What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a specialist who has experience in the field. They will look at your psychiatric history as well as look at how ADHD symptoms could impact different aspects of your daily life.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists and ADHD nurses are qualified to 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 talk to you and your child (if it is an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behaviors over time. You might be asked to answer questions or assess your behavior on various scales. private adhd and autism assessment near me will ask you about your family history, lifestyle and the environment you live in.
The consultation lasts 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video call. It is important to bring relevant notes with you like the performance of your job or school documents and medications. You should also wear comfortable clothing and no jewelry for the examination because it could require physical tests.
You'll be asked about your health and family history and also about any issues you've experienced at work or in school. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will review your medical records and any other information they may have about the behavior of your child or you. They will then look over any questionnaires or rating scales that you have completed as well as their observations.
Depending on the results of your assessment the results of your assessment will give you the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, while in others, CBT therapy. They will talk about your needs and come up with a treatment plan. Once they have agreed on a plan and have referred you to your GP under a shared-care agreement.
It's important to understand that a professional diagnosis can make you feel more confident about your abilities and improve relationships with your family and friends. It can also reduce feelings of shame and guilt because it helps you realize that your symptoms are due to an illness in the brain, not a sign of poor character or failure.
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. Although it can have a negative impact on certain aspects of life, those with ADHD often accomplish great things. 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.
Getting an answer to a question
A diagnosis is the first step to receiving help for ADHD. It means that you can stop accusing yourself of being the cause and realize that the difficulties you experience are due to your ADHD. You'll also be able to discover a way of managing your symptoms and regain control over areas of your life which have been troublesome for a long time.
During the evaluation you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child and an adult. You will also be provided with questionnaires to fill out prior to the appointment. This will allow you to consider your issues and give the psychiatrist a wealth of information which will assist them in diagnosing your ADHD symptoms with precision.
You must be honest and don't hold back from answering questions for fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist needs to understand the full extent of your issues to be able to evaluate you for ADHD. It is also important to not be diagnosed with a different disorder. The symptoms of anxiety, depression and other disorders can resemble ADHD and can be serious for your health.
The professionals who perform the diagnosis will usually be GMC registered consultant psychiatrists. They will have extensive experience in assessing adult ADHD and are able to detect other disorders that might be causing problems. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a standard part of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is not able to explain why. You might not have provided enough details about your issues, or another disorder could be a better explanation for your symptoms than ADHD. It is important to realise that you don't have to accept this diagnosis if you don't believe in it, however you may request an additional opinion from an alternative expert.
Treatment options
In most cases, after an individual has been evaluated, they will be provided with an aid to manage their symptoms. Most often, a combination is employed of medications and specialist coaching. This can improve their overall health and allow them to achieve their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting times.
It is essential to understand that ADHD is a long-term condition and should not be treated as such. Untreated, people with ADHD may experience difficulties at home, work and in their relationships. Symptoms such as poor organisation or focus, difficulties in being focused, and being easily distracted can lead to problems in all areas of their lives.
Most of the time, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they may also have a history of mental health issues. Depression and bipolar disorder are two instances. These conditions can cause ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or experiencing issues with relationships.
The psychiatrist will evaluate the person's symptoms of ADHD throughout their life. This will involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They might also wish to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances.
The assessment usually takes between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms and possible causes. The doctor will then formulate a diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are caused by an underlying condition, they will refer the patient for further medical tests. The psychiatrist will make a decision on treatment options according to the results.
It is worth noting that private healthcare professionals have the same obligations as those in the NHS. The services they offer must still follow the guidelines set out by NICE. It is recommended to consult your GP to find out whether they will need to get a referral before taking an assessment. Or, they can contact a private specialist like Priory to schedule the assessment for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment will provide clear guidance and expert advice to help you decide on the most appropriate treatment options for your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. The psychiatrist might have to visit you for a number of sessions to discuss your medication options. It could take up to two hours.
You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. However, you will require a referral from a GP. Some private providers do not require this but it is advisable to check before making a booking.
The first stage of the private assessment process will be to complete the mental health questionnaire which includes questions about your symptoms, family history, previous treatments and any other mental health issues you have. It may also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a problem-solving talking therapy that can help you overcome your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is particularly effective for people with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaire, your school reports and any other evidence you have provided in addition to an interview with you. You must be honest and accurate because this will impact the results of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist decides that you don't have ADHD they will provide the reasons and will tell you if you can sign an agreement for shared care with your GP for medication (so you only pay the NHS prescription charge) or if they are able to send you for a follow-up mental health evaluation elsewhere. It's not uncommon to find that your symptoms are caused by another issue, such as PTSD or autism, which is why it's crucial that you have an entire mental health assessment.
It is essential to ensure that the private healthcare professional who conducts your evaluation adheres to the guidelines for clinical assessment established by NICE. This is particularly important when assessing adults with ADHD. It can be difficult to diagnose and manage them effectively. If you want to get the best service, make sure that the healthcare professional you're working with is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD and is a GMC-registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.