The accuracy of private ADHD assessments has come under scrutiny after the BBC's Panorama program exposed a variety of clinics that rushed people through online assessments, without adhering to national guidelines. It is important not to over-interpret the anecdotal evidence shown in the BBC program.
It's not surprising that many patients choose to pay for private assessments because the wait times can be lengthy.
What is ADHD assessment?
If you or your child is struggling with ADHD symptoms, you may require professional assessment and diagnosis to understand how it affects your performance and wellbeing. Psychologists are trained to recognize and diagnose ADHD in children and adults. They can offer support and treatment, which may include medication.
Adults who are concerned they may be suffering from ADHD may be referred by their GP to a private specialist. Or, they can contact the service to schedule a consultation with a psychiatrist who is trained in ADHD. The process of an ADHD assessment varies from service to service. It typically begins with a questionnaire to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. The forms for observing are often available for you to hand to friends, family or work colleagues to complete as part of the screening process. These forms are essential to ensure that your appointment runs smoothly and that your doctor will examine the information ahead of your appointment.
If the results of your screening indicate that you may exhibit ADHD symptoms If you are found to be at risk, you will be asked for a face-toface ADHD assessment with the psychiatrist. The session is usually one hour or so and will include an exchange of information about your current issues as well as your history of ADHD symptoms and the impact that they are having on your performance. The psychiatrist will ask how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life, and also in specific situations such as school or work.
The psychiatrist will then prepare an extensive assessment report and discuss how the findings of the assessment can inform your future treatment decisions. This will include whether or not you want to explore a trial of medication and should you, if so, what option is most appropriate for your particular circumstance.
Once you've been diagnosed it is recommended to ask your GP whether they are willing to sign a shared care agreement so that you can receive the medication you need via the NHS. If you haven't already done so, you must inform your car insurance company that you suffer from ADHD. This could have an impact on the cost of your insurance.
What is the cost of an ADHD assessment?
A thorough ADHD private evaluation usually involves several sessions and costs anywhere between PS300 and PS1200. However, private healthcare providers will take the person's financial situation into account and will be able to offer discounted or even free services for people who are struggling. Many GPs can refer patients to private ADHD clinics that offer these services as part of the NHS. This is an excellent alternative for those who are unable to afford the cost of an in-person ADHD assessment and wish to take advantage the new "Right to Choose" pathway offered by NHS England.
In most instances, the initial step in an ADHD assessment is for the individual to fill out the questionnaire. They may also bring in previous medical records and self-assessments. The professional will then conduct a clinical assessment and may employ a rating system. In addition, some professionals may opt to include an at-home computer test such as TOVA which could provide an accurate quantitative indicator for ADHD by testing impulsivity and attention.
The specialist will then formulate an appropriate diagnosis from the data gathered. his response will be based upon the individual's ability to function in various social situations. They will also consider if the person has co-morbid conditions that may be contributing to their symptoms. They will also look at the impact of certain circumstances like the disapproval of parents or work stressors.
It is important to know that an ADHD assessment does not lead to a medication prescription. It will only be given when the doctor determines that the person requires treatment for ADHD in order to function efficiently.
In recent years, several websites have appeared online that offer a quick and cheap diagnosis for a one-time fee. They are not as accurate or thorough as an in-person examination with a doctor but they may be helpful to those who need to get things started. It is important to let your provider know that you require a GP letter when you decide to utilize this service. Certain providers will require it, and others won't.
What is the procedure for ADHD assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a medical test conducted by a certified healthcare professional. These professionals are usually psychiatrists with experience in diagnosing ADHD and other related disorders like depression, anxiety and dyslexia.
The examination is conducted by an expert physician, who will speak with the patients and review any paperwork that has been provided prior to the appointment. Based on the circumstances of the patient and the severity of their symptoms, further tests or screenings could be recommended.
A person who has ADHD could be asked to take the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA) which is a standardised questionaire utilized by many psychiatrists around the world. It is designed to assess the frequency of symptoms and how they affect a person's work, relationships and lifestyle. It is essential for those with ADHD to be honest and truthful when answering the questions in order that they receive an accurate diagnosis.
For children suffering from ADHD the assessment could be more in-depth and could include questionnaires or interviews with various people who interact with the child, such as teachers, coaches and day care providers. The specialist might also request a sample of the child's report card and schoolwork.
In certain situations the doctor may choose to visit the patient at a clinic or at their home to observe the patient's symptoms and behaviors. They will ask the patient to bring their GP referral letter along with any paperwork or questionnaires that have been completed in advance of the appointment.
If a doctor is referring an ADHD patient for assessment they should be acquainted with the NICE guidelines (87), which state that only healthcare professionals with expertise in ADHD can make a diagnosis or deny an ADHD diagnosis. This includes GP's and consultant psychiatrists.
It is also worth remembering that while it is possible to get an NHS ADHD assessment, that doesn't mean the results will be accepted by all insurers. Some insurers may not recognize an ADHD diagnosis, and refuse to pay in the event of a car crash.
What are the benefits of an ADHD assessment?
ADHD is an illness of the brain that affects the way that the brain functions and can cause difficulties in areas such as working memory planning, organisation and working memory. This disorder can impact the lives of both children and adults and that's why it is crucial that people who exhibit symptoms are assessed by a qualified specialist. An assessment can give you the information you require to understand your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
A specialist can offer an extensive diagnostic interview than a quiz online, which is unable to consider the complete range of symptoms that an individual might be experiencing. A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough discussion with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health professional. If you're uncomfortable asking your family physician for an appointment, you can find specialists who offer private appointments. However, be aware that the cost of an appointment with a private doctor could be a significant amount more than the NHS cost.
The primary benefit of an ADHD assessment is that it helps you receive the appropriate treatment to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. The right treatment can have a significant impact on your mood, energy levels and overall wellbeing. Your doctor can guide you on how to manage your symptoms effectively, which may include changes in your lifestyle, medications or other treatments.
People who aren't diagnosed may have difficulties with daily tasks and can feel like they are failing in their relationships and work. A diagnosis of ADHD can change that and give them the tools and support they need to thrive.
Being able to identify the correct diagnosis can also be vital for young and children because they make it easier to access medical treatment via the NHS. The long wait times for treatment on the NHS can be stressful for families with children. A private ADHD assessment by Diverse Diagnostics can speed up the process, which means your child or teenager will start receiving the help they require earlier.
