What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is an appointment with a professional who is skilled in the field. They will review your psychiatric history, as well as looking at different aspects of your life and how these might be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK registered psychiatrists and ADHD nurses can diagnose ADHD. However, you can get an assessment from another 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional' [Nice Guidelines]. Psychologists are one of them.
What can we expect?
In the private ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will talk to you (or your child, if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and how you behave over time. They might also require you to complete questionnaires and rate your behaviour on various scales. They will ask you about your family's history, lifestyle and environment.
The appointment lasts for 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video calls. Bring any relevant documents, such as records of school or work performance and medication details. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewellery for the assessment since it may require physical examinations.
You'll be asked about your health and family history, as well as about any issues you've faced at school or at work. The consultant psychiatrist will also review your medical records as well as any other information that they may have about your child or your. They'll also review the results of any questionnaires or rating scales you have completed, as well as their own observations.
Based on the results of your evaluation depending on the results of your test, you will receive a diagnosis for ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some cases this could be medication and in other instances, CBT therapy. They will discuss your requirements and then agree on the treatment plan. After they have reached an agreement on a treatment plan they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care agreement.
It is important to recognize that a diagnosis from a professional can make you feel more confident in your capabilities and improve relationships with your family and friends. private adhd assessment adults can also help reduce feelings of guilt and shame since it allows you to realise that your symptoms are due to a neurological condition rather than being a sign of weakness or failure.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a real condition that affects millions of people around the world. While ADHD can be a problem in some areas of life, many people with ADHD have achieved great success. Some of these people include celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Making a diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis is an important first step towards getting assistance for ADHD. You'll be able to stop blaming yourself for the problems you are having and begin to understand that your ADHD is the root of your issues. It will also mean that you can find a way of managing your symptoms and regain control over aspects of your life that have been problematic for a long time.
During the assessment you will be asked about your symptoms both as a child, and as an adult. You may also be given questionnaires to fill out in advance of the appointment. This will help you to think about your problems and give the psychiatrist with a wealth of information that can be used to accurately determine your ADHD symptoms.
It is essential that you are honest when answering the questions. Do not hold back because of a fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist has to understand the full extent of your problems in order to properly assess you for ADHD. It is also crucial to ensure that you don't get diagnosed with a different disorder. Depression anxiety, stress and other disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms, which can have serious health consequences.
The experts who make the diagnosis are typically GMC certified consultant psychiatrists. They will have extensive experience in assessing adults with ADHD and will be able to determine other conditions that could be causing you difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis, and it is a common aspect of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will explain why. It could be because they believe you don't provide enough details about your issues or that a different disorder is able to explain your symptoms better than ADHD. You don't have to accept the diagnosis if it's not what you're looking for. You can get a second opinion from an alternative professional if you don't agree with.
Treatment options
In many cases, once a person has been assessed they will be offered a treatment plan to help manage their symptoms. It's usually a combination of specialist coaching and medication. This can improve their overall health and enable them to achieve their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting times.
It is essential to recognize that the diagnosis of ADHD is not just a quick fix, it needs to be treated as a chronic condition. If left untreated, those with ADHD might have issues at work, at home, and in their relationships. Signs of ADHD like poor organization or focus, difficulties in being focused, and being easily distracted can lead to problems in all areas of their lives.
Adults with ADHD typically have a history of mental health issues. These may include depression or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or having relationship issues.
If a person is assessed by a psychiatrist, they will need to look at how the symptoms of ADHD have affected them throughout the course of their life. This may involve questionnaires and rating scales. They might also want to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family members and friends.
The examination will typically last between 45 to 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms that are being experienced and go through a checklist of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying condition the doctor will refer the patient to further medical tests. The psychiatrist will make a decision on treatment options according to the results.
It is worth noting that private healthcare professionals have the same obligations as those working within the NHS. This means that the services they offer must still be in accordance with the guidelines set out by NICE. Patients should speak to their GPs to find out if they need a referral letter to go for an assessment. Alternately, they can call an individual specialist like Priory to schedule the assessment for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment offers clear guidance and a professional opinion to help you select the most effective treatment options for your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. The process could take two hours or more to discuss your medication options and can involve several sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. However you'll require a referral from a GP. Some private providers do not require this, however it is worth checking before booking.
The first stage of the private assessment process is to fill out a mental health questionnaire that includes questions about your symptoms and family history, prior treatments, and any other mental health issues you have. It could also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a problem-solving talking therapy which can help you transform your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist reviews the results of your questionnaire, your school reports and any other evidence you've provided in addition to an interview with yourself. It is crucial to be honest and accurate since this will impact the results of your personal evaluation.
If the doctor determines you aren't suffering from ADHD and they explain the reason and let you know whether you are eligible for a medication shared-care agreement (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) or if you can be referred to a psychiatric expert. It's not uncommon to discover another issue that may be behind your symptoms, like autism or PTSD, that looks like ADHD so it's essential that you undergo a complete mental-health screening.
It is also essential that the healthcare provider you visit for an assessment is in line with the guidelines for clinical practice as laid out by NICE. This is especially important for people suffering from ADHD, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. If you are looking to receive the best service, make sure that the healthcare professional that you're working with has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD and is a registered GMC psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.