What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with an expert clinician. They will look at your psychiatric past and analyze the ways in which ADHD symptoms may affect different aspects of your daily life.
Only UK registered psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses are able to officially diagnose ADHD. You can still receive an assessment from a 'qualified healthcare professional'. This includes Psychologists.
What to expect
During the private ADHD assessment, the consultant psychiatrist will interview you (or your child if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and how you behave over time. They may also require you to complete questionnaires and assess your behavior on various scales. They will inquire about your the history of your family and lifestyle and the environment you live in.
The consultation lasts 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video conference. It's important to bring any relevant notes, such as work or school performance records and medication details. Wear comfortable clothes and no jewelry during the examination as it could require physical tests.
You will be asked to give information regarding your health, family history and any issues you've had at work or in school. The consultant psychiatrist will also review your medical records along with any other information they have on your child or you. They will then look over any questionnaires or rating scales that you've completed as well as their observations.
Based on the results of your assessment depending on the results of your test, you will receive an assessment for ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some cases, this will 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, they'll refer you back to your GP on a shared care agreement.
It's important to understand that a diagnosis from a professional can help you feel more confident in your abilities and improve your relationships with your family and friends. It can also help reduce feelings such as guilt and shame, since it helps you realize that your symptoms are not an indication of failure or lack of character, but rather an illness of the brain.
private adhd assessment adults to keep in mind that ADHD is a condition that affects a lot of people across the world. While ADHD can be a problem in certain areas of life, many people suffering from ADHD achieve 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.
Finding a diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important first step to getting assistance for ADHD. You will be able to stop blaming your own problems and start to realize that your ADHD is the reason for your problems. You'll also be able find a way of managing your symptoms and regain control over aspects of your life that have been troublesome for quite some time.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be asked questions about how you've been affected by your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You may also be given questionnaires to fill out in advance of the appointment. This will enable you to think about your difficulties and give the psychiatrist an abundance of information that will help them diagnose your ADHD symptoms accurately.
It is important to be honest when answering the questions and do not hold back because of the fear of criticism or shame. A psychiatrist must understand your entire spectrum of difficulties to accurately diagnose ADHD. It is essential to avoid being diagnosed with something else. Depression anxiety, depression, and other disorders may be similar to ADHD symptoms, and could cause serious health problems.
The experts who make the diagnosis are typically GMC certified consultant Psychiatrists. They will have a huge amount of experience in testing adults for ADHD and can identify other disorders that may cause your issues. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and is a typical part of the process.
If the doctor believes you do not meet the requirements for ADHD, they will explain why. It could be because they believe that you don't provide enough details about your issues or that a different disorder is able to explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is important to realise that you do not have to accept this diagnosis if you don't agree with it, but you are able to request a second opinion with an alternative expert.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been assessed, they will be given a treatment plan to help manage their symptoms. This is often an amalgamation of specialist coaching and medication. This can improve their overall wellbeing and allow them to achieve their full potential. This is a great alternative to the long NHS waiting times.
It is important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not an instant fix, it needs to be treated as a long-term condition. If not treated, those suffering from ADHD may have issues at work, in their relationships, and in their personal life. Poor organisation, difficulty staying focused and on task and being easily distracted can create problems for those who suffer from ADHD in all areas of their life.
Most of the time when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they will also have a history of mental health problems. These may include depression or bipolar disorder. These conditions can increase the effects of ADHD and make it more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also get worse when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or having issues with relationships.
The psychiatrist will assess the symptoms of ADHD throughout their lifetime. This could involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They might also want to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The assessment usually takes between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then formulate the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are caused by an underlying issue they will recommend the patient for additional medical tests. Depending on the results of these, the psychiatrist will then decide on the treatment options available to them.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals share the same responsibilities with those in the NHS. The services they provide must be in line with the guidelines laid out by NICE. It is suggested that patients consult their doctor to find out whether they will need to get a referral letter before taking an assessment. Alternatively, they can contact an individual specialist like Priory to arrange the examination for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment will provide clear guidance and expert advice to help you choose the most appropriate treatment options for your specific symptoms lifestyle, preferences, and lifestyle. The psychiatrist might have to visit you for a number of sessions to discuss your options for medication. This could take anywhere from two to three hours.
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, but it is worth checking before making an appointment.
The first stage of the private assessment process will be to fill out an assessment of your mental health that 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 beneficial for adults with ADHD.
After this is done, an expert psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire and school reports, as well as any other evidence you've provided, and conduct an interview with you. You must be honest and truthful since this will affect the outcome of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist decides that you do not suffer from ADHD they will provide the reasons and tell you whether or not you are able to sign an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (so you only pay the NHS prescription fee) or if they are able to refer you for a further medical opinion elsewhere. It's not uncommon to discover another issue that may be behind your symptoms, like autism or PTSD or PTSD, which look similar to ADHD so it's crucial that you have a full mental health check-up.
It is also essential that the healthcare provider you visit for your assessment adheres to the guidelines for clinical care as laid out by NICE. This is particularly important for the assessment of adults with ADHD that can be difficult to diagnose accurately and effectively treat. If you want to get the best treatment, make sure that the healthcare professional you're seeing has experience treating adults with ADHD and is a registered GMC psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.