Private ADHD Clinics Exposed
Many people suffering from ADHD can experience serious personal and professional issues due to untreated symptoms. These symptoms can include low performance at work, in relationships, depression and anxiety.
Private assessments are conducted according to Nice guidelines and are only carried out by UK registered psychiatrists, specialists ADHD nurses or "other appropiately qualified healthcare professionals". Each private assessment provider has its own policy regarding GP letters of referral.
What is ADHD?
People suffering from ADHD are unable to remain still and paying attention to instructions. They might talk or fidget too much or interrupt others in a constant manner. The issues they face can manifest in their relationships, careers and overall life performance. People with neurodivergent tend to be imaginative, creative and enthusiastic in their social and professional lives.
These challenges are frequently evident in the classroom, where students need to be able to sit still and focus. It's impossible to learn when your child is rushing around in the classroom, or zoning-out when their teacher speaks. This can lead to poor performance, tensions with teachers and parents and a struggle to keep up with school.
A psychiatric specialist determines ADHD by reviewing the symptoms and taking an medical history. They also complete rating scales, questionnaires and conduct physical examinations. A psychiatric examination can include mental diagnoses, such as anxiety or depression and information about the child's development as well as family history and educational background.
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. Before, this was known as attention deficit disorder (ADHD). Children with inattentive symptoms are less disruptive at school but struggle to stay focused and manage their work. They are more likely to make mistakes at home or have trouble remembering 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 type that most people imagine when they picture someone with 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 imbalance demonstrates how important it is to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about your child regardless of gender or sex to determine whether their symptoms are typical for their age and if there's a need to consider treatment.
What is the reason I need an appointment with a doctor?
There is a growing fear that people are being "over diagnosed' with ADHD/ADD. This is due to a deficiency in funding for NHS mental health services and long waiting lists for assessments. Many have sought private assessment and diagnostic services. Some of these private companies have been causing concern, as they appear to be selling false diagnosis. The BBC broadcast a documentary titled Private ADHD Clinics Revealed.
This documentary exposed some of the poor practices within a few private ADHD assessment firms, but the problem is bigger than this. It is imperative that anyone who has concerns about their treatment seeks advice from a healthcare professional who specialises in their field of expertise. This could be a psychiatrist, GP or other healthcare professional. This will ensure that the healthcare professional is in compliance with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for assessing and treatment ADHD.
It is essential that, in addition to adhering to NICE guidelines and addressing ADHD symptoms the healthcare professional has years of experience and expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This is why it is essential to select a healthcare provider 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 review of their mental history and consideration of other people who are familiar with them.
Following the assessment the physician can confirm or deny the diagnosis of ADHD. They will also discuss the best way to proceed, including the medications available. They will also be able to discuss any other mental health issues the client may have and their family history of mental illness.
Also, keep in private adhd assessments that if your doctor agrees with you that you suffer from ADHD they will have to prescribe stimulant medications. This is legally required under current UK laws. Certain private assessment providers will require the GP referral letter, but others will not. Always check with your chosen provider to know their policy before making a reservation.
How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis?
It can be frightening and difficult to receive an ADHD diagnosis. It is nevertheless important to remember that having the diagnosis can help. It could explain why you struggle with skills like concentration, listening attentively, following instructions and organisation things that are natural to others.
With the right support and guidance, you can overcome ADHD. A combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes could aid you in overcoming the challenges that arise with ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically characterized by issues with impulsivity, concentration, and poor time management. These issues can lead to low self-esteem, to problems at work or in university and even to difficulties making connections.
Adult ADHD is difficult to recognize because its symptoms overlap with other mental disorders. In addition, sex and race biases can make it harder for women and people of colour to be diagnosed. This is because medical professionals may not take their symptoms seriously or believe that they aren't suffering from ADHD.
A private ADHD assessment is similar to a standard psychotherapy assessment, but it will involve more in-depth discussions with your doctor, as well as an in-depth interview about your symptoms over time and in different settings. You will be asked to evaluate the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily functioning. The test includes a physical examination and blood tests to determine if there are any other medical causes for your symptoms.
If you've received an appointment with your GP, Priory will contact you to set up an appointment with one of our experienced psychiatrists. We will require you to complete an array of screening questionnaires and provide any other supporting documents you have. These tests will determine if you show enough signs of ADHD to warrant an assessment.
It's important to be honest when answering these questions, and to explain how you have been feeling in full detail. This will help us determine the most effective options for treating your condition. After completing the ADHD assessment we will review your results with you and recommend a suitable treatment strategy.
What happens when the assessment is completed?
If your GP thinks you may be suffering from ADHD the doctor will refer you to a mental specialist, usually a psychiatrist, for an evaluation. The GP cannot diagnose ADHD however they can assist you to explain your symptoms, and inquire about your family's mental history and other comorbidities. It's often helpful for you and your spouse or close friend to attend the assessment with you as well. The assessment is a discussion between the specialist and you, and could take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will include a symptom checklist and questions about the way your symptoms affect you in different circumstances and at different times of the day, in addition to other activities.
If the doctor who is conducting the assessment believes that you might have ADHD they will speak with you about the treatment options available. They will also discuss any underlying health issues you might have. They will also consider the way your symptoms affect you professionally and socially and how they impact your life overall. They will discuss with you if they think you'll benefit from treatment or if you'd prefer to see your GP to discuss your management.
As with any psychiatric assessment there will be personal information that you may not be at ease discussing. It is possible that you do not want to discuss specific details about your previous experiences. You can decide to leave a question blank or avoid answering it if you're uncomfortable. It's important to note that there are a few private insurers who do not cover the costs of ADHD assessments and medications, even if they're deemed as having ADHD. It is important to determine whether your insurance policy covers an ADHD evaluation and medication if you have one of these insurers.
Depending on the price of your individual diagnosis, a psychiatrist may offer you a plan of treatment or refer you to your GP for re-discussion. If you choose to participate in a treatment plan your doctor may decide to adjust your medication dosage to ensure you get the correct dose prior to prescribing.