A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with an expert doctor. They will review your psychiatric history as well as looking at different aspects of your life, and how these could be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK registered psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can formally diagnose ADHD. You can still obtain an assessment from a 'qualified healthcare professional'. This includes Psychologists.
What can you expect?
During an ADHD private assessment, a psychiatrist consultant will sit down with you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for kids) about your symptoms and behaviour over time. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will ask you questions about your family's history, lifestyle and environment.
The consultation is 90 minutes long and can be conducted in person or by video conference. It is important to bring relevant notes with you, such as the performance of your job or school records and medication details. Also, you should wear comfortable clothing and no jewelry for the examination as it can include physical tests.
You will be asked to give information regarding your health, family history and any problems you have had at work or in school. The psychiatrist consultant will also review your medical records, as well as any other information they have on your child or your. They'll then review the results of any questionnaires or rating scales you've completed, as well as their own observations.
Based 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, and in others, CBT therapy. They will talk about your needs and come up with the treatment plan. After they have agreed on a treatment plan and have referred you to your GP under a shared-care arrangement.
A diagnosis from a professional can boost your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family members and close friends. about his can also help reduce feelings like shame and guilt, as it helps you realize that your symptoms are not a sign of failure or lack of character, but rather an illness of the brain.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a condition that affects millions around the world. Although ADHD can be a problem in some areas of life, many people suffering 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 such as Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Getting a diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step in receiving help for ADHD. You'll be able stop blaming yourself for your problems and begin to understand that your ADHD is the reason for your problems. You will 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 both as a child, and also as an adult. You might be provided with questionnaires to fill out. This will help you consider your concerns and provide the psychiatrist with a wealth of information that can be used to identify your ADHD symptoms.
It is important to be honest when answering the questions. Do not hesitate due to fear of being judged or shame. A psychiatrist needs to know your full range of problems to determine accurately ADHD. It is crucial to avoid being diagnosed with anything else. Depression, anxiety and other disorders can cause ADHD symptoms, which could cause serious health problems.
The experts who make the diagnosis are typically GMC certified consultant Psychiatrists. They have a wealth of experience in assessing adult ADHD and will be able to determine other conditions that may be causing your problems. This is called differential diagnosis and is a standard component of the process.
If you are not diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will explain why. It could be because they believe you don't provide enough details about your issues or that another disorder could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it's not what you want. You can seek a second opinion from another expert if you are not satisfied with.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been evaluated, they will be provided with a treatment package to help manage their symptoms. It's usually a combination of specialist coaching and medication. This can improve their overall health and allow them to achieve their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to long NHS waiting times.
It is essential to recognize that a diagnosis of ADHD is not an instant fix, it should be treated as a chronic condition. If left untreated, people who suffer from ADHD can experience difficulties at work as well as in relationships, and in their personal life. Insufficient organization, difficulties staying on task and focused and being easily distracted can cause problems for people who suffer from ADHD in all areas of their lives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have a history mental health issues. These may include depression or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship problems.
If a person is assessed, their psychiatrist will have to examine how the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their life. This will involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They may also wish to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The evaluation typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then come up with an assessment.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition and they decide to refer the patient for additional medical tests. Depending on the results of these test, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them.
It is important to note that private healthcare professionals have the same responsibilities with those in the NHS. This means that the services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines set forth by NICE. Patients should speak to their GPs to find out whether they require an appointment letter for an assessment. They can also call an individual specialist, such as Priory to schedule an assessment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and professional guidance so that you can choose the right treatment options to match your lifestyle, symptoms and preferences. The process could take two hours or more to discuss your medication options and can involve several sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can receive an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However you'll require a referral from your GP. Some private providers don't require this however it is worth confirming before booking.
The first step of the private assessment process will be to complete the mental health questionnaire which includes questions regarding your symptoms as well as family history, past treatments, and any other mental health issues you have. It could also include a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) test. It is a problem-solving talk therapy that can help you change your negative thoughts and behavior. It can be particularly beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist examines the results of your questionnaire, school reports, and any other evidence that you have provided, as well as an interview with yourself. It is important to be honest and accurate since this will impact the outcome of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist concludes that you don't have ADHD and they explain the reason and inform you whether you are eligible for a medication shared-care agreement (so that you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) or if you can be referred to a psychiatric expert. It is not unusual to find a different disorder that may be causing your symptoms, such as autism or PTSD, that looks like ADHD therefore it is essential to undergo a thorough mental health check-up.
It is essential to ensure that the private healthcare provider who conducts your evaluation follows the guidelines for clinical practice that are set out by NICE. This is particularly important for the assessment of people suffering from ADHD, which can be difficult to diagnose accurately and effectively treat. If you're looking for the best service, make sure that the healthcare professional you're working with has experience treating adults with ADHD and is a registered GMC psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.
