What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with an expert clinician. They will review 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 or specialist ADHD nurses can officially diagnose ADHD. However, you can access an assessment from another "appropriately qualified healthcare professional [Nice Guidelines]. This includes Psychologists.
What can we expect?
During private adult adhd assessment , the consultant psychiatrist will talk to you (or your child, in the case of an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will inquire about your family history, lifestyle and your environment.
The consultation is 90 minutes long, and can be conducted in person or via video call. Bring any relevant documents, including the records of your school or work performance and medication details. Wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewelry to the test because it could involve physical examinations.
You'll be asked about your family history and health as well as about any problems you've had in school or at work. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will review your medical records as well as any other information they have about your child's or your own behavior. They'll then review the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you have completed, as well as their own observations.
Based on the results of your evaluation depending on the results of your test, you will receive the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some cases it will be medication and in other cases, CBT therapy. They will discuss your needs and agree on the best treatment plan. Once they have agreed on a treatment plan and have referred you to your GP under a shared-care arrangement.
A diagnosis from a professional can boost your confidence in yourself and your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also alleviate feelings such as shame and guilt, as it makes you realize that your symptoms are not an indication of failure or a lack of character, but a neurological disorder.
It's important to remember that ADHD is a real condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can be detrimental to some parts of life, individuals who suffer from ADHD often go on to accomplish great things. This includes famous musicians such as Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles and actors like Will.i.am and Oscar Winner Michael Phelps, businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney, and scientists such as Nobel physicist Albert Einstein.
Finding a diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step in getting help for ADHD. You'll be able to stop blaming your own problems and start to realize that your ADHD is the reason for your issues. It also means that you can find a way to manage your symptoms and gain control over parts of your life that have been problematic for an extended period of time.
During the assessment you will be asked questions about how you've been affected by your symptoms as a child and an adult. You will also be provided with questionnaires to complete prior to the appointment. This will help you to think about your concerns and provide the psychiatrist a wealth of information that can be used to accurately identify your ADHD symptoms.
It is essential that you are honest when answering the questions and do not be hesitant due to a fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist has to know the extent of your difficulties to be able to evaluate your case for ADHD. It is also essential to ensure that you don't get diagnosed with something else. The symptoms of anxiety, depression and other disorders can mimic ADHD and could be serious for your health.
The specialists who make the diagnosis are usually GMC registered consultant Psychiatrists. They will have a large amount of experience in testing adults for ADHD and will be able to identify other conditions that could be causing your difficulties. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and it is a typical part of the process.
If you are not diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is not able to explain the reason. It could be because they believe that you don't provide enough details about your issues or that another disorder explains your symptoms better than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it is not what you want. You may seek a second opinion with a different expert if you are not satisfied with.
Treatment options
In many cases, once an individual has been evaluated, they will be provided with an aid to manage their symptoms. This is often comprised of medication and specialist coaching. This can improve their overall wellbeing and enable them to achieve their maximum potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting time.
It is crucial to recognize that ADHD is a long-term disorder and should not be treated as an illness. Untreated, people with ADHD may experience difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships. Signs of ADHD like poor organization as well as difficulty in staying focused and being on task, and being easily distracted can cause problems in all areas of their lives.
In most cases, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they may also have a history of mental health problems. Depression and bipolar disorder are two instances. These conditions can make ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also get worse when a setback occurs, e.g. Losing a job or having relationship issues.
The psychiatrist will evaluate the person's symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This will involve questionnaires and rating scales. They may also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family members and friends.
The assessment usually takes between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms that are being experienced and review a list of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then determine the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are due to an underlying issue they will refer the patient for additional medical tests. Depending on the results of these tests test, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals share the same responsibilities as those in the NHS. The services they provide must be in line with the guidelines set out by NICE. Patients should speak to their GPs to determine if they need a referral letter to go for an assessment. They can also call an individual specialist like Priory to schedule an assessment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and expert guidance to ensure that you can pick the right treatment options to suit your symptoms, 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 get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you must have an appointment letter from your GP. Private providers may not require this but it is advisable to check before booking.
The first step in a 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). It is a problem-solving talk therapy that can help you change your negative thoughts and behaviours. It is particularly effective for adults suffering from ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist reviews 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 precise since this will impact the final outcome of your personal assessment.
If your psychiatrist concludes that you do not have ADHD they will explain why and inform you whether or not you are able to sign a shared care agreement with your GP to get medication (so you only pay the NHS prescription fee) or if they are able to refer you for a further medical opinion elsewhere. It is not unusual to find a different disorder that may be causing your symptoms, like autism or PTSD which resembles ADHD therefore it is essential that you undergo a complete mental health screening.
It is also crucial that the private healthcare provider you visit for your evaluation is in compliance with the guidelines for clinical practice as laid out by NICE. This is especially crucial 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 you're working with has experience in treating adults with ADHD and is a GMC-registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.