What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a specialist who has experience in the field. They will review your psychiatric history aswell as looking at different aspects of your life, and how these could be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists and ADHD nurses can diagnose ADHD. However, you can obtain an assessment from another 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional' [Nice Guidelines]. These include Psychologists.
What can we expect?
During an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will talk to you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for kids) about your symptoms and behavior over time. You might be asked to answer questions or rate your behavior on different scales. They will ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and your environment.
The appointment lasts for 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video calls. Bring any relevant documents, like the records of your school or work performance and medication details. You should also wear comfortable clothing and no jewellery for the test as it can require physical tests.
You'll be asked about your family history and health as well as about any problems you've had at school or at work. The consultant psychiatrist will review your medical records as well as any other information that they may have about 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 evaluation depending on the results of your test, you will receive an assessment for ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some cases this could be medication and in other instances, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your individual requirements with you, and after they've come to a treatment plan they'll refer you to your GP in a shared care agreement.
private adhd assessment adults to realize that a professional diagnosis can make you feel more confident about your abilities and improve your relationships with family and friends. It can also alleviate feelings like guilt and shame, because it enables you to realize that your symptoms aren't an indication of failing or poor character but rather an illness of the brain.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD is a condition that affects millions around the globe. While it can be detrimental to certain aspects of life, those who suffer from ADHD often go on to achieve amazing 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.
Finding an accurate diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step to getting help for ADHD. You'll be able to stop blaming yourself for the problems you are having and realize that your ADHD is the root of your issues. It will also mean that you will discover a way to manage your symptoms and regain control over areas of your life that have been a problem for many years.
During the exam, you will be asked questions about your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You may be given questionnaires to fill out. This will help you consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist a wealth information that can be used to diagnose your ADHD symptoms.
You should be honest and not shy off from answering the questions for fear of criticism or shame. A psychiatrist will need to be aware of your entire range of difficulties to accurately diagnose ADHD. It is crucial to stay clear of being diagnosed with anything else. Depression anxiety, stress and other disorders could be similar to ADHD symptoms, which can have serious health consequences.
The experts who make the diagnosis are normally GMC certified consultant psychiatrists. They have a wealth of experience in assessing adult ADHD and are able to detect other disorders that may be causing your problems. This is called differential diagnosis and is a standard component of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD and a psychiatrist will explain the reason. You might not have provided sufficient details about your issues or a different disorder may explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it is not what you want. You may seek a second opinion from another professional if you disagree.
Treatment options
Following an evaluation an individual might be offered a set of treatments to help manage symptoms. It's usually comprised of medication and specialist coaching. This can help improve their overall wellbeing and enable them to realize their maximum potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting times.
It is crucial to recognize that ADHD is a long-term disorder and should not be treated as such. If not treated, those who suffer from ADHD can experience difficulties at work as well as in relationships and in their home life. The signs of ADHD include poor organisation as well as difficulty in staying focused and staying on task, as well as being easily distracted can create problems in all aspects of their lives.
In most cases, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they will also have an history of mental health problems. This can include depression as well as bipolar disorder. These conditions can increase the effects of ADHD and make it harder to manage. The symptoms can also get worse when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or having relationship issues.
The psychiatrist will assess the person's symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This may include questionnaires and rating scales. They might also want to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family members and friends.
The assessment usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then determine the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are caused by an underlying issue then he or she will refer the patient to further medical tests. The psychiatrist will make a decision on treatment options according to the results.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals are subject to the same obligations as those within the NHS. This means that the services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines set out by NICE. It is recommended that patients contact their GP to determine if they need a referral letter before making an appointment for an assessment. They can also call an individual specialist, such as Priory to arrange an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and expert guidance to help you choose the most effective treatment options for your symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. The process can take up to two hours or more to discuss your medication options, and may involve a number of sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you must have an appointment letter from your GP. Some private providers do not require this but it is advisable to check before making an appointment.
The first step in the private examination is to complete the mental health form which asks about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history, and any other mental issues you might have. The private assessment procedure may also include a test for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a problem-solving, talking therapy that can help you overcome your negative thoughts and behaviours. It is particularly effective for adults suffering from ADHD.
Once this is completed an expert psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire, school reports, any other evidence you have provided, and conduct an interview with you. You must be honest and truthful, as this will affect the final outcome of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist decides that you do not have ADHD they will explain the reason and tell you if you can get a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (so you only pay the NHS prescription charge) or if they can refer you for a further mental health evaluation elsewhere. It's not uncommon to find a different issue that may be behind your symptoms, such as autism or PTSD, that looks like ADHD therefore it is essential that you undergo a complete mental health screening.
It is important that you ensure that the private healthcare professional who conducts your evaluation follows the guidelines for clinical practice that are set out by NICE. This is especially important when assessing adults with ADHD. It is often difficult to identify and manage them effectively. A good service will ensure that the healthcare professional you're seeing is an GMC certified psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and that they have the right expertise in the assessment and treatment of patients suffering from ADHD.