What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is an appointment with a professional who is skilled in the field. They will go over your psychiatric history as well taking a look at various aspects of your life and how these might be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can formally diagnose ADHD. However, you can get an assessment from a 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional' [Nice Guidelines]. This includes Psychologists.
What to expect
In an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will sit down with you and your child (if it is an ADHD assessment for kids) about your symptoms and behaviour over time. They may also ask you to fill in questionnaires and rate your behavior on a variety of scales. They will ask you about your family's history, lifestyle and environment.
The psychiatric consultation will last about 90 minutes and is conducted in person or by video call. Bring any relevant documents, such as records of school or work performance, as well as medication information. Wear comfortable clothing and minimal jewelry to the test because it could involve physical tests.
You will be asked to provide information regarding your health, family history and any issues you've had at work or at school. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will examine your medical records as well as any other information they have regarding your child's or your own behavior. They'll then review the results of any questionnaires or rating scales you've completed, and also their own observations.
Depending on the outcome of your test, you will be given an assessment for ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some instances, this could be medication, and in others, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your individual needs with you, and when they've reached an agreement on a treatment plan and have you referred back to your GP on a shared care agreement.
It's crucial to realize that a medical diagnosis can make you feel more confident about your abilities and improve your relationships with your family and friends. It can also reduce feelings of shame and guilt, as it helps you realize that your symptoms aren't an indication of failure or lack of character, but rather an illness of the brain.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a real disorder that has a huge impact on the lives of millions of people. While ADHD can be a problem in some areas of life, many people suffering from ADHD accomplish great things. They 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
The process of obtaining a diagnosis is the first step to getting help for ADHD. This means that you are no longer blaming yourself for your problems and realize that the difficulties you experience are the result of your ADHD. You'll also be able find an approach to managing your symptoms and regain some control over aspects of your life which have been problematic for quite some time.
During the exam, you will be asked questions about your symptoms as a child, and also as an adult. You might be provided with questionnaires to fill out. This will help you contemplate your problems and give the psychiatrist an abundance of information which will assist them in diagnosing your ADHD symptoms with precision.
It is essential to be honest when answering the questions. You should not hold back because of fear of being judged or shame. A psychiatrist needs to understand your entire spectrum of difficulties to accurately diagnose ADHD. It is also essential to not be diagnosed with a different disorder. Depression anxiety, stress and other disorders could cause ADHD symptoms, which could have serious health consequences.
The experts who make the diagnosis are usually GMC certified consultant Psychiatrists. adhd assessment private uk have a vast amount of experience in assessing adults for ADHD and can identify other disorders that could cause your issues. 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 why. It could be because they feel you do not give enough detail about your problems or that another disorder explains your symptoms better than ADHD. It is important to realise that you don't have to accept this diagnosis if you do not agree with it, but you are able to request an additional opinion from a different medical professional.
Treatment options
After a thorough examination, a person might be offered a set of treatments to manage symptoms. It is usually comprised of medication and specialist coaching. This will improve their overall health and allow them to achieve their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to the long NHS waiting list.
It is important to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD is not an easy fix, it needs to be treated as a long-term condition. If not treated, people suffering from ADHD may experience difficulties at work, home and in their relationships. Insufficient organization, difficulties staying focused and on task, and being easily distractible can cause problems for people with ADHD in all aspects of their life.
In most cases, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they will also have a history of mental health issues. Depression and bipolar disorder are two instances. These conditions can make ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also get worse when a setback happens, e.g. losing a job or having relationship issues.
If a person is being assessed, their psychiatrist will need to look at the way that the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their life. This may involve the use of questionnaires and rating systems. They may also want to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family members and friends.
The assessment will usually take between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms that are being experienced and look over a list of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are due to an underlying condition, they will send the patient to further medical tests. Depending on the results of these tests examinations, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them.
It is worth noting that private healthcare professionals are subject to the same responsibilities as those working within the NHS. This means that the services they provide must be in line with the guidelines set forth by NICE. Patients should speak to their GPs to inquire whether they require a referral letter to go for an assessment. Or, they can contact a private specialist such as Priory to arrange the assessment for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and expert guidance so that you can choose 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 may require several sessions with a psychiatrist.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS, but you must have an official referral letter from your GP. Private providers may not require this, but it is worth checking before making a booking.
The first step of the private assessment is to complete a mental health form that asks about your symptoms, past treatments, family history and any other mental issues you may have. It could include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. It is a problem-solving talk therapy that can help you overcome your negative thoughts and behavior. It is particularly effective for people with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaire, school reports, and any other evidence that you have provided along with an interview with yourself. It is crucial to be honest and truthful because this will affect the final outcome of your private evaluation.
If the psychiatrist concludes that you do not have ADHD and they explain the reasons and inform you whether you are eligible for a medication shared care agreement (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) or if you could be referred to another psychiatric expert. It is not uncommon to find that your symptoms are due to another condition, such as PTSD or autism, which is why it's crucial that you have a full mental health screening.
It is also important that the healthcare provider you visit for your assessment adheres to clinical guidelines as set out by NICE. This is particularly important when it comes to assessing adults suffering from ADHD that can be difficult to diagnose accurately and effectively treat. A quality service will make sure that the healthcare professional you're consulting is a GMC registered psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and has the appropriate expertise in the assessment and treatment of patients suffering from ADHD.