What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a meeting with a qualified clinician. They will examine your psychiatric history and examine how ADHD symptoms can impact different aspects of your daily life.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists and ADHD nurses can diagnose ADHD. You can still obtain an assessment from a 'appropriately-qualified healthcare professional'. This includes Psychologists.
What can we expect?
During the private ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will speak to you (or your child should it be an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior 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 your environment.
The consultation lasts 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video conference. Bring any relevant documents, including documents from work or school performance and medication details. Wear comfortable clothing and minimal jewelry to the test as it could require physical examinations.
You'll be asked about your family history and health, as well as about any problems you've had in school or at work. The consultant psychiatrist will examine your medical records, as well as any other information they have about your child or you. They will then go over any rating scales or questionnaires that you have completed as well as their observations.
Depending on the results of your assessment you will be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some cases this will be medication, and in other cases, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your specific needs with you, and once they've agreed on the best treatment plan and have you referred back to your GP for a shared-care agreement.
It's important to understand that a medical diagnosis can make you feel more confident in your abilities and improve relationships with family and friends. It can also reduce feelings of guilt and shame, since it enables you to realize that your symptoms are not a sign of failure or poor character but rather a neurological disorder.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a real illness that has a huge impact on the lives of millions of people. While it may affect some parts of life, those who suffer from ADHD often achieve amazing things. These 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 such as Nobel physicist Albert Einstein.
Getting an accurate diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step in receiving help for ADHD. You'll be able stop blaming your own problems and begin to understand that your ADHD is the root of your difficulties. You will also be able find an approach to managing your symptoms and regain some control over areas of your life that have been troublesome for quite some time.
During the evaluation during the assessment, you will be asked questions regarding how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child, and later as an adult. You will also receive questionnaires to complete prior to the appointment. This will enable you to consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist with a wealth of information which will assist them in diagnosing your ADHD symptoms with precision.
You should be honest and don't hold back from answering the questions out of fear of being judged or embarrassed. A psychiatrist must understand your entire spectrum of difficulties to accurately diagnose ADHD. It is also essential that you do not get diagnosed with a different disorder. Depression, anxiety and other disorders can resemble ADHD, and these can cause serious harm to your health.
The professionals who perform the diagnosis are typically GMC registered psychiatrists. They will have extensive experience in assessing adult ADHD and are able to detect other disorders that might be causing problems. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and is a very common part of the process.
If you are not diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is not able to explain the reason. It could be because they believe 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 don't have to accept this diagnosis if you do not believe in it, however you may request an additional opinion from another professional.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been assessed, they will be offered a treatment package to help manage their symptoms. Most often, a combination is used of medication and specialist coaching. This will improve their overall health and let them to reach their maximum potential. This is an excellent alternative to long NHS waiting times.
It is important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just a quick solution, it must be treated as a long-term condition. If not treated, people suffering from ADHD might have issues at work, home, and in their relationships. Insufficient organization, difficulties staying on task and focused and being easily distracted 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. private adhd assessment near me and depression are two examples. These conditions can cause ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship issues.
The psychiatrist will assess the symptoms of ADHD throughout their life. This will involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They might also wish to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances.
The evaluation typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will talk about the symptoms being experienced and go through a checklist of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then determine the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are due to an underlying condition they will send the patient to further medical tests. Based on the results of these examinations, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them.
It is important to note that private healthcare professionals share the same responsibilities as those in the NHS. The services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines laid out by NICE. Patients should consult their GPs to find out whether they require an appointment letter for an assessment. They can also contact a private specialist, such as Priory to schedule an assessment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and expert advice to help you choose the most effective treatment options for your specific symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might have to meet with you for a series of sessions and discuss your treatment options. This can take up to two hours.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you need a referral letter from your GP. Some private providers do not require this, however it is worth checking before making a booking.
The initial step of the private assessment process is to fill out a mental health questionnaire that includes questions regarding your symptoms, family history, previous treatments and any other mental health issues that you might have. It may also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a problem-solving talking therapy which can help you transform your negative thoughts and behaviours. It can be particularly effective for people with ADHD.
Once the questionnaire is completed, a Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire or school reports, and any other evidence you have provided and an interview with you. You must be honest and accurate, as this will affect the outcome of your private assessment.
If a psychiatrist determines that you do not have ADHD they will explain the reason and inform you if you can sign a shared care agreement with your GP to get medication (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge) or if they're able to recommend you for a second medical opinion elsewhere. It's not uncommon to find that your symptoms are caused by another condition, such as PTSD or autism, so it is crucial that you have an entire mental health assessment.
It is also crucial that the private healthcare provider you visit for your assessment adheres to the guidelines for clinical practice as laid out by NICE. This is particularly important for adults suffering from ADHD who are difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. If you are looking to receive the best treatment, make sure that the healthcare professional you are seeing has experience in treating adults with ADHD and is a registered GMC psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.