What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a meeting with a qualified psychologist. They will go over 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 and ADHD nurses can diagnose ADHD. You can still obtain an assessment from a 'qualified healthcare professional'. These include Psychologists.
What can website expect?
During an ADHD private assessment, a psychiatrist consultant will talk to you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for kids) about your symptoms and behavior over time. You might be asked to answer questions or rate your behavior on different scales. They will ask you about your family history, lifestyle and environment.
The psychiatric consultation will last around 90 minutes and is carried out in person or via video conference. Bring any relevant documents, such as documents from work or school performance as well as any medication information. Wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewelry to the test as it could require physical examinations.
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 also look at your medical records and any other information they have about 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 you will be given a diagnosis for ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, and in others, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your specific needs with you, and when they've reached an agreement on the treatment plan, they'll refer you back to your GP in a shared care agreement.
A diagnosis from a professional can boost your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also ease feelings of guilt and shame because it helps you realise that your symptoms are caused by a neurological condition rather than being a sign of weakness or failure.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. While it may be detrimental to certain aspects of life, people who suffer from ADHD often go on to achieve amazing things. Some of these people include celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Finding an answer to a question
Finding out if you have ADHD is a crucial first step towards getting help for ADHD. You'll be able stop blaming yourself for your problems and realize that your ADHD is the cause of your issues. It will also mean that you can find a way to manage your symptoms and gain control over areas of your life that have been a problem for many years.
During the assessment you will be asked questions about your symptoms both as a child and as an adult. You might be provided with questionnaires in advance to fill out. This will help you consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist a wealth information that can be used to accurately identify your ADHD symptoms.
You should be honest and not hold back from answering the questions out of fear of criticism or shame. A psychiatrist will need to understand your entire spectrum of issues to be able to diagnose ADHD. It is also crucial to ensure that you don't get diagnosed with a different disorder. Depression anxiety, depression and other disorders could cause ADHD symptoms, which can cause serious health problems.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are usually GMC certified consultant psychiatrists. They will have a huge amount of experience in testing adults for ADHD and can identify other conditions that could cause your issues. This is known as differential diagnosis and it is a typical part of the process.
If a psychiatrist believes that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD, they will explain the reason. It may be that they believe you don't provide enough details about your issues or that another disorder explains your symptoms better than ADHD. It is important to understand that you do not have to accept this diagnosis if you do not believe in it, however you are able to request an additional opinion from a different professional.
Treatment options
In most cases, after a person has been assessed they will be given a treatment plan to help manage their symptoms. Often, a combination is employed of medications and specialist coaching. This can improve their overall health and let them reach their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to the long NHS waiting times.
It is important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just a quick solution, it must be treated as a long-term condition. If left untreated, people who suffer from ADHD can experience difficulties at work as well as in their relationships, and in their personal life. Symptoms such as poor organisation or focus, difficulties in staying on task, as well as being easily distracted can lead to problems in all areas of their lives.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have a history of mental health issues. Depression and bipolar disorder are two of the most common. These conditions can cause ADHD more difficult to manage. Symptoms can also be intensified when a setback occurs, e.g. Losing a job or having issues with relationships.
If a person is being assessed by a psychiatrist, they will be required to consider the ways in which the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their life. This may include questionnaires and rating scales. They might also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family members and friends.
The assessment usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms being experienced and will review a list of possible causes. The doctor will then formulate a diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are caused by an underlying condition the doctor will refer the patient for further medical tests. The psychiatrist will decide on treatment options based on the results.
It is crucial to understand that private healthcare professionals have the same responsibilities as those in the NHS. The services they provide must still follow the guidelines set out by NICE. Patients should speak to 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 offers clear guidance and expert advice to help you decide on the best treatment options for your specific symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might need to meet with you for several sessions and discuss your options for medication. This could take anywhere from two to three hours.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS, but you must have an official referral letter from your GP. Some private providers don't require this, but it's worth checking prior to making an appointment.
The first stage of the private assessment process will be to complete an assessment of your mental health that includes questions about your symptoms and family history, prior treatments, and any other mental health issues you have. The private assessment process could also include a test of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a problem-solving, talking therapy which can help you transform your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is especially effective for people with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist examines the results of your questionnaire, your school's reports and any other evidence that you have provided along with an interview with yourself. It is essential that you are honest and truthful since this will impact the final outcome of your personal evaluation.
If your psychiatrist concludes that you do not have ADHD they will explain why and will tell you whether or not you can get a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (so you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) or if they are able to send you for a follow-up medical opinion elsewhere. It is not unusual to find another disorder that may be causing your symptoms, such as autism or PTSD which resembles ADHD so it's crucial to undergo a thorough mental health check-up.
It is also important that the healthcare provider you visit for your evaluation is in compliance with clinical guidelines as set out by NICE. This is especially important when it comes to assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It is often difficult to identify and effectively treat them. If you want to get the best treatment, make sure that the healthcare professional that you're seeing is experienced in treating adults with ADHD and is a GMC registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.