Private ADHD Clinics Exposed
Many people suffering from ADHD are prone to serious professional and personal problems because of unmanaged symptoms. These symptoms could include low performance at work, in relationships, depression and anxiety.
Private assessments adhere to Nice guidelines and can only be performed by UK registered psychiatrists, specialists ADHD nurses or "other appropiately qualified healthcare professionals". Each private assessment provider has a different policy on GP letters of referral.
What is ADHD?
People suffering from ADHD are unable to remain still paying attention, focusing and following instructions. They might talk or fidget too much, or interrupt others constantly. Their issues can manifest in their relationships, work and overall life performance. However, there are some strengths of the neurodivergent condition They can be creative, creative and bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas to their work or social lives.
These issues are usually evident in school, where students need to be able to sit still and focus. They can't do it when they're running around the classroom or zoning out while their teacher is talking. This can result in poor performance, strained relationships with parents and teachers and problems focusing at school.
ADHD is diagnosed by a psychiatric specialist who evaluates the symptoms of the patient and their caregivers, responds to questionnaires and rating scales and conducts a medical history and a physical examination. A psychiatric examination can include mental diagnoses, such as depression or anxiety, as well as information about a child's upbringing as well as family history and education.
When a person has inattentive ADHD, they only have trouble with the inattentive symptoms and may not be as easily identified as someone with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Previously, this was called attention deficit disorder (ADHD). Children with inattentive symptoms are less disruptive at school, but struggle to stay on track and organize their work. They may make careless mistakes at home or have trouble recalling important conversations or events.
The most common type of ADHD is combined type, which means the person displays at least six of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. This is the kind of ADHD that people tend to imagine when they think of someone who has ADHD.
It's not clear why boys and children assigned male at birth are more than twice as likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis as girls and children assigned female at birth, but it may be because they have more of the hallmark hyperactive-impulsive symptoms that are easier to see and identify. This disparity highlights the need to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have for your child regardless of gender or sexuality to determine whether their symptoms are typical for their age, and if there's a need to consider treatment.
Why do I require an evaluation of my health issue?
There is an increasing concern that people are being diagnosed too often with ADHD/ADD. This is due to a deficiency in funding for NHS mental health services and the long wait lists for assessment. This has led to a lot of people seeking private assessment and diagnosis services. Some of these private providers have been causing concern, because they appear to be selling false diagnosis. The BBC released a documentary titled Private ADHD Clinics Revealed.
This documentary exposed some of the poor practices within a handful of private ADHD assessment companies, but the problem is bigger than this. Anyone concerned about treatment should consult an expert in healthcare who is an expert in this field. This could be a psychiatrist, GP or another healthcare professional. This will ensure that the healthcare professional follows the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for assessing and treatment ADHD.
In addition to adhering to NICE guidelines it is essential that the healthcare professional has experience and expertise in diagnosing ADHD and managing the symptoms. It is therefore crucial to select a healthcare professional who provides a thorough ADHD assessment. This will include a conversation with the client to discuss their symptoms and how they have affected them as well as a review of their mental history, and consideration of other people who know them well.
After the assessment, the clinician will be capable of confirming or denying the diagnosis of ADHD and then discuss the best way to proceed with their treatment including the possibility of medication. They will also be able to discuss any other mental health issues that the client may have and their family history of mental illness.
It is also worth remembering that if your doctor is of the opinion that you suffer from ADHD, they will need to issue you a prescription for stimulant medication. This is a requirement under the current UK law. Certain private assessment providers will ask you to provide a GP referral letter, while others will not. Always check with private adhd assessment chosen provider to know their policy before making a reservation.
How can I obtain an medical diagnosis?
It can be frightening and overwhelming to be given an ADHD diagnosis. It is nevertheless important to keep in mind that an ADHD diagnosis can be helpful. It can explain the reasons you struggle with skills such as concentration, listening carefully, following instructions and organisation things that are common to other people.
If you've been diagnosed of ADHD it is possible to manage it with the right help. A combination of cognitive behavior therapy and lifestyle changes can aid you in overcoming the challenges that come with ADHD. Adults who suffer from ADHD are typically identified by difficulties with concentration, impulsivity and poor time management. These difficulties can lead lower self-esteem, problems at work or at the university setting, and even difficulties forming relationships.
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose due to its overlap with other mental health issues. Women and people of color might also have a tougher time getting diagnosed due to sexism and racism. This is because doctors might not take the symptoms seriously or assume they don't have ADHD.
A private ADHD assessment is similar to a standard psychiatric assessment but will involve more focused discussion with the doctor and an in-depth interview about your symptoms in various settings. You will be asked to evaluate the severity of your symptoms as well as their impact on your everyday functioning. The test will include a physical examination as well as blood tests to identify any other medical reasons for your symptoms.
If you've received a referral from your GP, Priory will contact you to set up an appointment with one of our skilled psychiatrists. We will require you to complete a series screening questionnaires, and also provide any supporting documents you might have. These questions are designed to determine whether you have enough evidence of ADHD to allow us to proceed with the evaluation.
When answering these questions it's crucial to be honest and describe your feelings in detail. This will help us decide the best treatment options for you. After you have completed the ADHD assessment we will go over your results with you and provide a suitable treatment plan.
What happens next after the test?
If your GP thinks you might have ADHD they will refer you to a mental health professional, usually a psychologist, to conduct an assessment. The GP cannot diagnose ADHD however they can assist you to relay your symptoms, ask about your family's mental history and other comorbidities. It's often helpful for you and your partner or close friend to be present at the assessment with you as well. The assessment is a discussion between the specialist and you, and it can take between 45 and 90 minutes. The examination will include the list of symptoms as well as questions regarding your symptoms in different situations and at various times during the day.
If the person who conducts your examination believes that you may have ADHD they will speak with you about the possible medication options available. They will also discuss any health issues that you might have. They will also look at the way your symptoms affect your social and professional life and how they impact your life in general. They will then discuss with you whether they think you'd benefit from treatment, and whether they think you'd like to be referred to your GP for shared management.
You might not feel comfortable discussing certain details with your doctor. This includes details about past experiences that may be triggering for you to talk about. You can decide to leave a question unanswered or refrain from answering it if you are uncomfortable. It's important to note that there are some private insurers who do not cover the costs of ADHD assessments and medication even if they're deemed as having ADHD. You will need to check if your policy covers an ADHD evaluation and medication if you have one of these insurance companies.
Based on the cost of your private diagnosis, a psychiatrist might offer you a plan of treatment or recommend you to your GP for a re-discussion. If you choose to have a treatment plan, your doctor will likely want to titrate your medication so that you are taking the correct dosage before prescribing it.