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The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under Questioning A BBC Panorama investigation has recently exposed the poor quality of private clinic ADHD assessment under scrutiny. The investigation revealed that an undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three different private clinics even though he received a more thorough face-to-face NHS assessment, which concluded that there was no evidence of the condition. Nevertheless there are many patients who are forced to seek out private diagnosis and treatment due to the long NHS waiting lists. But how do private assessments work? What is a Private Assessment? A private ADHD assessment is a comprehensive process that begins with a clinical interview, whether in person or over the phone or via video link. The psychologist or psychiatrist who is assessing you will take a comprehensive medical history and may use additional tests, such as neuropsychological tests to provide insight into your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that you might have. During the examination your doctor will talk about the impact that the symptoms you are experiencing have on your life, and work towards finding the most effective method of treatment for you. It could be medication or CBT therapy, but everyone is different, which is why it's crucial to find the best fit for you. We have an experienced team of psychologists and psychiatrists who are experts in the evaluation and treatment of adult ADHD. Our clinics have been accredited by NHS England's 'Right To Choose' law, which allows you to legally to seek specialist mental health care outside of your GP practice. This is a huge advantage because the NHS can have very long waiting times. Many people suffering from unmanaged ADHD have serious issues with their personal and professional lives and this can have a huge impact on self-esteem and wellbeing. If not treated, ADHD can lead to anxiety or depression. We believe that a private ADHD assessment for adults can be extremely beneficial. It will provide the answers you need and the best solution. If you are diagnosed after receiving a diagnosis, you can visit your GP to sign what is referred to as a “shared care agreement”. The psychologist or psychiatrist who diagnosed you will send a letter to your GP for you to sign that you are returning to his treatment. You will then be able to return to your GP for follow-up appointments and ongoing treatment. It is important to keep in mind that only a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD, and only they can prescribe medication for it. Other mental health professionals, such as psychologists, are able to conduct an assessment for ADHD however they are unable to prescribe medications. Benefits of private assessments Many people who want an independent ADHD assessment do so because they are fed up of waiting years on an NHS referral to be diagnosed. This can be particularly frustrating for adults who have seen the damage untreated ADHD causes to their work life, relationships, and financial security. Private assessments tend to be shorter than NHS assessments, and can be done at a time that suits the patient. Some clinics accept insurance or provide flexible payment plans. Private assessments can vary in price from one provider to another, so you should shop around to find the one that best meets your requirements. A psychiatrist or psychologist will complete an in-person ADHD assessment, since they are the only healthcare professionals competent to diagnose ADHD. They are trained to observe, conduct interviews and administer psychometric tests to assess ADHD symptoms. The assessment process consists of questionnaires to determine if you show enough signs for ADHD and observations at school 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 are also able to identify the presence of comorbid conditions, like anxiety and depression that can coexist with ADHD. Having these conditions identified and treated can have significant benefits to people's health and wellbeing. It can also decrease the requirement for GPs to prescribe other medication. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, the physician will recommend treatment options and suggest ways to manage symptoms, such as education and support at home or at the workplace exercise, diet, and lifestyle modifications. A shared care agreement between a GP and patient could also be required in the event that medication is prescribed. It is vital to remember that an untreated diagnosis of ADHD can cause severe and lasting problems, including criminal activity, substance abuse and even an increase in life longevity. The impact of untreated ADHD can be similar to that of untreated Type 2 diabetes in middle age. Therefore, it is crucial that patients are given the assistance and support they need. What to Expect During a Private Assessment The process of scheduling an appointment for a medical evaluation for your child or yourself can be stressful. Once you've scheduled an appointment, you can relax. It is important to choose a specialist who is trained in conducting an ADHD assessment. They are medical professionals, typically psychiatrists or psychologists. They will discuss your history and symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They will also ask you to fill out one or more of the standard behavior rating scales, which are based on research comparing the behaviors of people with and without ADHD. The results of these evaluations will be discussed with you during the consultation. You could be diagnosed with ADHD, or another mental health problem, such as depression or learning disabilities, drinking and drug addiction, or anxiety. If you're diagnosed with ADHD or other mental health issues, you and your doctor will discuss options for treatment. In general, it is recommended to combine a treatment plan with specialist coaching. This method has been proven to provide the best long-term results for symptom control for clients with ADHD. Request recommendations from healthcare professionals that you trust when choosing the right psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct your examination. Once you've chosen the right specialist, verify their professional certification and academic qualifications and whether or not they have experience treating adults with ADHD. Your appointment will be scheduled and confirmed after you have completed the pre-screening questions. These are accessible on your portal dashboard once you have booked an appointment and must be submitted by the deadline that is set by your physician. These forms are vital to the appointment as your clinician won't meet you until these forms have been approved and reviewed. When you are taking your test, it is important to be completely honest with the psychologist or psychiatrist who is conducting the. This will allow them to make an accurate diagnosis and determine your best treatment options. It is also important to talk about all your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, if struggle to keep track of your finances, completing tasks at home or at work, you will want to mention that to the practitioner. What to Expect Following A Private Assessment A private assessment starts with a consultation focused on the symptoms and medical history. During this process it is crucial that the person who is being evaluated be honest and open and not reserving information due to feelings of shame or fear of being judged. 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 help the doctor recognize and rate various symptoms of adult ADHD such as impulsivity and inattention. The psychiatrist will also ask about the impact that the symptoms have had on the patient's life, and will typically talk about the person's personal relationships as well. In a lot of private evaluations, a close family member or a friend can be included as a collateral source. adhd private assessment is because the psychiatrist wants to know if the person's symptoms impact them at home or in high-stress workplaces. It isn't easy to assess the severity of these effects when a patient is not with psychiatrist. This is why a person who knows them very well is a good source of feedback. Certain professionals may employ additional tools, such as an assessment of cognitive function or a neuropsychological exam, in an assessment. These tests can give a more comprehensive view of the person's strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbid conditions that may contribute to the symptoms. Report writing is typically the final phase of an evaluation. The report will include the diagnosis, as well as a treatment plan if appropriate. It is also common for the report to include suggestions on how to manage the symptoms of ADHD, and how to improve functioning at home, school and at work. If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD an assessment by a private specialist can be a great option. The NHS can help diagnose ADHD but the waiting time is long. Private assessments can be more efficient and you can select your own specialist. This makes the process less stressful.