What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a professional who is experienced in the field. They will review your psychiatric past and examine how ADHD symptoms could impact the various aspects of your life.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can formally diagnose ADHD. You can still obtain an assessment from a 'appropriately-qualified healthcare professional'. These include Psychologists.
What to expect
During a private ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will interview you (or your child, in the case of an ADHD assessment for children) about symptoms and behaviour over time. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will ask you about your family history, lifestyle and the environment you live in.
The consultation is 90 minutes long and can be conducted in person or by video conference. Bring any relevant documents, including documents from work or school performance, as well as medication information. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothing and not much jewellery for the assessment as it can involve physical tests.
You'll be asked about your health and family history, as well as about any issues you've experienced at school or at work. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will review your medical records and any other information they have regarding you or your child's behaviour. They'll then look over the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you have completed, and also their own observations.
Depending on the outcome of your examination depending on the results of your assessment, you'll receive an assessment of ADD or ADHD and offered treatment options. In some cases this will be medication, while in others, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your specific needs with you, and when they've reached an agreement on the best treatment plan, they'll refer you back to your GP on a shared care agreement.
A diagnosis from a specialist can increase your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family and close friends. It can also reduce feelings like guilt and shame, since it enables you to realize that your symptoms aren't a sign of failure or lack of character, but rather an illness of the brain.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a condition that affects millions around the globe. While it may be detrimental to certain aspects of life, those with ADHD often achieve great things. Some of these people include celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople such as Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Making an answer to a question
Getting a diagnosis is a crucial first step towards getting assistance for ADHD. It will mean that you can stop blameing yourself for your issues and start to recognise that the challenges you experience are the result of your ADHD. You'll also be able to 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 questions about your symptoms both as a child, and also as an adult. You will also receive questionnaires to fill out prior to your appointment. This will help you think about your difficulties and give the psychiatrist an abundance of information which will assist them in diagnosing your ADHD symptoms with precision.
You must be honest and not shy back from answering the questions for fear of being judged or embarrassed. A psychiatrist will need to know your full range of problems to determine accurately ADHD. It is also crucial to not be diagnosed with something else. Depression, anxiety and other disorders may resemble ADHD and could have serious consequences for your health.
The experts who carry out the diagnosis are usually GMC registered consultant psychiatrists. They will have extensive experience in assessing adults with ADHD and are able to determine other conditions that may be causing your problems. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a common aspect of the process.
If the psychiatrist feels that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD and they explain the reason. You might not have provided enough details about your problems or another condition could be a better explanation for your symptoms than ADHD. It is important to understand that you do not have to accept this diagnosis if you do not accept it, but you may request an opinion from a different medical professional.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been assessed, they will be offered an aid to manage their symptoms. Often, a combination is made of medications and expert coaching. This can improve their overall health and help them reach their full potential. This is a great alternative to long NHS waiting times.
It is essential to recognize that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a quick solution, it must be considered a long-term illness. Untreated, people with ADHD might experience issues at work, home, and in their relationships. Lack of organization, difficulty staying on task and focused, and being easily distractible can be a problem for those with ADHD in all aspects of their life.
private adult adhd assessment suffering from ADHD usually have a history of mental health issues. This can include depression as well as bipolar disorder. These conditions can increase the effects of ADHD and make it harder to cope with. 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 person's symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This may involve the use of questionnaires and rating systems. They may also want to talk about how the symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The assessment will usually take between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will review the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make an assessment.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition they will send the patient to additional medical tests. The psychiatrist will decide on treatment options according to the results.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals share the same responsibilities as those employed by the NHS. This means that the services they provide must still adhere to the guidelines set forth by NICE. Patients should contact their GPs to find out whether they require a referral letter to go for an assessment. Alternatively, they can contact a private specialist such as Priory to arrange the examination for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and expert guidance so you can select the best treatment options that match your lifestyle, symptoms and preferences. The psychiatrist might have to meet with you for several sessions and discuss your treatment options. It could be as long as two hours.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However you'll require a referral from a GP. Private providers may not require this however it's worth checking prior to making an appointment.
The first stage of the private assessment process is to complete a mental health questionnaire that includes questions about your symptoms, family history, previous treatments, and any other mental health issues you may have. It could also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a problem-solving, talking therapy that can help you overcome your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is particularly beneficial for adults with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaire, school reports and any other evidence that you have provided along with an interview with yourself. It is important that you are honest and truthful because this will affect the final outcome of your personal evaluation.
If a psychiatrist determines that you do not have ADHD they will provide the reasons and tell you whether or not you can sign an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge) or if they are able to refer you for a further medical opinion elsewhere. It is not uncommon to find that your symptoms are due to another issue, such as PTSD or autism, and it's important that you get an entire mental health assessment.
It is also important that the healthcare provider you go to for an assessment is in line with the guidelines for clinical practice as laid out by NICE. This is particularly crucial for the assessment of adults with ADHD that can be difficult to diagnose accurately and effectively treat. A quality service will make sure that the healthcare professional you are consulting is an GMC registered psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and that they have appropriate expertise in the assessment and treatment of patients with ADHD.