What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a meeting with an expert clinician. They will examine your psychiatric history as well as analyze how ADHD symptoms can impact different aspects of your daily life.
Only UK registered psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can officially diagnose ADHD. You can still receive an assessment from a 'appropriately-qualified healthcare professional'. This includes Psychologists.
What to expect
During an ADHD private assessment, a psychiatrist consultant will talk to you and your child (if it is an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. You may be asked to answer questions or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will inquire about your family history, lifestyle and environment.
The psychiatric consultation will last approximately 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video call. Bring any relevant documents, like records of school or work performance, as well as medication information. Also, you should wear comfortable clothing and not much jewellery for the assessment 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 at school or at work. The consultant psychiatrist will also examine your medical records, along with any other information that they may have about your child or yourself. They will then go over any rating scales or questionnaires that you've completed as well as their observations.
Based on the outcome of your test, you will be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some cases this could be medication and in other instances, CBT therapy. They will discuss your requirements and agree on the best treatment plan. After they have reached an agreement on a plan they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care agreement.
It's crucial to realize that a medical diagnosis can help you feel more confident in your abilities and improve relationships with family and friends. It can also alleviate feelings such as guilt and shame, since it makes you realize that your symptoms are not a sign of failure or a lack of character, but a neurological disorder.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is an illness that affects millions of people around the world. While ADHD can be a problem in some areas of life, a lot of people with ADHD have achieved great success. 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
Finding out if you have ADHD is the first step towards getting assistance for ADHD. This means that you stop blameing yourself for your issues and start to recognise that the difficulties you experience are a result of your ADHD. It also means that you can discover a way to manage your symptoms and gain control over parts of your life that have been problematic for a long time.
During the exam, you will be asked about your symptoms both as a child, and as an adult. You may also be given questionnaires to fill out prior to your appointment. This will allow you to consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist with a wealth of information that will help them diagnose your ADHD symptoms with precision.
It is crucial that you are honest when answering the questions. Do not hold back because of a fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist has to know the extent of your issues in order to properly assess you for 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 have serious consequences for your health.
The experts who make the diagnosis are typically GMC certified consultant Psychiatrists. They will have years of experience in assessing adult ADHD and will be able detect other disorders that could be causing you difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a common aspect of the process.
If you are not diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will explain why. You may not have provided enough details about your problems or a different disorder may explain your symptoms better than ADHD. IamPsychiatry is important to realise that you don't have to accept this diagnosis if you don't believe in it, however you are able to request an opinion from an alternative expert.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been assessed, they will be given a treatment plan to help manage their symptoms. It's usually comprised of medication and specialist coaching. This can improve their overall health and help them to reach their full potential. This is a great alternative to the long NHS waiting time.
It is important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just a quick solution, it must be treated as a chronic condition. If left untreated, those with ADHD might have issues at work, at home and in their relationships. Signs of ADHD like poor organization, difficulty staying focused and staying on task, as well as being easily distracted can cause problems in all aspects of their lives.
Often when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they may also have an antecedent of mental health issues. Bipolar disorder and depression are two of the most common. These conditions can enhance the effects of ADHD and make it more difficult to manage. Symptoms can also be intensified when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or experiencing issues with relationships.
The psychiatrist will assess the symptoms of ADHD throughout their lifetime. This could involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They may also wish to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The evaluation will usually last between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make a diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes the symptoms are related to an underlying issue, he or she 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 share the same obligations as those employed by the NHS. This means that the services they provide must still be in accordance with the guidelines laid out by NICE. It is suggested that patients contact their GP to find out whether they need a referral letter before making an appointment for an assessment. They can also contact a private specialist, such as Priory to arrange an assessment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment offers clear advice and expert guidance to help you decide on the best treatment options for your symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. It is a process that can take up to two hours or more to discuss your treatment options, and may involve a number of sessions with a psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS, but you'll need an appointment letter from your GP. Some private providers don't require this however it's worth checking before booking.
The first step of the private assessment process will be to complete a mental health questionnaire that includes questions about your symptoms as well as family history, past treatments and any other mental health issues you have. The private assessment process could also include a test for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). It is a type of therapy that helps you to change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is especially effective for adults who have ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist examines the results of your questionnaire, school reports and any other evidence you've provided along with an interview with yourself. You must be honest and truthful because this will impact the outcome of your personal evaluation.
If the psychiatrist concludes that you do not have ADHD, they will explain the reasons for their decision 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 can be referred to a different psychiatrist. It is not uncommon to find that your symptoms are due to another issue, such as PTSD or autism, so it is important that you get an exhaustive mental health examination.
It is crucial to ensure the private healthcare provider who conducts your examination follows the guidelines for clinical practice established by NICE. This is especially important when it comes to assessing adults suffering from ADHD that can be difficult to diagnose accurately and effectively treat. A reputable service will ensure that the healthcare professional you're consulting is an GMC registered psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse and has the appropriate experience in assessing and treating adults with ADHD.