What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a session with an expert doctor. They will go over your psychiatric history, as well as looking at different aspects of your life and how these might be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can formally diagnose ADHD. However, you can obtain an assessment from another "appropriately qualified healthcare professional (Nice Guidelines]. Psychologists are one of them.
What to expect
During an individual ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will speak to you (or your child, should it be an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. They may also require you to complete questionnaires and rate your behaviour on different scales. They will ask you about your the history of your family and lifestyle and environment.
The appointment lasts for 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video calls. Bring any relevant documents, including documents from work or school performance as well as any medication information. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewellery for the test as it can include physical tests.
You will be asked to give information about your health, family history, and any problems you have had at work or at school. The consultant psychiatrist will also review your medical records, along with any other information that they have about your child or yourself. They'll then look over the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you have completed, along with their own observations.
Depending on the outcome of your assessment You'll be given a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and offered treatment options. In some instances, this could be medication, and in others, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your individual requirements with you and once they've agreed on the best treatment plan and have you referred back to your GP in a shared care agreement.
A professional diagnosis can improve your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also help reduce feelings of shame and guilt, as it makes you realize that your symptoms are not a sign of failure or poor character but rather an illness of the brain.
It's important to recognize that ADHD is a real condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While ADHD can be a problem in some areas of life, a lot of people suffering from ADHD accomplish great things. Some of these people include famous people like Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople such as Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Getting a diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important first step to getting help for ADHD. You'll be able stop blaming yourself for the problems you are having and realize that your ADHD is the reason for your issues. You will also be able to find an approach to managing your symptoms and regain control over the areas of your life which have been problematic for a long time.
During the exam, you will be asked questions about your symptoms both as a child, and as an adult. You will also be provided with questionnaires to fill prior to the appointment. This will help you to think about your concerns and provide the psychiatrist a wealth of information that can be used to identify your ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to be honest when answering the questions. You should not hold back because of the fear of criticism or shame. A psychiatrist will need to understand your entire spectrum of issues to be able to diagnose ADHD. It is essential to avoid being diagnosed with anything else. Depression, anxiety and other disorders can be similar to ADHD symptoms, and could have serious health consequences.
The professionals who make the diagnosis are typically GMC registered consultant psychiatrists. They will have a huge amount of experience in the assessment of adults for ADHD and they can identify other conditions that could cause your issues. This is called differential diagnosis and is a typical component of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is not able to explain the reason. It may be that they feel you do not 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 a different professional if you disagree.
Treatment options
Following an evaluation an individual may be offered a package of treatments that can help manage symptoms. This is often an amalgamation of specialist coaching and medication. This will improve their overall health and allow them to reach their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to long NHS waiting times.
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 may experience difficulties at home, work, and in their relationships. Insufficient organization, difficulties staying focused and on task and being easily distracted can be a problem for those with ADHD in all areas of their life.
Adults with ADHD often have a history mental health issues. These can include depression and bipolar disorder. These conditions can enhance the effects of ADHD and cause it to be harder to manage. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or undergoing relationship issues.
When a person is being assessed, their psychiatrist will be required to consider the ways in which the symptoms of ADHD have affected them throughout the course of their life. This may include questionnaires and rating scales. They might also want to talk about how the symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The examination will typically last between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will talk about the symptoms being experienced and go through a checklist of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then determine the diagnosis.
If private adhd assessment uk feels that the symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition, they will refer the patient for further medical tests. Depending on the results test, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them.
It is worth noting that healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same responsibilities as those working within the NHS. The services they offer must be in line with the guidelines laid out by NICE. It is recommended that patients consult their doctor to determine if they require an appointment letter prior to going for an assessment. Or, they can contact a private specialist like Priory to schedule the assessment for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and expert advice to help you decide on the most effective treatment options for your symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might have to visit you for a series of sessions and discuss your medication options. This can take up to two hours.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you need an appointment letter from your GP. Private providers may not require this but it is important to confirm this prior to making a booking.
The first step in a private examination is to complete the mental health form which inquires about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history and any other mental health issues you may be dealing with. The private assessment process could also include a test of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a talking therapy that helps you to change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is especially effective for adults suffering from ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaire, your school's reports, and any other evidence that you've provided, as well as an interview with you. You must be honest and accurate, as this will affect the final outcome of your personal evaluation.
If the psychiatrist decides that you do not have ADHD they will explain the reason and tell you if or not you can get an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (so you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) or if they can recommend you for a second medical opinion elsewhere. It is not uncommon to discover that your symptoms are caused by another condition, such as PTSD or autism, so it is important that you get an entire mental health assessment.
It is crucial to ensure the private healthcare provider who conducts your evaluation adheres to the guidelines for clinical assessment set forth by NICE. This is especially important when assessing adults with ADHD. It is often difficult to identify and treat them effectively. A good service will ensure that the healthcare professional you're visiting is a GMC certified psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and that they have appropriate expertise in the assessment and treatment of patients suffering from ADHD.