What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a session with an expert clinician. They will examine your psychiatric history and analyze how ADHD symptoms could impact different aspects of your daily life.
Only UK registered psychiatrists and ADHD nurses are able to diagnose ADHD. However, you can access an assessment from another "appropriately qualified healthcare professional' [Nice Guidelines]. These include Psychologists.
What can you expect?
In a private ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will speak to you (or your child if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. They may also request you to fill out questionnaires and rate your behaviour on a variety of scales. They will inquire about your family history, lifestyle and the environment.
The psychiatric consultation will last approximately 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video call. Bring any relevant documents, like the records of your school or work performance as well as any medication information. Wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewelry to the test because it could involve physical tests.
You'll be asked about your health and family history, as well as about any issues you've experienced at work or in school. The consultant psychiatrist will review your medical records as well as any other information they have about your child or you. They will then look over any rating scales or questionnaires that you've completed, as well as their observations.
Based on the results of your examination, you'll be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and given treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, and in other instances, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your individual requirements with you and after they've come to the treatment plan and have you referred back to your GP on a shared care agreement.
It's important to understand that a professional diagnosis can help you feel more confident about your abilities and improve your relationships with family and friends. It can also help reduce feelings of shame and guilt since it allows you to realize that your symptoms are caused by 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 affects millions of people worldwide. Although it can be detrimental to some parts of life, those with ADHD tend to achieve great things. These include famous musicians like 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 like Nobel physicist Albert Einstein.
Getting an accurate diagnosis
The process of obtaining a diagnosis is the first step to getting assistance for ADHD. It means that you are no longer blaming yourself for your problems and start to recognise that the challenges you experience are the result of your ADHD. You will also be able to discover a way of managing your symptoms and regain control over aspects of your life which have been a problem for quite some time.
During the examination, you will be asked questions about your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You may be given questionnaires ahead of time to fill out. This will help you consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist with a wealth of information that can be used to identify your ADHD symptoms.
You must be honest and not shy back from answering questions in fear of shame or criticism. 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, depression and other disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms, and could have serious health consequences.
The specialists who make the diagnosis are typically GMC certified consultant Psychiatrists. They have a vast amount of experience in assessing adults for ADHD and they will be able to identify other disorders that could cause your issues. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a typical part of the process.
If you are not diagnosed with ADHD and a psychiatrist will explain why. It may be that they feel you do not provide enough details about your issues or that another disorder explains your symptoms better than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it's not what you're looking for. You may seek a second opinion with an alternative expert if you are not satisfied with.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been assessed, they will be given an aid to manage their symptoms. It's usually a combination of medical treatment and coaching. This can improve their overall health and help them to achieve their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting list.
It is crucial to recognize that ADHD is a long-term disorder and should not be treated as it is. If left untreated, people suffering from ADHD can experience difficulties at work as well as in relationships, and even in their private life. Symptoms such as poor organisation as well as difficulty in staying focused and being on task, and being easily distracted can create problems in all aspects of their lives.
Adults with ADHD usually have a history of mental health issues. Bipolar disorder and depression are two of the most common. These conditions can increase the impact of ADHD and make it harder to manage. The symptoms can also become worse when a setback happens, e.g. losing a job or having issues with relationships.
If a person is being assessed, their psychiatrist will have to examine the way that the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their life. This will involve questionnaires and rating scales. They might also want to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The examination will typically last between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will review the symptoms and possible causes. private adhd assessment will then make the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition, they will refer the patient for additional medical tests. The psychiatrist will determine treatment options based on the results.
It is important to note that healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same obligations as healthcare professionals working within the NHS. This means that the services they provide must still adhere to the guidelines set out by NICE. It is suggested to consult your GP to determine if they require an appointment letter prior to making an appointment for an assessment. Patients can also contact a private specialist like Priory, to arrange an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and expert guidance to help you select the most effective treatment options for your specific symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. It is a process that can take two hours or more to discuss your medication options and can involve several sessions with a psychiatrist.
You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. However, you will need a referral from your GP. Private providers aren't required to have this however it is worth confirming prior to booking.
The first step in a private examination is to complete the mental health form which asks about your symptoms, past treatments, family history, and any other mental health issues you might have. The private assessment process could also include a test for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a problem-solving talking therapy that can help you change your negative thoughts and behavior. It can be particularly beneficial for adults suffering from 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 provided and an interview with you. It is important that you are honest and truthful because this will affect the results of your private assessment.
If a psychiatrist determines that you don't have ADHD they will explain the reason and will tell you if you can sign a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (so you only pay for the NHS prescription cost) or if they're able to recommend you for a second medical opinion elsewhere. It's not uncommon to find a different condition that could be causing 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 particularly crucial for adults with ADHD, which can be difficult to diagnose accurately and treat effectively. A reputable service will ensure that the healthcare professional you are seeing is an GMC registered psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse and has the appropriate experience in assessing and treating adults with ADHD.