The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under QuestioningA 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, even though he received a more thorough face-to-face NHS assessment, which concluded that there was no evidence of the condition.Many patients are forced, however to seek out private treatment and diagnosis due to the lengthy NHS waiting lists. What are private assessments, though?What is an assessment that is private?A private ADHD assessment starts with a thorough clinical interview. This can be done in person or over the phone or via video link. The psychologist or psychiatrist who is conducting the assessment will take an extensive medical history, and may also use additional tests, such as neuropsychological tests to understand your strengths and weaknesses as and any comorbid disorders that you may have.During the assessment, your clinician will discuss the impact the symptoms you are experiencing have on your life, and work towards finding the most effective method of treatment for you. It could be CBT or medication, but it's essential to find what works best for you.We have a dedicated team of psychiatrists and psychologists who are experts in the diagnosis and management of adult ADHD. Our clinics are accredited by NHS England's 'Right To Choose' legislation which provides you with the legal right to seek out specialist mental health treatment outside of your general practitioner. This is a huge advantage, as the NHS can be very slow.Many people suffering from untreated ADHD experience serious problems with their personal and professional lives, and this can have a significant impact on self-esteem and well-being. This can then lead to depression and anxiety, which are common side effects of untreated ADHD. We believe that an individual ADHD assessment for adults can be extremely beneficial. It will provide the answers you need and the best solution.If you've had a diagnosis you can then 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, stating that you're returning to their care. You can return to your GP and continue treatment.It is important to keep in mind that only psychiatrists or psychologist who is a specialist in the field can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals such as psychologists are able to assess ADHD however they are not able to prescribe medications.Benefits of a private assessmentMany who are seeking an independent ADHD assessment do so because they are fed up of waiting years on an NHS diagnosis. This can be particularly difficult for adults who have seen the damage that untreated ADHD can cause to their work life as well as relationships and financial security.Private assessments can often be shorter than NHS assessments, and can be completed at a time that suits the client. Some clinics also provide flexible payment plans or accept insurance as a means of payment. Private assessments may differ in cost from one clinic to another, so you should look around to find the clinic that best suits your needs.A psychologist or psychiatrist can conduct an individual ADHD test, as they are the only healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. They are trained in observing interviewing, assessing and administering psychometric tests that look for signs of ADHD. The process of assessment includes questionnaires to determine whether you exhibit enough signs of ADHD and observations at school and at home (if appropriate), a psychological evaluation in depth, and a discussion of your family's mental health history.Psychologists can also detect comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which may co-exist with ADHD. These conditions can have a significant effect on a person's health and reduce the need for GPs prescribing other medication.Once a diagnosis has been made, the clinician will then suggest treatments and suggest ways to manage symptoms, including education as well as support at home or in the workplace, exercise, diet and lifestyle modifications. A shared care agreement between the GP and patient may be required in the event that medication is prescribed.It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD can lead to severe and lasting problems such as criminal activity as well as substance abuse, and the loss of life expectancy. The effects 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 care and help they need.What to Expect during a Private AssessmentThe process of scheduling an appointment for your child's evaluation or yourself can be stressful. Once you've got an appointment scheduled, however, you can breathe a sigh relief.It is essential to choose a specialist with training in ADHD assessment. They are medical professionals, generally psychiatrists or psychologists. They will discuss your symptoms and history and perform a clinical examination. private adhd assessment will be asked to complete one or more of the standardized behavior rating scores based on research comparing the behavior of those with ADHD and those who don't.These ratings will be discussed at your consultation. Based on the results of your assessment, you may receive a diagnosis of ADHD or a different problem such as depression, anxiety, learning disabilities or alcohol and drug addiction or other mental health problems. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. In general it is recommended that a treatment regimen be combined with specialist coaching. This approach has shown to be the most effective method of controlling symptoms for clients with ADHD.Ask for suggestions from your patients or healthcare professionals you trust when selecting a psychiatrist or a psychologist to conduct your examination. Once you've chosen the right specialist, verify their professional credentials and academic qualifications as well as whether they have expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD.After you have completed your pre-screening questions Your appointment will be confirmed and scheduled. Once you've booked an appointment the forms will be accessible on your portal dashboard. They must be returned to your physician on a specified date. These forms are essential to the appointment because your physician will not be able to meet you until these forms have been approved and reviewed.During your examination it is essential to be completely honest with the psychiatrist or psychologist who will be conducting the. This will assist them arrive at a precise diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment options for you. It is important to discuss your symptoms and how they impact on your life. For instance, if are having difficulty keeping track of your finances or performing tasks at home or at work, you will want to inform the doctor.What to Expect Following a Private AssessmentA private assessment starts with a consultation focused on the symptoms and medical history. In this phase, it is important that the person being evaluated be honest and open, without holding back information because of feelings of shame or fear of being judged. The accuracy of the information will determine the quality of the evaluation and treatment recommendations.It is also typical for psychiatrists to ask the patient to complete a questionnaire. The purpose of this questionnaire is to assist doctors in identifying and evaluate the various symptoms of adult ADHD such as the inattention and impulsivity. The psychiatrist will inquire with the patient about the symptoms and how they've affected their life. They will also discuss their personal relationships.Many private assessments will ask the family member or close friend for additional information. This is because the psychiatrist would like to know if the patient's symptoms are affecting them at home or in stressful work situations. It can be difficult to gauge the extent of these effects when a patient is not with psychiatrist. This is why a person who is intimately familiar with them is a great source of feedback.Certain professionals may employ additional tools, such as a cognitive test or neuropsychological exam, in an assessment. These tests can give a more comprehensive view of the person's strengths, weaknesses, and any other comorbid conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms.The final stage of an assessment is usually the creation of a report. The report will include a diagnosis and, should it be necessary the treatment plan. It is also common for the report to include recommendations on how to manage the symptoms of ADHD, and how to improve functioning at home, school, and work.A private assessment is a good choice if you or your child suspects that they be suffering from ADHD. While it is possible to receive an ADHD diagnosis through the NHS however, waiting times can be lengthy. Private assessments are more efficient, and you can pick your individual specialist. This can make the process less stressful.