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The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under Questioning The quality of private clinic ADHD assessments has recently come under scrutiny after a BBC Panorama investigation. The investigation by the BBC Panorama revealed that an undercover journalist was diagnosed with ADHD in three private clinics despite having a more thorough NHS assessment which found he didn't have the condition. Many patients are forced, however to seek out private diagnosis and treatment due to the lengthy NHS waiting lists. What is the procedure for private assessments however? What is a Private Assessment? A private ADHD assessment begins with a comprehensive clinical interview. It can be conducted in person or over the phone or via video link. The psychologist or psychiatrist conducting the assessment will also take a comprehensive medical history and may conduct additional tests like neuropsychological tests to gain insight into your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbid conditions that you have. During your evaluation the doctor will talk with you about how your symptoms impact your life and determine the best treatment for you. It could be medication or CBT therapy, but everyone is different so it's important to find the best fit for you. We have a dedicated team of psychiatrists and psychologists who are experts in the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD. Our clinics have been certified by NHS England's “Right to Choose' legislation, which allows you to legally to access specialist mental health treatment outside of your doctor's office. This is a huge advantage, considering that the NHS can be extremely slow. Untreated ADHD can cause serious problems in both the personal and professional lives of many people. This can have a negative effect on their self-esteem as well as their overall wellbeing. Untreated ADHD can cause depression or anxiety. We believe that an individual ADHD assessment for adults is extremely valuable. It can help you find the answers you need and the best solution. If you've had diagnosed, you can return to your GP under what's known as a shared care agreement. The psychiatrist or psychologist who diagnosed you will write to your GP with a form for you to sign that states that you are returning to their care. You can return to your GP and continue your treatment. It is important to keep in mind that only an expert psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD and they are the only ones who can prescribe medication for it. Other mental health professionals, such as psychologists, are able to conduct an assessment for ADHD but they are not able to prescribe medication. Benefits of a private assessment Many who are seeking a private ADHD assessment do so because they are fed up with waiting for years for an NHS referral to be diagnosed. This can be particularly frustrating for adults who have seen the damage that untreated ADHD causes to their professional life, relationships and financial security. Private assessments are often much shorter than NHS ones and are performed at a time that is convenient for the patient. Some clinics also offer flexible payment plans or accept insurance as a method of payment. The cost of a private exam will differ from provider to provider, so it is important to research and find a clinic that is suitable for your needs and budget. A private ADHD test is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist as they are the only healthcare professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. These professionals are trained in observing conducting interviews and administering psychometric tests that examine the symptoms of ADHD. The process of assessment will comprise questionnaires to determine whether you exhibit enough signs of ADHD as well as observations at school and home (if appropriate) and a thorough psychometric evaluation, and a the discussion of your family's medical history. Psychologists are also able identify comorbid conditions that can be co-existent with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. The identification of these conditions and treated can bring positive effects on a person's well-being and can decrease the necessity for GPs to prescribe other medications. After a diagnosis has been made, the clinician will then suggest treatments and suggest ways to manage symptoms, such as education, support at home or in the workplace, exercise, diet and lifestyle modifications. If medication is prescribed, a shared-care agreement could be required between the GPs and patients. Untreated ADHD can cause serious and long-lasting issues, such as criminal activity or substance abuse, and even a decline in life expectancy. The effects of untreated ADHD can be similar to the effects of untreated Type 2 diabetes in middle age. It is therefore vital that patients receive the help and assistance they require. What to Expect during an Assessment in Private If you suspect you have ADHD or believe your child is suffering from ADHD, scheduling an evaluation can feel overwhelming. Once you've scheduled an appointment you can breathe easy. It is essential to select the right specialist who has been trained in conducting an ADHD assessment. They are medical professionals, typically psychiatrists or psychologists. They will review your medical history, symptoms, and conduct a medical exam. You will be asked to fill out one or more of the standardized behavior ratings based on research comparing the behaviors of those with ADHD and those without. The results of these evaluations will be discussed with you during the time of your consultation. Based on the outcome of your examination you could be given a diagnosis of ADHD or a related issue like anxiety, depression and learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse or other mental health problems. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you. In general, it is recommended to combine a medication regime with expert coaching. This method has been proven to produce the best long-term results for symptom control for those suffering from ADHD. When selecting a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct your assessment, ask for recommendations from other patients or healthcare professionals you trust. When you've picked the right specialist, verify their professional certification and academic qualifications as well as whether they have experience treating adults with ADHD. Your appointment will be scheduled and confirmed after you have completed the pre-screening questionnaires. Once you have booked an appointment, these forms will be accessible on your portal dashboard. They must be returned to your clinician on a specified date. They are vital to the appointment, since your clinician will not meet you until the forms have been inspected and approved. During your assessment it is essential that you are honest with the psychiatrist or psychologist who is conducting it. This will assist them arrive at a precise diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment options for you. It is also important to talk about all your symptoms and how they affect your life. For you can find out more , if you are having difficulty keeping track of your finances or performing tasks at work or home, you will want to mention that to the practitioner. What to Expect Following a Private Assessment A private assessment begins with a clinical interview focusing on symptoms and medical histories. In this process, it is important for the person being assessed to be open and honest. They shouldn't hide information due to guilt or fear of being criticised. This is because the quality of the evaluation and treatment recommendations will depend on the quality of the information that is provided. A questionnaire is often given to the patient by a psychiatrist. The purpose of this questionnaire is to help doctors identify and rate different symptoms of adult ADHD including impulsivity and lack of attention. The psychiatrist will inquire with the patient about the symptoms and how they've affected their lives. They will also discuss their personal relationships. Many private assessments will ask an immediate family member or friend for additional information. This is because the psychiatrist would like to know if the person's symptoms impact them at home or in high-stress workplace situations. It isn't easy to assess the impact of these symptoms when a patient is not with a psychiatrist. This is why someone who is familiar with them is a good source of feedback. Some doctors will employ additional tools, for example, a cognitive test or neuropsychological test, when conducting an evaluation. These tests can provide an extensive picture of the strengths and weaknesses of a person and allow the doctor to identify any comorbid conditions that could be contributing to their symptoms. The final phase of an assessment is usually the creation of a report. The report should include the diagnosis, and a treatment plan if appropriate. It is also typical for the report to include recommendations on how to manage the symptoms of ADHD, and how to improve your performance at school, home and at work. A private assessment is a great choice if you or your child believes they might be suffering from ADHD. While it is possible to receive an ADHD diagnosis through the NHS but waiting times can be lengthy. Private assessments are more efficient and you can choose your individual specialist. This can make the process less stressful.