What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a meeting with a qualified psychologist. They will go over your psychiatric history aswell as looking at different aspects of your life and how these might be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can formally diagnose ADHD. However, you can get an assessment from another 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional' [Nice Guidelines]. Psychologists are one of them.
What to expect
During a private ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will speak to you (or your child, should it be an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and how you behave over time. They may also ask you to fill in questionnaires and rate your behaviour on various scales. They will inquire about your family history and your lifestyle and environment.
The psychiatric consultation lasts about 90 minutes and is conducted either in person or via video conference. Bring any relevant documents, like records of school or work performance, as well as medication information. You should also wear comfortable clothing and not much jewellery for the assessment because it could require physical examinations.
You will be asked to provide details regarding your health, family history and any issues you've experienced at work or at school. The psychiatrist consultant will also look at your medical records as well as 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 have completed, as well as their observations.
Based on the results of your evaluation you will be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some instances, this will be medication and in other instances, CBT therapy. They will discuss your needs and come up with the best treatment plan. After they have agreed on a plan they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care agreement.
It is important to recognize that a professional diagnosis can make you feel more confident about your capabilities and improve relationships with family and friends. It can also reduce feelings such as guilt and shame, because it enables you to realize that your symptoms are not an indication of failing or poor character but rather an illness of the brain.
It's important to recognize that ADHD is a real illness that has a huge impact on the lives of millions of people. Although it can be detrimental to certain aspects of life, people with ADHD often go on to achieve amazing things. They include famous musicians like 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 an accurate diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step towards getting assistance for ADHD. You will be able to stop blaming yourself for your problems and begin to understand that your ADHD is the cause of your issues. It will also mean that you can find a way of managing your symptoms and gain control over aspects of your life that have been a problem for many years.
During the evaluation, you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child, and later as an adult. You will also receive questionnaires to complete prior to the appointment. This will help you think about your concerns and provide the psychiatrist a wealth of information that can be used to accurately determine your ADHD symptoms.
You must be honest and don't hold off from answering the questions for fear of criticism or shame. A psychiatrist must be aware of your entire range of difficulties to accurately diagnose ADHD. It is also essential that you do not get diagnosed with something else. Depression, anxiety and other disorders can resemble ADHD and could cause serious harm to your health.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are normally GMC registered consultant Psychiatrists. They will have extensive experience in assessing adult ADHD and are able to determine other conditions that could be causing you difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a common aspect of the process.
If the doctor believes you don't meet the criteria for ADHD and they explain why. You may not have provided enough details about your issues or another condition could explain your symptoms more effectively than ADHD. You do not have accept the diagnosis if it is not what you are looking for. You can seek a second opinion with another expert if you are not satisfied with.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been assessed, they will be provided with a treatment plan to help manage their symptoms. It is usually an amalgamation of specialist coaching and medication. This can improve their overall health and help them to achieve their full potential. This is a great alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting list.
It is essential to understand that ADHD is a chronic disorder and should not be treated as an illness. Untreated, people with ADHD might have issues at home, work, and in their relationships. Lack of organization, difficulty staying on task and focused and being easily distracted can create problems for those with 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 increase the impact of ADHD and make it harder to cope with. The symptoms can become more severe when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship problems.
When private adhd assessments is being assessed by a psychiatrist, they will need to look at how the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their lives. This could involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They may also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family members and friends.
The evaluation typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms that are being experienced and will look over a list of possible causes. The doctor will then formulate an assessment.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are related to an underlying condition the doctor will refer the patient to further medical tests. The psychiatrist will decide on treatment options based on the results.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals share the same responsibilities as those working in the NHS. This means that the services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines laid out by NICE. Patients should contact their GPs to find out whether they require a referral letter to go for an assessment. They can also contact a private specialist, such as Priory, to arrange an assessment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and professional guidance so that you can choose the best treatment options that suit your symptoms, lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might need to meet with you for a series of sessions and discuss your treatment options. This can take up to two hours.
You can access an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you'll need an official referral letter from your GP. Some private providers do not require this, but it is advisable to check before booking.
The first step of the private assessment process will be to complete a mental health questionnaire that includes questions about your symptoms, family history, previous treatments and any other mental health issues you have. 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 behaviors. It is especially effective for adults who have ADHD.
After this is done, the Consultant Psychiatrist will go over the results of the questionnaire and school reports, as well as any other evidence you've provided, and conduct an interview with you. It is essential to be honest and truthful because this will affect the final outcome of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist determines that you don't have ADHD, they will explain the reasons 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 psychiatric expert. It is not uncommon to find that your symptoms are due to another condition, such as PTSD or autism, which is why it's essential that you undergo an entire mental health assessment.
It is crucial to ensure the private healthcare provider who conducts your examination follows the guidelines for clinical practice established by NICE. This is particularly important when assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to diagnose and manage them effectively. If you want to get the best treatment, be sure that the healthcare professional you are seeing has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD and is a registered GMC psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.