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The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under Questioning The quality of private clinic ADHD assessments has recently been scrutinized following a BBC Panorama investigation. The BBC Panorama investigation revealed that an undercover journalist was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics, despite a more thorough NHS examination that concluded that he was not suffering from the condition. Many patients are forced however, to seek private treatment and diagnosis because of the long NHS waiting lists. But how do private assessments perform? What is a Private Assessment? A private ADHD assessment begins with a comprehensive clinical interview. It can be conducted in person by phone, in person, or via video link. The psychologist or psychiatrist who will be assessing you will complete a detailed medical history and may also conduct additional tests such as neuropsychological tests to gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbid disorders that you may have. During the evaluation your doctor will talk about the impact that your symptoms impact your life and work on finding the most effective type of treatment for you. This could be medication or CBT therapy, but every person is different, so it's essential to find the best fit for you. We have an experienced team of psychologists and psychiatrists who are experts in the diagnosis and management of adult ADHD. Our clinics are accredited by NHS England’s ‘Right to Choose’ law, which grants you the right to seek specialist mental health care outside of your GP. This is a huge advantage because the NHS can have very long waiting times. Many people with unmanaged ADHD experience serious problems with their professional and personal lives, and this can have a significant impact on self-esteem and wellbeing. Untreated ADHD can cause anxiety or depression. We believe that an individual ADHD assessment for adults is extremely valuable. It will help you find the answers you seek and the best solution. After you receive a diagnosis and you are able to return to your GP to sign what is referred to as a “shared care agreement”. The psychiatrist or psychologist that diagnosed you will send paperwork to your GP for you to sign stating you are returning to his treatment. You can then go back to your GP for follow up appointments and ongoing treatment. It is important to keep in mind that only an expert psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD, and only they can prescribe medication for it. Other mental health professionals, such as psychologists can assess ADHD, but they cannot prescribe medications. Benefits of a private assessment 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 difficult for adults, who have witnessed how untreated ADHD can affect their work and relationships, as well as their financial security. Private assessments are often much shorter than NHS ones and are scheduled to accommodate the needs of the client. Some clinics also offer flexible payment plans or accept insurance as a means of payment. The cost of a private exam will differ from provider to provider, so it is important to shop around and find a clinic that is suitable for your requirements and budget. A private ADHD assessment will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist, as they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They are trained to observe, talk to and administer psychometric tests which evaluate ADHD symptoms. The assessment process will include questionnaires to determine whether you show enough signs of ADHD, observations at school and home (if appropriate) as well as a comprehensive psychological evaluation and the discussion of your family's health history. Psychologists are also able to identify the presence of comorbid conditions, like anxiety and depression that can coexist with ADHD. These conditions can have a significant impact on the health of a person and decrease the necessity for GPs prescribing other medication. Once a diagnosis has been made, the clinician will then recommend treatment options and suggest ways to control symptoms, for example education as well as assistance at home or in the workplace, exercise, diet and lifestyle changes. If medication is prescribed, a shared care agreement may be necessary between the GPs and patients. Untreated ADHD can lead to serious and long-lasting problems, such as criminal activity as well as substance abuse and even a decline in 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 support and assistance they need. What to Expect during an Assessment in Private If you suspect you have ADHD or think your child is suffering from it, scheduling an evaluation could be overwhelming. Once you've got an appointment set you can breathe a sigh relief. It is crucial to select an expert who has been certified in conducting an ADHD assessment. They are medical experts. They are usually psychiatrists or psychologists. They will look over your medical history, symptoms, and perform a medical examination. They will also ask you to fill out one or more of the standardized behavior rating scales that are based on research that compares the behaviors of people with and without ADHD. These scores will be discussed during your appointment. You may be diagnosed with ADHD or another mental health issue, like depression or learning disabilities, drug and alcohol abuse or anxiety. If you are diagnosed with ADHD the psychiatrist will discuss the treatment options with you. Generally, it is recommended to combine a medication regimen with specialist coaching. This method has been proven to produce the best long-term results in controlling symptoms for people suffering from ADHD. When choosing a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct your evaluation and evaluation, seek suggestions from other patients or healthcare professionals you are comfortable with. Once you've chosen the right specialist, verify their academic credentials and professional certifications and whether they have experience treating adults with ADHD. private adhd assessment adults will be scheduled and confirmed once you have completed the pre-screening questionnaires. These can be found on your portal dashboard after you have booked an appointment and must be returned by a date specified by your clinician. They are crucial to the appointment, as your clinician will not meet you until these forms have been inspected and approved. It is essential to be honest during your assessment with the psychologist or psychiatrist performing the assessment. This will help them make an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment options. It is also essential to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. You may want to speak with the doctor you, for instance, have difficulty keeping the track of your finances or performing tasks at work or home. What to Expect After a Private Assessment A private assessment starts with a consultation focused on the symptoms and medical history. During this time it is crucial for the person being assessed to be open and honest. They shouldn't hide information due to fear of criticism or shame. The accuracy of the information will determine the quality of evaluation and treatment recommendations. It is also common for the psychiatrist to request the patient to fill out an assessment. This questionnaire is designed to assist doctors in identifying and evaluate the various symptoms of adult ADHD including the inattention and impulsivity. The psychiatrist will ask the patient to describe the symptoms and how they have affected their life. They will also talk about their relationships with others. A majority of private assessments will involve an immediate family member or friend for collateral information. This is because the psychiatrist wants to know if the person's symptoms impact them at home or in high-stress work situations. It can be difficult to gauge the severity of these effects when a person is alone with a psychiatrist. This is why a person who is intimately familiar with them can be a valuable source of feedback. Certain professionals may employ additional tools, like an assessment of cognitive function or a neuropsychological test, when conducting an evaluation. These can give more complete information about the individual's strengths and weaknesses and allow the doctor to determine any comorbid conditions which could be causing their symptoms. Report writing is usually the final phase of an evaluation. The report should include the diagnosis, and should it be necessary an action plan for treatment. It is also normal for the report to include recommendations on how to manage the symptoms of ADHD, and how to improve performance at home, school and at work. A private assessment is an excellent choice for you or your child if he suspects that they have ADHD. The NHS can help diagnose ADHD, but the wait time is lengthy. A private assessment could be more efficient and you'll be able to choose your own specialist which makes the process less stressful.