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 past and analyze how ADHD symptoms may affect various aspects of your life.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can officially diagnose ADHD. You can still get an assessment from a 'appropriately-qualified healthcare professional'. This includes Psychologists.
What can we expect?
In an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will talk to you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behaviors over time. They may also require you to complete questionnaires and rate your behaviour on various scales. They will ask you about your family's history, lifestyle and environment.
The consultation lasts 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video calls. It is important to bring relevant notes with you like school or work performance notes and medical information. Wear comfortable clothes and no jewelry during the examination as it could require physical examinations.
You will be asked to provide details regarding your health, family history and any issues you've had at work or in school. The psychiatrist consultant will also examine 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've completed, as well as their observations.
Depending on the results of your assessment you will be given 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 then agree on the best treatment plan. After 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 as well as your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also help reduce feelings of shame and guilt because it helps you realise that your symptoms are due to an illness of the brain rather than an indication of a lack of character or failure.
It is important to remember that ADHD is a condition that affects millions around the world. While it can affect certain aspects of life, those who suffer from ADHD often achieve great 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.
Making an accurate diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step in receiving assistance for ADHD. This means that you stop blaming yourself for your problems and realize that the challenges you experience are the result of your ADHD. It will also mean that you can find a way of managing your symptoms and gain control over parts of your life that have been problematic for many years.
During the evaluation during the assessment, you will be asked questions about how you've been affected by your symptoms as a child and an adult. You might be provided with questionnaires in advance to fill out. This will help you think about your difficulties and give the psychiatrist many details, helping them to diagnose your ADHD symptoms with precision.
It is important to be honest when answering the questions and do not be hesitant due to fear of being judged or shame. This is because a psychiatrist needs to know the full extent of your problems to be able to evaluate you for ADHD. It is important to stay clear of being diagnosed with something else. Depression, anxiety, and other disorders may be similar to ADHD symptoms, and could cause serious health problems.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are typically GMC certified consultant Psychiatrists. They will have years of experience in assessing adult ADHD and will be able to identify other disorders which could be causing you difficulties. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and is a standard aspect of the process.
If the psychiatrist feels that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD, they will explain why. It could be because they feel you do not provide enough details about your issues or that a different disorder is able to explain your symptoms better than ADHD. You do not have accept the diagnosis if it's not what you want. You may get a second opinion from another expert if you are not satisfied with.
Treatment options
After a thorough examination, a person may be offered a package of treatments that can help manage symptoms. It is usually a combination of specialist coaching and medication. This can help improve their overall health and enable them to achieve their full potential. This is a great alternative to long NHS waiting times.
It is important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just an instant solution, it must be treated as a chronic condition. If untreated, people with ADHD may have issues at work as well as in relationships, and in their personal life. Insufficient organization, difficulties staying on task and focused and being easily distracted can be a problem for those with ADHD in all areas of their lives.
Most of the time, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they will also have a history of mental health issues. adhd assessment private and depression are two instances. These conditions can enhance the impact of ADHD and make it more difficult to cope with. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or having relationship issues.
If a person is being assessed, their psychiatrist will have to examine how the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their lives. This may include questionnaires and rating scales. They may also wish to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The assessment usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are caused by an underlying condition and they decide to refer the patient for additional medical tests. The psychiatrist will determine treatment options based on the results.
It is important to remember that healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same obligations as healthcare professionals in the NHS. This means that the services they provide must be in line with the guidelines set out by NICE. Patients should contact their GPs to inquire if they need an appointment letter for an assessment. They can also call a private specialist like Priory to schedule an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and a professional opinion to help you decide on the best treatment options for your symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might have to meet with you for a number of sessions to discuss your options for medication. It could be as long as two hours.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However you'll need a referral from your GP. Some private providers do not require this but it is worth checking before making an appointment.
The first step in the private assessment will be to complete the mental health form which will ask you about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history and any other mental issues you may be dealing with. It could also include a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) test. It is a type of therapy that helps you change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is particularly effective for adults who have ADHD.
After this is done, a Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire, school reports, any other evidence you have provided and an interview with you. You must be honest and accurate, as this will affect the outcome of your private evaluation.
If a psychiatrist determines that you do not suffer from ADHD they will explain the reason and will tell you if or not you can sign a shared care agreement with your GP to get medication (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge) or if they are able to send you for a follow-up medical opinion elsewhere. It's not uncommon to find a different disorder that may be causing your symptoms, like autism or PTSD which resembles ADHD so it's essential that you undergo a complete mental health screening.
It is also essential that the private healthcare provider you visit for an assessment is in line with clinical guidelines as set out by NICE. This is particularly important for the assessment of adults with ADHD that can be difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. A reputable service will ensure that the healthcare professional you are consulting is a GMC certified psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and that they have appropriate knowledge of assessing and treating patients with ADHD.