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The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under Questioning A BBC Panorama investigation has recently brought the quality of private clinic ADHD assessment into question. This revealed how an undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three different private clinics despite having received a more thorough face-to-face NHS assessment that found he did not have the condition. However there are many patients who are forced to seek private diagnostics and treatments due to the long NHS waiting lists. What are private assessments but what are the advantages? What is an assessment that is private? A private ADHD assessment is a thorough procedure that starts with a thorough interview, which can be conducted in person or over the phone or video link. The psychologist or psychiatrist who is conducting the assessment will take an extensive medical history and may use additional tests such as neuropsychological tests to gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses as and any comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from. During the evaluation your doctor will talk about the impact that the symptoms you are experiencing have on your life and will work towards finding the most effective form of treatment for you. This could include medication or CBT therapy, but each person is different, so it's essential to determine the best treatment for you. We have an experienced team of psychiatrists and psychologists who are experts in the assessment and management of adult ADHD. Our clinics are accredited by NHS England's “Right to Choose' law, which gives you the legal right to seek specialist mental health care outside of your doctor's office. This is a huge advantage, considering that the NHS can be very slow. Many people suffering from untreated ADHD suffer from serious problems in their personal and professional lives, and this can have a major impact on self-esteem and wellbeing. If not treated, ADHD can cause anxiety or depression. This is why we believe that an adult-only ADHD assessment is so beneficial as it will help you get the answers you require earlier, and help you find the best solution for you. If you are diagnosed after receiving a diagnosis, you can visit your GP in what is known as an “shared care agreement”. The psychiatrist or psychologist that diagnosed you will submit a form to your GP for you to sign stating you are returning to his care. You can return to your GP and continue your treatment. It is important to keep in mind that only an expert psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD and they are the only ones who can prescribe medication for it. Other mental health professionals such as psychologists can assess ADHD but they are unable to prescribe medication. Benefits of a private assessment Many people who are seeking a private ADHD assessment do so because they are fed up of waiting for years for an NHS referral to be diagnosed. This can be especially frustrating for those who are adults who have seen how untreated ADHD can affect their work and relationships as well as their financial security. Private assessments are typically shorter in duration than NHS ones and are scheduled that is convenient for the patient. Some clinics will accept insurance or offer flexible payment plans. The cost of a private exam will vary from provider provider, so it is important to research and find a clinic that suits your needs and budget. A private ADHD assessment will usually be completed by a psychiatrist or psychologist as they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. They are trained in observing interviewing, assessing and administering psychometric tests that assess for the symptoms of ADHD. The assessment process consists of questionnaires to determine if you exhibit enough signs of ADHD and observations at the classroom and at home (if appropriate) and a psychological assessment in depth and a discussion 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. These conditions can have a major impact on the health of a person and reduce the need for GPs prescribing other medication. Once a diagnosis has been made, the clinician will then recommend treatments and suggest ways to manage symptoms, such as education, assistance at home or in the workplace exercise, diet, and lifestyle modifications. If medication is prescribed, a shared care agreement may be required between the GPs and patients. Untreated ADHD can lead to serious and long-lasting issues like criminality or substance abuse, and even a decline in life expectancy. The consequences of untreated ADHD could be similar to the effects of untreated Type 2 diabetes in middle age. Therefore, it is crucial that patients receive the help and support they need. What to Expect When you take a private assessment If you suspect you have ADHD or believe your child might be suffering from it, scheduling an assessment may be overwhelming. Once you've scheduled an appointment, you'll be able to relax. It is important that you choose a doctor who has experience in ADHD assessment. They are medical experts. Get More , they are psychologists or psychiatrists. They will examine your symptoms, history and conduct a medical examination. They will also ask you to fill out one or more standardized behavior rating scales that are based on research comparing the behaviors of people with and without ADHD. These assessments will be discussed during your appointment. Based on the results of your examination, you may receive a diagnosis of ADHD or a related issue such as depression, anxiety and learning disabilities or alcohol and drug addiction or other mental health issues. If you're diagnosed with ADHD the doctor will discuss the treatment options with you. It is generally recommended to combine a medication regime with specialist coaching. This method has been proven to be the most effective method of controlling symptoms in clients with ADHD. When selecting a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct your evaluation request recommendations from other patients or healthcare professionals you are comfortable with. Once you've chosen the right specialist, verify their professional certification and academic qualifications and whether they've had expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Your appointment will be scheduled and confirmed after you have completed the pre-screening forms. Once you've booked an appointment the forms will be on your portal dashboard. They must be returned to your physician within a specific time. They are crucial to the appointment, since your physician will not see you until these forms have been inspected and approved. When you are taking your test it is crucial that you are completely honest with the psychiatrist or psychologist who is conducting it. This will assist them reach a correct diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment plan for you. It is essential to discuss your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life. For example, if you have trouble keeping track of your finances, or completing tasks at work or home, you will want to discuss it with your doctor. What to Expect Following A Private Assessment A private assessment begins with a medical interview which focuses on medical history and symptoms. During this time it is essential for the patient being assessed to be open and honest. They shouldn't hide information due to shame or concern about criticism. This is because the quality of the evaluation and treatment recommendations will be contingent on the quality of the information that is provided. A questionnaire is often given to the patient by a psychiatrist. It is designed to assist the doctor in identifying and rate various symptoms of adult ADHD such as impulsivity and inattention. The psychiatrist will also inquire about the impact the symptoms have had on the person's life, and will usually examine the person's relationships with others as well. A majority of private assessments will involve the family member or close friend to provide additional information. This is because the psychiatrist wants to know if the patient's symptoms impact them at home or in high-stress work situations. It can be difficult to determine how significant these effects are when a patient is in the room with a psychiatrist, and this is why it's important for those who know them well to provide feedback. Some doctors will employ additional tools, like an assessment of cognitive function or a neuropsychological test, when conducting an evaluation. These tests can provide a more comprehensive view of the individual's strengths, 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 include a diagnosis and, should it be necessary the treatment plan. The report will also provide recommendations for how to manage ADHD symptoms and improve functioning at school, work, and at home. If you think you or your child might have ADHD, a private assessment can be a great option. While it is possible to obtain an ADHD diagnosis through the NHS but waiting times can be long. A private assessment could be more efficient, and you will be able choose your own doctor which makes the process less stressful.