What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a qualified doctor. 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 are qualified to diagnose ADHD. However, you can get an assessment from a 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional' [Nice Guidelines]. Psychologists are among them.
What to expect
During an ADHD private assessment, a psychiatrist consultant will sit down with you and your child (if it is an ADHD assessment for kids) about your symptoms and behavior over time. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or assess your behavior on various scales. They will inquire about your family history and your lifestyle and the environment you live in.
The appointment lasts for 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video conference. Bring any relevant documents, like documents from work or school performance as well as any medication information. Wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewelry during the examination, as it may involve physical examinations.
You'll be asked about your health and family history and also about any issues you've experienced at school or at work. The consultant psychiatrist will also look at your medical records as well as any other information they may have about you or your child's behaviour. private adhd assessment adults will then look over any rating scales or questionnaires that you've completed as well as their observations.
Based on the results of your evaluation, you'll be given a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and offered treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, and in other cases, CBT therapy. They'll talk about your individual needs with you, and after they've come to a 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 guilt and shame, as it helps you realize that the symptoms you experience are caused by an illness of the brain rather than a sign of poor character or failure.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a condition that affects millions around the globe. While it can affect certain aspects of life, people who suffer from ADHD often achieve great things. They include famous musicians like Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles, actors such as Will.i.am and Oscar Winner Michael Phelps, businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney, and scientists such as Nobel physicist Albert Einstein.
Getting a diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important first step in obtaining help for ADHD. You will be able to stop blaming yourself for your problems and begin to understand that your ADHD is the root of your problems. It also means that you can find a way of managing your symptoms and gain control over parts of your life that have been problematic for a long time.
During the assessment you will be asked questions regarding how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child and an adult. You will also be provided with questionnaires to complete prior to the appointment. This will enable you to think about your difficulties and give the psychiatrist an abundance of information, helping them to diagnose your ADHD symptoms in a precise manner.
You should be honest and not hold back from answering the questions in fear of being judged or embarrassed. A psychiatrist will need to be aware of your entire range of problems to determine accurately ADHD. It is also crucial to ensure that you don't get diagnosed with something else. Depression, anxiety and other disorders can mimic ADHD, and these can have serious consequences for your health.
The professionals who perform the diagnosis are typically GMC certified psychiatrists. They will have a huge amount of experience in testing adults for ADHD and can identify other disorders that may be causing your difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and it is a typical part of the process.
If a psychiatrist believes that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD the doctor will explain the reason. It could be because they feel you do not provide enough details about your difficulties or that another disorder could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is crucial to realize that you do not have to accept this diagnosis if you do not accept it, but you are able to request an opinion from an alternative expert.
Treatment options
Following an evaluation an individual might be offered a set of treatments to manage symptoms. It's usually an amalgamation of medication and specialist coaching. This can improve their overall wellbeing and enable them to reach their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to long NHS waiting times.
It is crucial to realize that the diagnosis of ADHD is not just an easy fix, it needs to be treated as a chronic condition. If left untreated, people suffering from ADHD may have issues at work as well as in relationships and in their home life. Insufficient organization, difficulties staying on task and focused and being easily distracted can create problems for those with ADHD in all areas of their life.
Most of the time, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they also have an antecedent of mental health issues. Bipolar disorder and depression are two instances. These conditions can increase 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 having relationship issues.
If a person is assessed by a psychiatrist, they will be required to consider the way that the symptoms of ADHD have affected them throughout the course of their life. This may involve questionnaires and rating scales. They may also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances.
The assessment will usually take between 45 to 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms that are being experienced and look over a list of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition and they decide to recommend the patient for further medical tests. The psychiatrist will decide on treatment options in light of the results.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals have the same responsibilities with those in the NHS. The services they provide must still adhere to the guidelines set out by NICE. It is suggested that patients consult their doctor to determine if they need a referral before going for an assessment. Or, they can contact an individual 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 best treatment options that suit your symptoms, lifestyle and preferences. This process can take up to two hours or more to discuss your medication options and may require several sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you'll need an appointment letter from your GP. Private providers may not require this, however it is important to confirm this prior to making an appointment.
The initial step of the private assessment process is to complete the mental health questionnaire which includes questions regarding your symptoms and family history, prior treatments, and any other mental health issues you 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 behaviors. It can be particularly effective for people with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaire, your school reports and any other evidence that you have provided, as well as an interview with yourself. It is crucial that you are honest and precise as this will influence the outcome of your personal evaluation.
If the psychiatrist determines that you don't have ADHD the doctor will explain the reasons and let you know whether you are eligible for a medication shared-care agreement (so that you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) or if you can be referred to a psychiatrist. It's not uncommon to find that your symptoms are due to another issue, such as PTSD or autism, and it's essential that you undergo a full mental health screening.
It is also crucial that the healthcare provider you visit for your evaluation is in compliance with clinical guidelines as set out by NICE. This is particularly important for the assessment of adults suffering from ADHD, which can be difficult to diagnose accurately and treat effectively. If you want to get the best treatment, make sure that the healthcare professional that you're seeing has experience in treating adults with ADHD and is a GMC-registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.