What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a session with an expert doctor. They will examine your psychiatric past and look at the ways in which ADHD symptoms can impact various aspects of your life.
Only UK registered psychiatrists and ADHD nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. However, you can access an assessment from another 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional [Nice Guidelines]. adhd private assessment are one of them.
What can you expect?
In an individual ADHD assessment The psychiatrist who is the consultant will speak to you (or your child should it be an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will ask you about your family history, lifestyle, and the environment.
The psychiatric consultation will last approximately 90 minutes and can be conducted either in person or by video call. It is essential to bring any relevant notes such as work or school performance documents and medications. You should also wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewelry for the examination because it could require physical examinations.
You'll be asked about your health and family history and also about any issues you've experienced in school or at work. The consultant psychiatrist will also examine your medical records and any other information they have regarding you or your child's behaviour. They'll also review the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you have completed, and also their own observations.
Depending on the outcome of your assessment You'll be given a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and given treatment options. In some instances this could be medication and in other instances, CBT therapy. They will discuss your needs and then agree on the treatment plan. Once they have agreed on a plan they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care agreement.
A diagnosis from a specialist can increase your confidence in yourself and your relationships with family and close friends. It can also reduce feelings of guilt and shame, since it enables you to realize that your symptoms are not an indication of failing or a lack of character, but a neurological disorder.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is an illness that affects a lot of people across the globe. While ADHD can be a problem in certain areas of life, many people suffering from ADHD have achieved great success. These include famous musicians like Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles, actors such as 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 getting help for ADHD. It will mean that you are no longer blameing yourself for your issues and begin to realize that the challenges you experience are a result of your ADHD. You'll also be able find ways to manage your symptoms and regain some control over aspects of your life which have been a problem for quite some time.
During the assessment you will be asked about your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You will also receive questionnaires to complete in advance of the appointment. This will allow you to consider your issues and give the psychiatrist an abundance of information which will assist them in diagnosing your ADHD symptoms in a precise manner.
It is crucial that you are honest when answering the questions. Do not be hesitant due to fear of being judged or shame. This is because a psychiatrist has to know the extent of your problems to be able to evaluate your case for ADHD. It is also crucial to ensure that you don't get diagnosed with something else. Depression, anxiety and other disorders may resemble ADHD, and these can cause serious harm to your health.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are normally GMC registered consultant Psychiatrists. They have a vast amount of experience in the assessment of adults for ADHD and are able to recognize other disorders that may be causing your difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and it is a very common part of the process.
If the doctor believes you do not meet the criteria for ADHD, they will explain why. You may not have provided enough details about your issues or a different disorder may be a better explanation for your symptoms than ADHD. It is important to realise that you don't have to accept this diagnosis if you don't agree with it, but you may request an additional opinion from a different medical professional.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been evaluated, they will be given a treatment package to help manage their symptoms. Often, a combination is used of medication and specialist coaching. This will improve their overall health and let them to reach their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to long NHS waiting times.
It is crucial to recognize that ADHD is a long-term condition and should not be treated as an illness. If untreated, people who suffer from ADHD may have issues at work as well as in their relationships, and even in their private life. Signs of ADHD like poor organization, difficulty staying focused and being on task, and being easily distracted can create difficulties in all aspects of their lives.
Adults with ADHD usually 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 get worse if a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or having relationship problems.
The psychiatrist will evaluate the symptoms of ADHD throughout their life. This may involve the use of questionnaires and rating systems. They might also want to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family members and friends.
The assessment will usually take between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms that are being experienced and go through a checklist of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then determine the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes the symptoms are related to an underlying medical condition then he or she will refer the patient for further medical tests. The psychiatrist will determine treatment options based on the results.
It is crucial to understand that private healthcare professionals have the same responsibilities with those employed by the NHS. The services they provide must still follow the guidelines set out by NICE. It is suggested to consult your GP to find out whether they need a referral letter before making an appointment for an assessment. Alternately, they can call a private specialist like Priory to schedule the assessment for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and expert guidance so that you can pick the appropriate treatment options that fit your needs, lifestyle and preferences. This process could take two hours or more to discuss your medication options and can involve several sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However, you will require a referral from your GP. Some private providers don't require this however it is worth confirming before booking.
The initial step of the private assessment process will be to complete the mental health questionnaire which includes questions regarding your symptoms as well as family history, past treatments and any other mental health issues that you might have. It could also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. It is a problem-solving talk therapy which can help you transform your negative thoughts and behavior. It is especially effective for adults who have ADHD.
Once the questionnaire is completed, an expert psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire and school reports, as well as any other evidence that you have given and will conduct an interview with you. It is important that you are honest and precise as this will influence the final outcome of your private evaluation.
If your psychiatrist concludes that you don't have ADHD they will provide the reasons and will tell you if you are able to sign an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (so you only pay for the NHS prescription cost) or if they are able to refer you for a further psychiatric opinion elsewhere. It's not uncommon to find another disorder that may be causing your symptoms, like autism or PTSD, that looks like ADHD therefore it is essential that you undergo a complete mental health check-up.
It is crucial to ensure that the private healthcare professional who conducts your evaluation follows the clinical guidelines set forth by NICE. This is especially important when it comes to assessing adults with ADHD that can be difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. If you're looking for the best treatment, be sure that the healthcare professional you're working with has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD and is a GMC-registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.