What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a meeting with a qualified clinician. They will go over your psychiatric history as well as looking at different aspects of your life and how they might be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists and ADHD nurses are able to diagnose ADHD. You can still obtain an assessment from a 'appropriately-qualified healthcare professional'. These include Psychologists.
What to expect
In an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will talk to you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behaviour over time. They may also request you to fill out questionnaires and rate your behaviour on a variety of scales. They will ask about family history and your lifestyle and environment.
The psychiatric consultation will last about 90 minutes and is conducted either in person or via video call. Bring any relevant documents, such as the records of your school or work performance as well as any medication information. Wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewelry during the examination, as it may involve physical examinations.
You will be asked to provide details regarding your health, family history, and any issues you've had at work or in school. The psychiatrist consultant will also review your medical records and any other information they have about your child's or your own behavior. They will then review any rating scales or questionnaires that you have completed as well as their observations.
Based on the results of your assessment, you'll be given a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and given treatment options. In private adhd assessment adults , this will be medication, and in other cases, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your individual requirements with you, and when they've reached an agreement on a treatment plan they'll refer you to your GP for a shared-care agreement.
A diagnosis from a professional can boost your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also reduce feelings of guilt and shame since it allows you to realise that your symptoms are due to an illness in the brain, not being a sign of weakness or failure.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a real disorder that has a huge impact on the lives of millions of people. Although ADHD can be a problem in some areas of life, many people suffering from ADHD have achieved great success. This includes famous musicians such as Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles and actors like Will.i.am and Oscar Winner Michael Phelps, businesspeople such as Paris Hilton and Walt Disney and scientists such as Nobel physicist Albert Einstein.
Getting a diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step towards receiving assistance for ADHD. It means that you can stop accusing yourself of being the cause and realize that the difficulties you experience are due to your ADHD. You'll also be able to discover an approach to managing your symptoms and regain control over the areas of your life which have been problematic for quite some time.
During the assessment you will be asked about your symptoms both as a child, and as an adult. You will be given questionnaires in advance to fill out. This will allow you to contemplate your problems and provide the psychiatrist with many details that will help them diagnose your ADHD symptoms with precision.
You should be honest and don't hold off from answering the questions for fear of shame or criticism. This is because a psychiatrist needs to know the extent of your difficulties in order to properly assess your case for ADHD. It is also crucial that you do not get diagnosed with something else. Depression, anxiety and other disorders can mimic ADHD and could cause serious harm to your health.
The experts who make the diagnosis are typically GMC registered consultant Psychiatrists. They will have years of experience in assessing adults with ADHD and will be able to identify other disorders which could be causing you difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a standard aspect of the process.
If a psychiatrist believes that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD the doctor will explain the reason. You might not have provided sufficient details about your problems or another condition could be a better explanation for your symptoms than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it's not what you want. You can seek a second opinion with an alternative professional if you disagree.
Treatment options
In most cases, after an individual has been evaluated, they will be offered an aid to manage their symptoms. Most often, a combination is made of medications and expert coaching. This can improve their overall wellbeing and enable them to achieve their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting time.
It is essential to understand that ADHD is a long-term condition and should not be treated as an illness. If not treated, people suffering from ADHD might experience issues at work, home and in their relationships. Insufficient organization, difficulties staying focused and on task, and being easily distractible can cause problems for people with ADHD in all aspects of their life.
Adults with ADHD usually have a history of mental health issues. Bipolar disorder and depression are two of the most common. These conditions can enhance the impact of ADHD and make it more difficult to manage. The symptoms can become worse if a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or experiencing issues with relationships.
If a person is evaluated, their psychiatrist will have to examine the way that the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their lives. This may involve the use of questionnaires and rating systems. They might also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The evaluation typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then formulate the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are caused by an underlying condition and they decide to send the patient to further medical tests. Depending on the results of these test, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals have the same responsibilities as those employed by the NHS. The services they provide must be in line with the guidelines set out by NICE. Patients should speak to their GPs to inquire whether they require a referral letter to go for an assessment. They can also contact an individual specialist like Priory, to arrange an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and a professional opinion to help you choose the most appropriate treatment options for your symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist may need to meet with you for a series of sessions and discuss your treatment options. It could take up to two hours.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS, but you'll need an official referral letter from your GP. Private providers may not require this but it is worth checking before booking.
The first step in a private examination is to fill out an assessment form for mental health that asks about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history and any other mental issues you might have. It could also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a problem-solving, talking therapy that can help you overcome your negative thoughts and behaviours. It is especially effective for adults who have ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist reviews the results of your questionnaire, your school's reports, and any other evidence you have provided, as well as an interview with yourself. You must be truthful and accurate because this will impact the results of your personal evaluation.
If a psychiatrist determines that you do not suffer from ADHD they will provide the reasons and inform you whether or not you can get an agreement for shared care with your GP to get medication (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge) or if they can recommend you for a second mental health evaluation elsewhere. It is not uncommon to discover that your symptoms are caused by another condition, such as PTSD or autism, and it's important that you get an exhaustive mental health examination.
It is essential to ensure that the private healthcare provider who conducts your evaluation follows the guidelines for clinical practice set forth by NICE. This is particularly important when assessing adults with ADHD. It can be difficult to recognize and manage them effectively. A reputable service will ensure that the healthcare professional you're seeing is a GMC certified psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and that they have appropriate knowledge of assessing and treating patients with ADHD.