What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with an expert doctor. They will review your psychiatric history, as well taking a look at various aspects of your life and how these might be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only adult adhd private assessment licensed psychiatrists and ADHD nurses can diagnose ADHD. However, you can get an assessment from another 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional [Nice Guidelines]. Psychologists are among them.
What can you expect?
In an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will talk to you and your child (if it is an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behaviour over time. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or assess your behavior on various scales. They will inquire about your family history, lifestyle and environment.
The appointment lasts for 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video call. Bring any relevant documents, including the records of your school or work performance and medication details. Wear comfortable clothing and minimal jewelry to the test as it could require physical tests.
You'll be asked about your family history and health as well as about any problems you've had at work or in school. The consultant psychiatrist will examine your medical records, as well as any other information that they have about your child or your. They'll then review the results of any questionnaires or rating scales you've completed along with their own observations.
Depending on the results of your assessment you will be given a diagnosis for ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some instances it will be medication and in other instances, CBT therapy. They'll talk about your individual requirements with you, and once they've agreed on a treatment plan, they'll refer you back to your GP on a shared care agreement.
It's important to understand that a diagnosis from a professional can help you feel more confident in your capabilities and improve relationships with your family and friends. It can also reduce feelings of shame and guilt, as it makes you realize that your symptoms aren't an indication of failure or poor character but rather an illness of the brain.
It is crucial to remember that ADHD is a condition that affects millions of people around the globe. Although ADHD can be a problem in certain areas of life, many people who suffer from ADHD achieve great things. Some of these people include celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Making a 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 begin to understand that your ADHD is the cause of your issues. It also means that you can find a way of managing your symptoms and gain control over aspects of your life that have been a problem for an extended period of time.
During the evaluation, you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child and an adult. You might be provided with questionnaires in advance to fill out. This will help you consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist with a wealth of information that can be used to identify your ADHD symptoms.
You must be honest and don't hold back from answering the questions in fear of being judged or embarrassed. A psychiatrist must know your full range of problems to determine accurately ADHD. It is important to stay clear of being diagnosed with any other disorder. The symptoms of anxiety, depression and other disorders can mimic ADHD, and these can be serious for your health.
The professionals who perform the diagnosis are typically GMC registered consultant psychiatrists. They will have years of experience in assessing adults with ADHD and will be able identify other disorders which could be causing you difficulties. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and it is a very common part of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will explain the reason. You might not have provided enough information about your difficulties or a different disorder may explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is important to understand that you don't have to accept this diagnosis if you don't believe in it, however you are able to request a second opinion with a different medical professional.
Treatment options
Following an evaluation an individual could be given a range of treatments to help manage symptoms. Most often, a combination is used of medication and specialist coaching. This will improve their overall health and allow them to achieve their full potential. This is a great alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting time.
It is crucial to realize that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a quick fix, it should be treated as a long-term condition. If left untreated, people suffering from ADHD may have issues at work as well as in their relationships, and even in their private life. Signs of ADHD like poor organization as well as difficulty in staying focused and being focused, and being easily distracted can cause difficulties in all aspects of their lives.
Adults suffering from ADHD usually have a history of mental health issues. Depression and bipolar disorder are two examples. These conditions can intensify the impact of ADHD and make it more difficult to cope with. The symptoms can also get more severe when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship problems.
The psychiatrist will evaluate the person's symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This may include questionnaires and rating scales. They may also want to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances.
The assessment usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will talk about the symptoms that are being experienced and go through a checklist of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are caused by an underlying issue and they decide to refer the patient for additional medical tests. The psychiatrist will make a decision on treatment options based on the results.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals share the same responsibilities as those working in the NHS. The services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines laid out by NICE. Patients should contact their GPs to find out whether they require a referral letter to go for an assessment. They can also call a private specialist like Priory, to arrange an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and a professional opinion to help you choose the most appropriate treatment options for your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. The process can take two hours or more to discuss your treatment options, and may involve a number of sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you must have a referral letter from your GP. Private providers may not require this however it's worth checking before booking.
The first step of the private examination is to fill out the mental health form which will ask you about your symptoms, past treatments, family history and any other mental issues you may be dealing with. It could also include a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a form of therapy that helps you to change your negative beliefs and behaviours. It can be particularly effective for people with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist examines the results of your questionnaire, school reports and any other evidence you've provided in addition to an interview with you. It is crucial that you are honest and precise because this will affect the outcome of your personal assessment.
If the psychiatrist decides that you do not suffer from ADHD they will provide the reasons and inform you whether or not you can sign an agreement for shared care with your GP for medication (so you only pay the NHS prescription cost) or if they are able to refer you for a further psychiatric opinion elsewhere. It's not uncommon to find a different disorder that may be causing your symptoms, like autism or PTSD which resembles ADHD so it's essential that you have a full mental-health screening.
It is also crucial that the private healthcare provider you visit for your assessment adheres to the guidelines for clinical care as laid out by NICE. This is especially important when assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to diagnose and manage them effectively. A good service will ensure that the healthcare professional you're consulting is an GMC certified psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and has the appropriate experience in assessing and treating patients with ADHD.