What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a specialist who is experienced in the field. They will examine your psychiatric history and look at how ADHD symptoms may affect different aspects of your daily life.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists and ADHD nurses are able to diagnose ADHD. You can still receive an assessment from a 'appropriately-qualified healthcare professional'. These include Psychologists.
What can we expect?
During an individual ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will speak to you (or your child, if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. They may also require you to complete questionnaires and assess your behavior on different scales. They will inquire about your family history, lifestyle, and your environment.
The consultation with a psychiatrist will last around 90 minutes and is conducted in person or by video call. Bring any relevant documents, like documents from work or school performance, as well as medication information. Also, you should wear comfortable clothing and no jewellery for the test since it may include physical tests.
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 also look at your medical records and any other information they have regarding your child's or your own behavior. They will then look over any questionnaires or rating scales that you've completed, as well as their observations.
Based on the results of your assessment depending on the results of your test, you will receive a diagnosis for ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, and in other cases, CBT therapy. They will talk about your needs and then agree on the best treatment plan. Once they have agreed on a treatment plan, they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care agreement.
It's crucial to realize that a diagnosis from a professional can make you feel more confident about your capabilities and improve relationships with your family and friends. It can also help reduce feelings of guilt and shame, as it helps you recognize that your symptoms are caused by an illness in the brain, not being a sign of weakness or failure.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is an illness that affects a lot of people across the globe. Although ADHD can be a problem in some areas of life, many people with ADHD accomplish great things. This includes famous musicians such as 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 a diagnosis
The process of obtaining a diagnosis is the first step to getting help for ADHD. You'll be able stop blaming your own problems and begin to understand that your ADHD is the reason for your issues. You'll also be able to find a way of managing your symptoms and regain control over aspects of your life which have been troublesome for quite some time.
During the assessment, you will be asked questions about how you've been affected by your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You will be given questionnaires ahead of time to fill out. This will help you to think about your concerns and provide the psychiatrist with a wealth of information that can be used to accurately diagnose your ADHD symptoms.
You must be honest and not shy back from answering questions out of fear of criticism or shame. private adhd assessment uk is because a psychiatrist needs to understand the full extent of your difficulties in order to properly assess you for ADHD. It is essential to stay clear of being diagnosed with any other disorder. Depression anxiety, depression and other disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms, which could cause serious health problems.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are typically GMC registered consultant Psychiatrists. They will have extensive experience in assessing adult ADHD and are able to detect other disorders that could be causing you difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a common component of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD and a psychiatrist will explain the reason. You might not have provided enough details about your issues, or another disorder could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is important to understand that you do not have to accept this diagnosis if you don't agree with it, but you may request a second opinion with an alternative expert.
Treatment options
After a thorough examination the patient might be offered a set of treatments that can help manage symptoms. It's usually comprised of medication and specialist coaching. This can help improve their overall wellbeing and enable them to reach their maximum potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting time.
It is crucial to recognize that ADHD is a chronic disorder and should not be treated as an illness. If left untreated, those with ADHD may experience difficulties at work, home and in their relationships. Symptoms such as poor organisation, difficulty staying focused and being on task, and being easily distracted can lead to difficulties in all aspects of their lives.
Adults with ADHD typically have a history of mental health issues. These may include depression or bipolar disorder. These conditions can enhance the impact of ADHD and make it more difficult to cope with. The symptoms can also get worse when a setback happens, e.g. losing a job or experiencing issues with relationships.
The psychiatrist will examine the person's symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This will involve questionnaires and rating scales. They may also want to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The examination typically lasts between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms being experienced and will go through a checklist of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then come up with a diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are due to an underlying issue and they decide to refer the patient for additional medical tests. The psychiatrist will make a decision on treatment options according to the results.
It is important to note that private healthcare professionals have the same obligations as those within the NHS. The services they offer must still follow the guidelines set out by NICE. Patients should consult their GPs to determine if they need an appointment letter for an assessment. Patients can also contact a private specialist, such as Priory to schedule an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment will provide clear advice and expert guidance to help you choose the best treatment options for your specific symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might need to meet with you for a number of sessions to discuss your treatment options. This can take anywhere from two to three hours.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However you'll require a referral from your GP. Some private providers do not require this, however it is worth checking before making an appointment.
The first step of the private assessment will be to complete a mental health form that asks about your symptoms, past treatments, family history, and any other mental health issues you may be dealing with. The private assessment process could also include a test for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a problem-solving talking therapy which can help you transform your negative thoughts and behavior. It is especially effective for people with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist reviews the results of your questionnaire, school reports and any other evidence you've provided along with an interview with you. It is important to be honest and accurate because this will affect the results of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist decides that you do not have ADHD they will explain why and tell you if you can get an agreement for shared care with your GP for medication (so you only pay the NHS prescription fee) or if they're able to send you for a follow-up mental health evaluation elsewhere. It is not uncommon to find that your symptoms are caused by another condition, such as PTSD or autism, which is why it's essential that you undergo an entire mental health assessment.
It is important that you ensure that the private healthcare professional who conducts your examination adheres to the guidelines for clinical assessment established by NICE. This is particularly important when assessing adults with ADHD. It is often difficult to identify and manage them effectively. A good service will ensure that the healthcare professional you're visiting is an GMC certified psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse and that they have the right experience in assessing and treating patients with ADHD.