What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a clinician who is skilled in the field. They will review your psychiatric history, as well in examining different aspects of your life and how these could be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only private adhd assessments registered psychiatrists and ADHD nurses can diagnose ADHD. You can still get an assessment from a 'appropriately-qualified healthcare professional'. Psychologists are among them.
What to expect
In an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will interview both you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behaviour over time. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will ask you about your family history, lifestyle and environment.
The psychiatric consultation lasts around 90 minutes and is conducted in person or via video conference. Bring any relevant documents, including the records of your school or work performance and medication details. Also, you should wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewellery for the assessment because it could require physical examinations.
You'll be asked about your health and family history, as well as about any issues you've experienced at work or in school. The consultant psychiatrist will also look at your medical records as well as any other information they have regarding you or your child's behaviour. They'll then look over the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you have completed, along with their own observations.
Based on the results of your evaluation you will be given an assessment for ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some instances, this could be medication, while in others, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your individual needs with you, and once they've agreed on a treatment plan, they'll refer you back to your GP in a shared care agreement.
It is important to recognize that a diagnosis from a professional can help you feel more confident about your capabilities and improve relationships with family and friends. It can also reduce feelings of guilt and shame, as it helps you recognize that the symptoms you experience are caused by a neurological condition rather than an indication of a lack of character or failure.
It's important to recognize that ADHD is a real condition that affects millions of people around the world. Although ADHD can be a problem in some areas of life, many people suffering from ADHD achieve great things. These include famous musicians like Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles, actors such as Will.i.am and Oscar Winner Michael Phelps, businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney and scientists such as Nobel physicist Albert Einstein.
Making an answer to a question
A diagnosis is the first step towards seeking assistance for ADHD. This means that you are no longer blameing yourself for your issues and realize that the challenges you experience are the result of your ADHD. You'll also be able find a way of managing your symptoms and regain some control over areas of your life that have been a problem for quite some time.
During the assessment you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child, and later as an adult. You will be given questionnaires to fill out. This will help you consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist with a wealth of information that can be used to accurately diagnose your ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you are honest when answering the questions. You should not hold back because of a fear of criticism or shame. A psychiatrist will need to understand your entire spectrum of problems to determine accurately ADHD. It is also crucial to not be diagnosed with something else. Depression anxiety, depression, and other disorders may be similar to ADHD symptoms, and could cause serious health issues.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are usually GMC certified consultant psychiatrists. They have a vast amount of experience in testing adults for ADHD and they are able to recognize other conditions that could be causing your difficulties. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and is a typical part of the process.
If you are not diagnosed with ADHD and a psychiatrist will explain the reason. You might not have provided enough information about your difficulties or another condition could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is crucial to realize that you don't have to accept this diagnosis if you do not believe in it, however you are able to request an additional opinion from an alternative professional.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been assessed, they will be offered a treatment plan to help manage their symptoms. Often, a combination is made of medications and expert coaching. This will improve their overall health and let them reach their maximum potential. This is an excellent alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting times.
It is crucial to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD is not a quick solution, it must be treated as a long-term condition. Untreated, people with ADHD might have issues at work, at home, and in their relationships. Poor organisation, difficulty staying focused and on task, and being easily distractible can be a problem for those with ADHD in all aspects of their life.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have a history mental health issues. Bipolar disorder and depression are two examples. These conditions can increase the impact of ADHD and make it more difficult to cope with. The symptoms can become more severe when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship problems.
The psychiatrist will examine the symptoms of ADHD throughout their lifetime. This may involve the use of questionnaires and rating systems. They might also wish to talk about how the symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances.
The evaluation will usually last between 45 to 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms that are being experienced and will look over a list of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are due to an underlying issue, they will send the patient to further medical tests. The psychiatrist will decide on treatment options in light of the results.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals have the same obligations as healthcare professionals in the NHS. The services they provide must still adhere to the guidelines set out by NICE. Patients should contact their GPs to determine if they need a referral letter to go for 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 advice and expert guidance to help you select the most effective treatment options for your symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. This process can take up to two hours or more to discuss your treatment options and may require several sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. However you'll need a referral from your GP. Private providers may not require this, however it is worth checking before making a booking.
The first step in the private assessment is to fill out an assessment form for mental health that will ask you about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history and any other mental health issues you may be dealing with. The private assessment procedure may also include a test for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a problem-solving, talking therapy that can help you overcome your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is particularly effective for adults who have ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist examines the results of your questionnaire, your school reports and any other evidence that you've provided in addition to an interview with you. It is crucial to be honest and accurate as this will influence the final outcome of your private evaluation.
If a psychiatrist determines that you do not suffer from ADHD they will provide the reasons and will tell you whether or not you are able to sign an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (so you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) or if they're able to recommend you for a second medical opinion elsewhere. It's not uncommon to find that your symptoms are caused by another issue, such as PTSD or autism, so it is important that you get a full mental health screening.
It is also essential that the healthcare provider you go to for an assessment is in line with the guidelines for clinical practice as laid out by NICE. This is particularly crucial for the assessment of adults with ADHD who are difficult to diagnose accurately and effectively treat. 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 GMC registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.