your health.
Inattention, hyperactivity and hyperactivity are the most prominent symptoms of ADHD. These symptoms can cause problems in school, work, and at home. Relations and emotional wellbeing are affected by symptoms. Private ADHD assessments will help you determine the signs of ADHD and provide you with the treatment you require to live your best life.
It is essential to find an individual ADHD assessor who will take the time necessary to assess you as an individual. It is not an easy process, and the professional must be prepared to commit up to three hours during your assessment session. During the assessment, your specialist will have you discuss how your ADHD symptoms affect your daily functioning. They will also discuss your family history and any other mental health issues that you may have. They may also suggest that you speak to your school or employer to help you understand your situation.
It is important that the doctor who conducts your private ADHD assessment is a certified experienced psychiatrist. You will receive the highest possible treatment. adhd private assessment are governed by the same rules as NHS healthcare professionals, and they should adhere to the best practice guidelines that are published by NICE.
It is also advisable to bring any supporting documents along to the test. This could include medical records and psychological reports or letters from your GP or questionnaires you've completed. Your doctor will need to have these documents in order to assess your symptoms and recommend a course of treatment for you.
You should also be aware that some medical staff have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. This is particularly the case for people of color, people who were not assigned a gender at birth, or who don't speak English natively.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition which can impact every aspect of someone's life. It affects the way that our brains function, which could impact the ability to concentrate, impulsivity and memory. A private adhd assessment can provide a diagnosis and allow a person to take control of their symptoms and live better lives. An accurate diagnosis can help people find the right treatment to alleviate symptoms, lessen anxiety, and improve their quality of life.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD involves an extensive medical history, questionnaires and an extensive physical examination. The GP has discretion when it is time to diagnose ADHD but they'll need to be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment. Clinical interviews and validated rating scales will be used to assess the severity of symptoms a person experiences. It is essential that the healthcare professional who conducts your assessment has the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise to recognize ADHD. A Psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse is the best choice, however healthcare professionals who work in an NHS clinic could be suitable as they are regulated by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Some people fail to get the diagnosis that they require or deserve because of the stigma surrounding mental health and ADHD. This can be due to the fact that a GP might be reluctant to refer them or due to a preconceived idea about what it looks like to have ADHD. Adults can also have difficulty getting a diagnosis, as they may not show the classic signs of ADHD.
If you think you or your child may be suffering from symptoms of ADHD you should consider arranging for an assessment by a reputable private practice such as Diverse Diagnostics. They provide online assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental issues and can offer an adult ADHD diagnosis. The first step is to talk to your GP regarding the difficulties you are experiencing at your home, at work 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 vary from person to person, but can include medication or different types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The type of therapy suggested will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing and the severity. You should also consider if you have any other mental health issues that could be affecting your symptoms.
There are concerns that private clinics are not correctly diagnosing patients with ADHD. This was exposed in an Panorama investigation, which saw an undercover reporter able to make appointments online with three private clinics, and then receive powerful drugs after inaccurate virtual assessments. The undercover reporter was able to answer questions about his symptoms truthfully and did not disclose to the clinics he was a journalist.
It is important that your assessment is carried out by a healthcare professional with experience in ADHD. This includes psychiatrists but also GPs, and other healthcare professionals with particular skills, knowledge and experience in ADHD. It is not enough to have an official license to practice or to be on the NHS register to be considered an expert in ADHD.
During the ADHD assessment process your doctor will go about how you're feeling and what symptoms you are experiencing. They will also inquire about your family history of ADHD as well as any other mental health issues you might have. It is crucial to give your fullest answers to these questions, as they are crucial to determining whether or not you have ADHD.
After your assessment, your clinician will discuss the next steps with you. It will likely involve a decision on whether or not to treat you with medication and a plan for future care and follow-up. If you wish, you can choose to continue treatment as a privately-paying client or return to the NHS for shared care.
It is important to be aware that If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it may be difficult to get the medication you need on the NHS because of long waiting lists. The "Right to choose" scheme allows adults in England to get treatment and diagnosis on their own. This is recommended when you are unable to wait for an NHS appointment.
Support
A private ADHD assessment helps a child or teenager to accept and comprehend their diagnosis, and implement positive lifestyle changes to improve their quality-of-life. A specialist ADHD assessment is also beneficial for adults who have struggled with the symptoms for years which have affected their relationships or work.
RTN Mental Health Solutions is a multidisciplinary team made up of Chartered Clinical Psychologists and Therapists located in the UK who have extensive experience in assessing both adults and children with ADHD. They provide a thorough ADHD evaluation with diagnosis and treatment suggestions in line with NICE Guidelines. The cost can be paid in three or five installments at PS195 (excluding medications prescribed by clinicians). Certain private assessments require the submission of a GP referral letter, while others do not. Contact the provider to determine their policy is.