What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is an appointment with a professional who has experience in the field. 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 and ADHD nurses are able to diagnose ADHD. You can still get an assessment from a 'qualified healthcare professional'. Psychologists are among them.
What can we expect?
In an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will sit down with you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for kids) about your symptoms and behavior over time. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or rate your behavior on different scales. They will inquire about your the history of your family and life style and environment.
The appointment lasts for 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video conference. It is essential to bring any relevant notes, such as work or school performance notes and medical information. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewelry for the examination as it can involve physical examinations.
You will be asked to provide information about your health, family history and any issues you've experienced at school or work. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will review your medical records and any other information they have about the behavior of your child or you. They'll also review the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you have completed, along with their own observations.
Depending on the outcome of your examination, you'll be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and offered treatment options. In some instances this could be medication and in other instances, CBT therapy. They'll talk about your individual requirements with you and after they've come to a treatment plan, they'll refer you back to your GP in a shared care agreement.
A diagnosis from a specialist can increase your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also reduce feelings of shame and guilt, as it helps you realize that your symptoms are caused by an illness in the brain, not an indication of a lack of character or failure.
It's important to recognize that ADHD is a real condition that has a huge impact on the lives of millions of people. While ADHD can be a problem in certain areas of life, many people who suffer from ADHD 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.
Finding an accurate diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting assistance for ADHD. You will be able to stop blaming your own problems and start to realize that your ADHD is the root of your issues. You'll also be able to find a way of managing your symptoms and regain some control over the areas of your life that have been troublesome for a long time.
During the assessment 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 may also be given questionnaires to complete prior to your appointment. This will help you think about your concerns and provide the psychiatrist a wealth information that can be used to determine your ADHD symptoms.
You must be honest and don't hold off from answering the questions out of fear of being judged or embarrassed. This is because a psychiatrist needs to know the extent of your difficulties to be able to evaluate you for ADHD. It is crucial to stay clear of being diagnosed with anything else. Depression anxiety, depression and other disorders could be similar to ADHD symptoms, which could cause serious health problems.
The specialists who make the diagnosis are usually GMC certified consultant psychiatrists. They will have a large amount of experience in the assessment of adults for ADHD and they will be able to identify other disorders that may be causing your problems. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a common aspect of the process.
If the psychiatrist feels that you do not meet the requirements for ADHD the doctor will explain the reason. You might not have provided sufficient details about your problems or another condition could be a better explanation for your symptoms than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it is not what you are looking for. You can seek a second opinion from a different professional if you don't agree with.
Treatment options
After a thorough examination an individual might be offered a set of treatments that can help manage symptoms. Most often, a combination is used of medication and specialist coaching. This can improve their overall health and enable them to achieve their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting time.
It is crucial to recognize that ADHD is a chronic disorder and should not be treated as such. Untreated, people with ADHD might have issues at home, work, and in their relationships. Insufficient organization, difficulties staying focused and on task, and being easily distractible can create problems for those who suffer from ADHD in all areas of their life.
Most of the time when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they will also have an antecedent of mental health problems. These can include depression and bipolar disorder. These conditions can intensify the effects of ADHD and cause it to be harder to cope with. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or having problems with relationships.
The psychiatrist will evaluate the person's symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This could involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They might also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The assessment will usually take between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will review the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make an assessment.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition then he or she will refer the patient for further medical tests. The psychiatrist will decide on treatment options based on the results.
It is important to note that private healthcare professionals have the same obligations as healthcare professionals working within the NHS. I Am Psychiatry 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 letter before making an appointment for an assessment. Or, they can contact an individual 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 appropriate treatment options for your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. The psychiatrist might have to meet with you for a number of sessions to discuss your options for medication. This can take up to two hours.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. However, you will require a referral from a GP. Private providers aren't required to have this however it is worth confirming before booking.
The first step in a private assessment is to fill out a mental health form that inquires about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history and any other mental health issues you may have. It could also include a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a problem-solving talking therapy which can help you transform your negative thoughts and behavior. It is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD.
Once the questionnaire is completed, the Consultant Psychiatrist will go over the results of the questionnaire or school reports, and any other evidence that you have given and will conduct an interview with you. It is crucial that you are honest and accurate since this will impact the outcome of your personal assessment.
If your psychiatrist concludes that you do not suffer from ADHD they will explain why and tell you whether or not you can sign an agreement for shared care with your GP for medication (so you only pay the NHS prescription cost) or if they can refer you for a further medical opinion elsewhere. It is not uncommon to discover that your symptoms are caused by another condition, such as PTSD or autism, so it is important that you get an exhaustive mental health examination.
It is essential to ensure that the private healthcare professional who conducts your assessment follows the guidelines for clinical practice that are set out by NICE. This is especially important when it comes to assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to recognize and effectively treat them. A good service will ensure that the healthcare professional you're consulting is an GMC registered psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and that they have appropriate experience in assessing and treating patients suffering from ADHD.