Private ADHD Clinics Exposed
Untreated symptoms can lead to serious issues for those suffering from ADHD. These symptoms could include inability to perform at work, and in relationships, depression and anxiety.
Private assessments must adhere to Nice guidelines. They can only be performed by UK licensed psychiatrists or ADHD nurses or "other appropriately qualified healthcare professionals". Each private assessment provider has its own policy on GP letters of referral.
What is ADHD?
People suffering from ADHD struggle to sit still, paying attention and following instructions. They may fidget or talk too much, or interrupt others constantly. Their issues can manifest in their relationships, careers, and general functioning. People with neurodivergent tend to be imaginative, creative and energetic in their social and professional lives.
These challenges are often evident in schools where students have to be able to sit and focus. They won't be able to do that if they're running around the classroom or zoning out while their teacher is talking. This can result in to poor performance, tensions with parents and teachers and difficulty keeping up at school.
ADHD is diagnosed by a psychiatric specialist who reviews symptoms from the patient and their caregivers, completes rating scales and questionnaires and takes medical history and a physical exam. A psychiatric assessment can include mental health diagnoses like anxiety or depression, and details about the child's education and family history, as well as their 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 who exhibit inattention symptoms are less disruptive in school but struggle to stay focused and organize 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 kind of ADHD that people tend to picture when they think of someone suffering from 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 the need to consult your doctor about any concerns you have about children regardless of gender or sexuality, so they can assess whether their symptoms are typical for their age and if there's a need to consider treatment.
What is the reason I need an examination?
There is a growing concern that people are being 'over diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. This is due to a lack in funding for NHS mental health services and long waiting lists for assessments. Many people have sought out private diagnostic and assessment services. Some of these private companies are now being investigated as they appear to be selling false diagnoses. This has led to the BBC airing a documentary called Private ADHD Clinics Exposed.
This documentary exposed some of the shoddy practices that are prevalent in some private ADHD assessment firms, but the issue is much more extensive than this. It is essential that anyone with concerns about their treatment seeks advice from a healthcare professional who is specialized in their area of expertise. This could be a doctor, psychiatrist or other healthcare professional. This will make sure that the healthcare professional is adhering to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the assessment and treatment of ADHD.
In addition to following NICE guidelines it is essential that the healthcare specialist has experience and knowledge in diagnosing ADHD and in managing its symptoms. It is therefore crucial to select a healthcare professional who can provide a thorough ADHD assessment. This will include a conversation with the client to discuss their issues and how they have affected them, review of their mental history, and consideration of other people who are familiar with them.
After the assessment the doctor can either confirm or reject the diagnosis of ADHD. They will discuss the best way to proceed, which includes medication options. Suggested Looking at will also discuss any other mental issues that the client may be suffering from in addition to their family history of mental illness.
It is also important to remember that if a doctor agrees that you have ADHD, they will need to give you a prescription for stimulant medications. This is legally required under current UK laws. Some private assessment providers will require an GP referral letter, while others won't. Before making a booking, always confirm with the provider.
How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
It can be frightening and difficult to be given an ADHD diagnosis. It is crucial to keep in mind that a diagnosis can help. It could explain why you struggle with skills such as concentration, listening with attention and following instructions, as well as organisation things that are common to other people.
With the right help and guidance, you can overcome ADHD. A combination of cognitive behavior therapy and lifestyle changes could help you overcome the challenges that are associated with ADHD. The most frequently reported symptoms of ADHD in adults are problems with impulsiveness, focus, and poor time management. These difficulties can lead low self-esteem, which can lead to issues at work or in university, and can lead to problems in forming relationships.
Adult ADHD can be difficult to identify due to its overlap with other mental health conditions. Additionally, sex and race biases can make it difficult for women and people of color to be diagnosed. This is because doctors might not take the symptoms seriously or believe that they don't need ADHD.
A private ADHD assessment is similar to a regular psychotherapy assessment, but it will involve more in-depth discussions with your doctor, as well as an in-depth discussion about your symptoms over time and in different situations. You will be asked to rate the severity of your symptoms as well as their impact on your daily functioning. The test will include a physical examination as well as blood tests to rule out any other medical causes of your symptoms.
Once you have an appointment with your GP, Priory will contact you to set up an appointment with one of our skilled psychiatrists. We'll ask you to complete the screening questionnaires and provide any other supporting documents you may have. These questionnaires are designed to determine whether you show enough signs of ADHD for us to proceed with the assessment.
It is important to be honest when answering these questions. You should also describe how you've been feeling in full detail. This will help us decide the most effective treatment options for you. We will go over the results of your ADHD assessment with you, and then propose the best treatment plan.
What happens when the assessment is completed?
If your GP thinks you might be suffering from ADHD they will refer you to a mental health specialist typically a psychologist for an assessment. GPs can't diagnose ADHD but they can help explain your symptoms, and inquire about family mental history and the presence of comorbidities. It's often helpful for you as well as your partner or a close friend to be present at the assessment together. The assessment is a conversation with a specialist, which can last 45 to 90 minutes. The assessment will include a checklist of symptoms and questions regarding your symptoms in different situations and at various times during the day.
If the clinician conducting your examination believes that you may have ADHD, they will talk with you about the medication options available. They will also talk about any underlying health concerns you may have. They will also discuss the way your symptoms affect you socially and professionally and how they impact your overall life. They will talk with you whether they believe you could benefit from treatment, and if you would prefer to consult your GP to discuss your the management.
Like any psychiatric evaluation There will be personal details asked about which you may not feel comfortable discussing. It's not a good idea to discuss details of the past experience. You can choose to leave a question unanswered or avoid answering it if you are uncomfortable. Certain private insurance companies don't cover the costs of ADHD assessments or medications even if they're 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 medication prior to beginning.
Depending on the amount you pay for your personal diagnosis, your doctor will either give you an treatment plan or refer you to your GP for further discussions. If you choose to participate in a treatment plan your doctor may decide to adjust the dosage of your medication to ensure you get the right dosage prior to prescribing.