Private ADHD Clinics Exposed
Untreated symptoms can create serious problems for people with ADHD. These symptoms could include inability to perform at work, and in relationships, depression and anxiety.
Private assessments must adhere to Nice guidelines. They are only available to UK licensed psychiatrists or ADHD nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professionals". Each private assessment provider has its own policy regarding GP letters of referral.
What is ADHD?
People suffering from ADHD have trouble sitting still, paying attention and following instructions. They may fidget or talk too much or interrupt other people constantly. Their problems can show up in their relationships, work and in their general functioning. However, there are some strengths of the neurodivergent condition that allow them to be imaginative, creative and bring energy and new ideas into their social or work lives.
Often these challenges are evident in the classroom, where students need to sit still and study. They're not able to do this if they're running around the classroom or zoned out when their teacher is talking. This can lead to poor performance, tensions with parents and teachers, and problems focusing at school.
A psychiatric specialist determines ADHD by examining symptoms and taking an medical history. They also complete rating scales, questionnaires, and perform physical examinations. A psychiatric evaluation can also include mental health diagnoses such as depression or anxiety, 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. This was previously known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with this symptom are less disruptive in school, but have trouble keeping their attention and organising their work. They may make careless errors at home or miss 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 picture 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 it is for parents to discuss with their doctor any concerns they have for their child, no matter their gender or sexuality. They can then assess if their symptoms are typical and whether treatment is needed.
Why do I require an evaluation of my condition?
There is an increasing concern that people are being 'over-diagnosed' as having ADHD/ADD. This is due to a shortage in funding for NHS mental health services and the long wait lists for assessments. This has lead to many clients seeking private assessment and diagnosis services. Some of these private providers are now being investigated as they seem to be selling false diagnoses. The BBC released a documentary titled Private ADHD Clinics Debunked.
This documentary exposed some of the poor practice within a handful of private ADHD assessment firms, however the issue is much more extensive than this. It is essential that anyone who has concerns about their treatment seeks advice from a healthcare professional who is skilled in their field of expertise. This could be a psychiatrist, GP, or another 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 strictly to NICE guidelines and managing ADHD symptoms the healthcare professional has a wealth of knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD. It is therefore crucial to choose a doctor who can provide a thorough ADHD evaluation. This includes a discussion with the client about their symptoms and how they have been affected, a comprehensive review of their mental health history, and the consideration of information from other people who are familiar with them.
After the evaluation the doctor will be in a position to confirm or deny the diagnosis of ADHD and discuss what they would like to do to proceed with their care including the possibility of medication. They will also discuss any other mental issues that the client may be suffering from, as well as their family history of mental illness.
It is also important to remember that if your doctor is of the opinion that you have ADHD, they will need to give you a prescription for stimulant medications. This is an obligation under current UK laws. Some private assessment providers will ask you to provide a GP referral letter, while others won't. Before you make a booking, always check with the provider.
How can private adhd assessment obtain an medical diagnosis?
It can be intimidating and daunting to receive an ADHD diagnosis. It is crucial to keep in mind that a diagnosis could be beneficial. It can explain why you struggle with certain skills such as concentration, listening with attention and following instructions, as well as organisation, things that come naturally to others.
If you have a diagnosis of ADHD, you can manage it with the right support. A combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can aid you in overcoming the challenges that come with ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically identified by difficulties with impulsivity, concentration, and poor time management. These issues can cause low self-esteem, difficulties in forming relationships, and even issues at work or university.
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose due to its overlap with other mental health issues. In addition, sex and race biases can make it more difficult for women and people of colour to receive a diagnosis. This is because doctors might not be able to take the symptoms seriously or assume they don't have ADHD.
A private ADHD assessment is very similar to a typical assessment of psychiatric disorders however, it will involve an intensive discussion and a thorough discussion of your symptoms in different scenarios and over time. You will be asked to evaluate your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily functioning. The assessment also involves physical examination and tests to rule out possible medical reasons for your symptoms.
If you've received a referral from your GP, Priory will contact you to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled psychiatrists. We'll require you to complete the screening questionnaires and provide any supporting documents you may have. These questionnaires will determine if you have enough signs of ADHD to warrant an assessment.
It's important to be honest when answering these questions. You should also explain how you have been feeling in full detail. This will allow us to determine the best treatment options for you. We will discuss the results of your ADHD assessment with you, and then recommend the best treatment strategy.
What happens after the test?
If your GP thinks you might be suffering from ADHD, they will refer you to a mental health specialist, usually a psychologist, for an assessment. The GP cannot diagnose ADHD however they can assist you in describing your symptoms and inquire about your family's history of mental health and co-morbidities (the term used to describe different conditions that occur alongside ADHD). It's usually beneficial for you and your spouse or close friend to be present at the assessment together. The assessment is a conversation with a specialist, which can last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. It will include a symptom list and questions about the way your symptoms affect your life in various situations and at different times of the day, along with other activities.
If the person conducting the examination believes you might have ADHD If he or she believes that you may have ADHD, they will discuss with you the available medications available. They will also talk about any underlying health issues you might have. They will also look at the way your symptoms affect your social and professional life and how they affect your overall life. They will then discuss with you whether they think that you might be able to benefit from treatment and whether they think you'd prefer to be referred to your GP to be managed together.
You may not feel comfortable discussing certain details with your doctor. This includes details about past experiences that may be triggering for you to talk about. If there's something you are uncomfortable about then you can request to not answer the question or leave it unanswered. It's worth noting that there are private insurers who do not cover the costs of ADHD assessments and medications, even if they are diagnosed as having ADHD. If you are insured by one of these insurers, you will need to make sure that it covers an ADHD assessment and medication prior to taking the next step.
Depending on how much you pay for your diagnosis, your doctor will either give you a treatment plan or refer you to your GP for further discussions. If you decide to enroll in a treatment program and your doctor is able to adjust your medication dosage to ensure you receive the correct dose prior to prescribing.