What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a qualified doctor. They will review your psychiatric past and examine the ways in which ADHD symptoms can impact various aspects of your life.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can formally diagnose ADHD. However, you can get an assessment from a 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional (Nice Guidelines]. These include Psychologists.
What can we expect?
In an ADHD private assessment, a psychiatrist consultant will sit down with you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will ask about family history and your life style and environment.
The psychiatric consultation lasts approximately 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video call. It's important to bring any relevant notes with you such as the performance of your job or school documents and medications. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothing and not much jewellery for the test as it can require physical tests.
You'll be asked about your family history and health and also about any issues you've experienced at work or in school. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will look at your medical records as well as any other information they have regarding your child's or your own behavior. They'll then look over the results of any questionnaires or rating scales you've completed, and also their own observations.
Based on the outcome of your test, depending on the results of your test, you will receive the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, and in other instances, CBT therapy. They will talk about your needs and agree on the treatment plan. After they have agreed on a plan, they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care arrangement.
A diagnosis from a specialist can increase your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also help reduce feelings such as guilt and shame, since it helps you realize that your symptoms aren't an indication of failure or a lack of character, but an illness of the brain.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a real disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Although it can affect certain aspects of life, those who suffer from ADHD often go on to accomplish great things. They 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 like Nobel physicist Albert Einstein.
Finding an accurate diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step towards receiving assistance for ADHD. You'll be able stop blaming your own problems and begin to understand that your ADHD is the cause of your difficulties. You will also be able to discover an approach to managing your symptoms and regain some control over aspects of your life that have been problematic for quite some time.
During the evaluation during the assessment, you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You will also receive questionnaires to complete prior to your appointment. This will allow you to consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist with many details which will assist them in diagnosing your ADHD symptoms with precision.
It is essential that you are honest when answering the questions. You should not hold back because of the fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist has to understand the full extent of your difficulties to be able to evaluate you for ADHD. It is important to stay clear of being diagnosed with something else. Depression, anxiety and other disorders can resemble ADHD and could be serious for your health.
The experts who carry out the diagnosis will usually be GMC registered psychiatrists. They will have extensive experience in assessing adult ADHD and will be able to detect other disorders that might be causing problems. This is called differential diagnosis and is a standard component of the process.
If you are not diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will explain the reason. It could be because they believe you don't provide enough details about your difficulties or that another disorder explains your symptoms better than ADHD. It is important to understand that you do not have to accept this diagnosis if you don't accept it, but you can ask for an opinion from a different professional.
Treatment options
Following an evaluation an individual may be offered a package of treatments to manage symptoms. In most cases, a combination will be made of medications and expert coaching. This will improve their overall health and help them to achieve their full potential. private adhd assessment for adults is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting times.
It is important to realize that ADHD is a chronic disorder and should not be treated as an illness. If left untreated, people suffering from ADHD can experience difficulties at work, in their relationships and in their home life. Lack of organization, difficulty staying on task and focused, and being easily distractible can create problems for those who suffer from ADHD in all areas of their life.
Adults who suffer from ADHD usually have a history of mental health issues. Depression and bipolar disorder are two instances. These conditions can cause ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also get more severe when a setback occurs, e.g. Losing a job or having relationship problems.
The psychiatrist will examine the person's symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This will involve questionnaires and rating scales. They may also want to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The examination will typically last between 45 to 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms and possible causes. The doctor will then formulate the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes the symptoms are related to an underlying medical condition the doctor will refer the patient to further medical tests. Based on the results, the psychiatrist will then determine what treatment options are available to them.
It is important to remember that healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same responsibilities as those within the NHS. The services they offer must still follow the guidelines set out by NICE. It is recommended that patients consult their doctor to determine if they require a referral before going for an assessment. They can also call a private specialist like Priory to schedule an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and professional guidance so that you can pick the right treatment options to match your lifestyle, symptoms and preferences. It is a process that could take two hours or more to discuss your treatment options, and may involve a number of sessions with a psychiatrist.
You can access 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 worth checking before making a booking.
The first step in a private assessment is to complete the mental health form which inquires about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history and any other mental issues you may be dealing with. It could also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a talking therapy that helps you change your negative beliefs and behaviours. It is particularly effective for people with ADHD.
After this is done, a Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire or school reports, and any other evidence you've provided and an interview with you. It is crucial to be honest and precise because this will affect the outcome of your private evaluation.
If the doctor determines you don't have ADHD, they will explain the reasons and let you know whether you're eligible for a medication shared-care agreement (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) or if you could be referred to a different psychiatric expert. It is not uncommon to discover that your symptoms are caused by another issue, such as PTSD or autism, so it is important that you get a full mental health screening.
It is also crucial that the healthcare provider you choose to visit for an assessment is in line with the guidelines for clinical care as laid out by NICE. This is especially important when it comes to assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to recognize and effectively treat them. If you are looking to receive the best service, make sure that the healthcare professional you're working with is experienced in treating adults with ADHD and is a GMC-registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.