What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a qualified psychologist. They will review your psychiatric history aswell taking a look at various aspects of your life, and how these could be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only private adhd assessment uk registered psychiatrists and ADHD nurses can diagnose ADHD. However, you can obtain an assessment from a 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional (Nice Guidelines]. Psychologists are among them.
What to expect
In 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 behaviors over time. You might be asked to answer questions or assess your behavior on various scales. They will ask you questions about your family's history, lifestyle and the environment.
The psychiatric consultation lasts approximately 90 minutes and can be carried out in person or via video conference. It is essential to bring any relevant notes like work or school performance records and medication details. You should also wear comfortable clothing and no jewelry for the examination since it may require physical tests.
You'll be asked about your health and family history, as well as about any issues you've faced at work or in school. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will review your medical records as well as any other information they may have about you or your child's behaviour. They will then go over any rating scales or questionnaires that you've completed as well as their observations.
Depending on the outcome of your examination depending on the results of your assessment, you'll receive the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and offered treatment options. In some instances, this will be medication, and in other instances, CBT therapy. They will discuss your needs and come up with the best treatment plan. After they have agreed on a plan they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care arrangement.
It's important to understand that a diagnosis from a professional can help you feel more confident in your abilities and improve relationships with family and friends. It can also alleviate feelings like shame and guilt, as it enables you to realize that your symptoms aren't an indication of failure or lack of character, but rather an illness of the brain.
It's important to recognize that ADHD is a real illness that has a huge impact on the lives of millions of people. Although ADHD can be a problem in certain areas of life, many people who suffer from ADHD accomplish great things. These include famous musicians like Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles and actors like Will.i.am and Oscar Winner Michael Phelps, businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney and scientists like Nobel physicist Albert Einstein.
Making a diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step in obtaining help for ADHD. You'll be able to stop blaming yourself for your problems and start to realize that your ADHD is the cause of your issues. You will also be able find a way of managing your symptoms and regain some control over the areas of your life that have been a problem for quite some time.
During the examination, you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child and an adult. You may also be given questionnaires to complete prior to your appointment. This will help you think about your problems and give the psychiatrist a wealth of information that can be used to accurately identify your ADHD symptoms.
It is essential to be honest when answering the questions. Do not be hesitant due to the fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist has to know the full extent of your problems so that they can properly evaluate you for ADHD. It is also essential to not be diagnosed with a different disorder. Depression, anxiety and other disorders can resemble ADHD and could be serious for your health.
The specialists who make the diagnosis are typically GMC certified consultant psychiatrists. They have a vast amount of experience in assessing adults for ADHD and will be able to identify other disorders that may cause your issues. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and it is a very common part of the process.
If you are not diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will explain the reason. It may be that they believe that you don't provide enough information about your issues or that a different disorder is able to explain your symptoms better than ADHD. You don't have to accept the diagnosis if it is not what you want. You can seek a second opinion from a different professional if you don't agree with.
Treatment options
After an assessment the patient could be given a range of treatments to manage symptoms. It's usually comprised of medical treatment and coaching. This will help improve their overall wellbeing and help them realize their full potential. This is a great alternative to long NHS waiting times.
It is essential to recognize that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just a quick fix, it should be treated as a chronic condition. If left untreated, people suffering from ADHD can experience difficulties at work, in their relationships, and even in their private life. Symptoms such as poor organisation or focus, difficulties in being focused, and being easily distracted can cause problems in all areas of their lives.
Often when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they may also have an antecedent of mental health issues. Depression and bipolar disorder are two of the most common. These conditions can cause ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also get worse when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or having relationship problems.
The psychiatrist will assess the symptoms of ADHD throughout their life. This will involve questionnaires and rating scales. They may also wish to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The evaluation typically takes between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will talk about the symptoms that are being experienced and go through a checklist of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then formulate the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition they will send the patient to further medical tests. The psychiatrist will make a decision on treatment options based on the results.
It is worth noting that private healthcare professionals have the same obligations as those in the NHS. The services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines set out by NICE. It is recommended to consult your GP to determine if they require a referral letter before going for an assessment. They can also call an individual specialist, such as Priory, to arrange an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment offers clear advice and expert guidance to help you decide on the most appropriate treatment options for your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. This process can take up to two hours or more to discuss your treatment options and can involve several sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can access an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS, but you must have an appointment letter from your GP. Private providers may not require this, however it is advisable to check before booking.
The first step in a private assessment will be to complete a mental health form that inquires about your symptoms, past treatments, family history and any other mental health issues you may be dealing with. It could include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. It is a type of therapy that assists you to change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is particularly effective for people with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist reviews the results of your questionnaire, school reports, and any other evidence you have provided, as well as an interview with yourself. It is essential to be honest and truthful as this will influence the outcome of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist decides that you don't have ADHD they will explain the reason and inform you if you can sign an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (so you only pay for the NHS prescription cost) or if they're able to recommend you for a second mental health evaluation elsewhere. It's not uncommon to discover another condition that could be causing your symptoms, such as autism or PTSD or PTSD, which look similar to ADHD therefore it is essential to undergo a thorough mental health screening.
It is crucial to ensure that the private healthcare professional who conducts your evaluation follows the guidelines for clinical practice that are set out by NICE. This is particularly crucial for adults with ADHD that can be difficult to diagnose accurately and treat effectively. A reputable service will ensure that the healthcare professional you're visiting is a GMC certified psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and that they have appropriate knowledge of assessing and treating adults with ADHD.