What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a session with an expert psychologist. They will review your psychiatric past and look at how ADHD symptoms could impact the various aspects of your life.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists and ADHD nurses are able to diagnose ADHD. You can still obtain an assessment from a 'qualified healthcare professional'. Psychologists are among them.
What can we expect?
In an individual ADHD assessment, the consultant psychiatrist will speak to you (or your child in the case of an ADHD assessment for children) about symptoms and behaviour over time. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rate your behavior on different scales. They will ask you about your family history and your lifestyle and the environment you live in.
The consultation is 90 minutes long The consultation can be conducted in person or via video calls. Bring any relevant documents, like records of school or work performance as well as any medication information. Wear comfortable clothing and minimal jewelry for the assessment because it could involve physical tests.
You'll be asked about your health and family history as well as about any problems you've had at school or at work. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will review your medical records and any other information they have regarding your child's or your own behavior. They will then review any questionnaires or rating scales that you've completed as well as their observations.
Depending on the results of your evaluation you will be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, while in others, CBT therapy. They will talk about your needs and then agree on the best treatment plan. Once they have agreed on a plan and have referred you to your GP under a shared-care agreement.
A diagnosis from a professional can boost your confidence in yourself and your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also reduce feelings of shame and guilt, as it helps you recognize that your symptoms are caused by an illness of the brain rather than a sign of poor character or failure.
It is important to keep in mind 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, a lot of people suffering from ADHD achieve great 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.
Making a diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step in seeking help for ADHD. It means that you can stop blameing yourself for your issues and realize that the issues you face are the result of your ADHD. It also means that you can find a way of managing your symptoms and regain control over aspects of your life that have been challenging for an extended period of time.
During the examination, you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You will also receive questionnaires to fill prior to your appointment. This will help you think about your problems and give the psychiatrist a wealth information that can be used to determine your ADHD symptoms.
It is essential that you are honest when answering the questions and do not hesitate due to a fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist needs to know the extent of your difficulties to be able to evaluate you for ADHD. It is essential to stay clear of being diagnosed with any other disorder. Depression, anxiety and other disorders may resemble ADHD and could have serious consequences for your health.
The specialists who make the diagnosis are usually GMC certified consultant psychiatrists. They will have years of experience in assessing adult ADHD and will be able to detect other disorders that could be causing you difficulties. This is called differential diagnosis and is a common part of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD and a psychiatrist will explain the reason. It may be that they believe you don't provide enough information about your issues or that another disorder could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is crucial to realize that you don't have to accept this diagnosis if you don't agree with it, but you can ask for an additional opinion from a different professional.
Treatment options
After a thorough examination, a person may be offered a package of treatments to help manage symptoms. Often, a combination is made of medications and expert coaching. This can improve their overall health and allow them to reach their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting time.
It is important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just a quick fix, it needs to be treated as a chronic condition. If untreated, people with ADHD may have issues at work as well as in their relationships and in their home life. Poor organisation, difficulty staying focused and on task and being easily distracted can create problems for those with ADHD in all areas of their lives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD usually have a history of mental health issues. Bipolar disorder and depression are two of the most common. private adhd assessment adults can intensify the effects of ADHD and cause it to be harder to cope with. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or undergoing problems with relationships.
If a person is assessed by a psychiatrist, they will need to look at the ways in which the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their lives. This may involve the use of questionnaires and rating systems. They might also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family members and friends.
The examination typically lasts between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms being experienced and will go through a checklist of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes the symptoms are due to an underlying condition the doctor will refer the patient for further medical tests. Based on the results of these tests examinations, the psychiatrist will decide on the treatment options available to them.
It is important to note that private healthcare professionals have the same responsibilities as those in the NHS. The services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines laid out by NICE. It is suggested that patients contact their GP to find out whether they need a referral before going for an assessment. Patients can also contact a private specialist like Priory to arrange an assessment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and expert guidance so you can select the appropriate treatment options that fit your needs, lifestyle and preferences. This process could take two hours or more to discuss your treatment options and can involve several sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. However you'll need a referral from your GP. Some private providers don't require this, but it's worth checking prior to making an appointment.
The first step of the private assessment process is to fill out an assessment of your mental health that includes questions regarding your symptoms and family history, prior treatments, and any other mental health issues that you might have. It could also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a talking therapy that assists you to change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is especially effective for adults suffering from ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaire, school reports, and any other evidence that you've provided in addition to an interview with yourself. It is essential that you are honest and accurate because this will affect the results of your personal assessment.
If the doctor determines you aren't suffering from ADHD, they will explain the reason and let you know whether you're eligible for a medication shared care agreement (so that you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) or if you could be referred to a different psychiatrist. It is not unusual to find a different condition that could be causing your symptoms, such as autism or PTSD which resembles ADHD so it's crucial that you have a full mental health screening.
It is also essential that the private healthcare provider you go to for an assessment is in line with clinical guidelines as set out by NICE. This is especially crucial when assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to recognize and manage them effectively. If you're looking for the best treatment, make sure that the healthcare professional that you're seeing has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD and is a GMC registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.