Private ADHD Clinics Exposed
Many people suffering from ADHD may experience serious personal and professional issues because of unmanaged symptoms. This can result in low performance at work and in relationships, anxiety and depression.
Private assessments follow Nice guidelines and can only be carried out by UK licensed psychiatrists and specialist ADHD nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professionals". Each private assessment provider has a different policy on GP letters of referral.
What is ADHD?
People with ADHD have trouble sitting still paying attention, focusing and following instructions. They may fidget and talk too much or interrupt others constantly. Their issues can manifest in their relationships, jobs and general life functioning. People with neurodivergent tend to be creative, imaginative and enthusiastic in their professional and social lives.
These issues are often evident in the classroom, where students have to be seated and study. It's impossible to learn if your child is running around in the classroom, or zoning-out when their teacher is speaking. This can result in poor performance, tensions with parents and teachers and a struggle to keep up with school.
ADHD is diagnosed by a psychiatric provider who examines the symptoms of the patient and caregivers, completes rating scales and questionnaires and conducts a medical history and a physical examination. A psychiatric examination can include mental health diagnoses like anxiety or depression, and information about the child's education, family history and growing up.
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. In the past, this was known as 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 errors at home, or forget important events or conversations.
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 type most people think of 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 shows how crucial parents should discuss with their doctor any concerns they have about their child, regardless of gender or sex. They can then assess if their symptoms are typical and determine if they should seek treatment.
Why do I need a diagnosis?
There is growing concern that many are being 'over-diagnosed' as having ADHD/ADD. This is fuelled by the lack of funds for NHS mental health services and logjammed waiting lists for assessment. This has lead to many patients seeking private assessment and diagnosis services. Some of these private practitioners are now being investigated as they are selling false diagnoses. The BBC broadcast a documentary titled Private ADHD Clinics Revealed.
This documentary exposed some of the shoddy practices that are prevalent in a handful of private ADHD assessment firms, however the problem is more complex than this. private adult adhd assessment uk concerned about treatment should seek out an healthcare professional who is an expert in that area. This could be a GP or psychiatrist, or any other healthcare specialist. This will make sure that the healthcare professional is in compliance with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for diagnosing and treating ADHD.
In addition to adhering to NICE guidelines It is also important that the healthcare professional has experience and expertise in diagnosing ADHD and in managing the symptoms. It is therefore important to select a healthcare professional who can provide a thorough ADHD evaluation. This will include a discussion with the client about their symptoms and how they've been affected, a comprehensive review of their mental health history and consideration of information from others who know them well.
After the evaluation the physician can confirm or deny the diagnosis of ADHD. They will discuss the best way to proceed, including treatment options. They will also discuss any other mental issues that the client might have in addition to their family history of mental illness.
It is also worth remembering that if a doctor agrees that you suffer from ADHD and they are able to issue you a prescription for stimulant medication. This is legally required under current UK laws. Some private assessment companies will require the GP referral letter, but others will not. You should always check with your chosen provider to learn about their policies prior to making a booking.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
It can be intimidating and difficult to be given an ADHD diagnosis. But, it's important to remember that having the diagnosis can help. It can help you understand why you might struggle with everyday skills such as concentration, following instructions or listening attentively, and other things that seem to be natural to other people.
With the right support and guidance, you can overcome ADHD. A combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can assist you in overcoming the difficulties that are associated with ADHD. Adults who suffer from ADHD are often characterized by problems with concentration, impulsivity and poor time management. These difficulties can lead lower self-esteem, problems at work or the university setting, and even difficulties making connections.
Adult ADHD can be difficult to identify because of its overlapping symptoms with other mental health issues. Women and people of color may also have a harder diagnosis due to sexism and racism. This is because doctors might not take the symptoms seriously or think they don't have ADHD.
A private ADHD assessment is similar to a routine psychotherapy assessment, but it will involve more specific discussions with your doctor, as well as an in-depth conversation about your symptoms in various situations. You will be asked to rate your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The test also includes a physical exam and tests to rule out possible medical causes 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 ask you to fill out a series screening questionnaires, and provide any supporting documents you have. These questionnaires are used to determine if you show enough signs of ADHD to proceed with an assessment.
When answering these questions it's crucial to be honest and describe your feelings in detail. This will help us determine the most effective options for treating your condition. We will go over the results of your ADHD assessment with you, and then recommend the best treatment program.
What happens next after the assessment?
If your GP feels that you may have ADHD, they will refer you to a mental health professional typically a psychologist for an assessment. The GP cannot diagnose ADHD however, they can assist you in describing your symptoms and ask about family mental health history and co-morbidities (the term used to refer to other conditions that are present alongside ADHD). It's usually beneficial for you and your partner or close friend to be present at the assessment together. The assessment is a conversation between the professional and you, and can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It includes a symptom-checklist and questions on the way your symptoms affect your life in various situations and at different times of the day, along with other activities.
If the person who conducts your examination believes that you may have ADHD they will speak with you about the treatment options available. They will also discuss any health issues that you might have. They will also consider the way your symptoms affect your social life, professionally and generally. They will then discuss with you whether they believe you could benefit from treatment, and should they believe that you would like to be referred back to your GP for shared management.
As with any psychiatric examination, there will be some personal details asked about which you may not feel at ease with discussing. This includes information about past experiences that could be difficult for you to discuss. You can leave a question blank or avoid answering it if you feel uncomfortable. Some private insurers don't cover the costs of ADHD assessments or medication, even when they are diagnosed with ADHD. If you have a policy with one of these insurers, you will need to check that it covers an ADHD assessment and treatment prior to proceeding.
Based on the cost of your private diagnosis, a psychiatrist could offer you a plan of treatment or recommend you to your GP for re-discussion. If you decide to go on a treatment plan, your doctor is likely to want to titrate your medication so that you are on the right dosage prior to prescribing it.