What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a session with a qualified 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 licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses are able to officially diagnose ADHD. You can still receive an assessment from a qualified healthcare professional'. This includes Psychologists.
What can you expect?
During a private ADHD assessment, the consultant psychiatrist will interview you (or your child in the case of an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and how you behave over time. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or rate your behavior on different scales. They will ask you about your family history, lifestyle and environment.
The consultation lasts 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or via video call. It is important to bring relevant notes like school or work performance notes and medical information. Also, you should wear comfortable clothing and no jewellery for the test because it could involve physical examinations.
You'll be asked about your family history and health and also about any problems you've had at work or in school. The consultant psychiatrist will also examine your medical records, along with any other information that they have about your child or you. They'll then look over the results of any questionnaires or rating scales you have completed, along with their own observations.
Based on the results of your evaluation depending on the results of your assessment, you'll receive a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and given treatment options. In some instances this could be medication, and in other cases, CBT therapy. They will discuss your needs and then agree on the best treatment plan. Once they have agreed on a treatment plan they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care agreement.
A diagnosis from a professional can boost your confidence in yourself and your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also reduce feelings like guilt and shame, since it enables you to realize that your symptoms aren't an indication of failing or poor character but rather a neurological disorder.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is an illness that affects a lot of people across the world. While it may affect certain aspects of life, individuals with ADHD often go on to accomplish great things. This includes famous musicians such as 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 a diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step in receiving help for ADHD. You will be able to stop blaming your own problems and begin to understand that your ADHD is the cause of your difficulties. You will also be able to find ways to manage your symptoms and regain some control over areas of your life that have been troublesome for quite some time.
During private adhd assessment , you will be asked about your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You may also be given questionnaires to fill prior to the appointment. This will enable you to consider your issues and give the psychiatrist an abundance of information that will help them diagnose your ADHD symptoms with precision.
You should be honest and don't hold back from answering questions out of fear of criticism or shame. A psychiatrist needs to know your full range of difficulties to accurately diagnose ADHD. It is crucial to stay clear of being diagnosed with something else. The symptoms of anxiety, depression and other disorders may resemble ADHD and could be serious for your health.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are usually GMC certified consultant psychiatrists. They will have a large amount of experience in testing adults for ADHD and will be able to identify other disorders that could be causing your difficulties. This is referred to as differential diagnosis, and it is a very common part of the process.
If a psychiatrist believes that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD the doctor will explain why. It may be that they believe you don't give enough detail about your difficulties or that another disorder explains your symptoms better than ADHD. It is important to realise that you do not have to accept this diagnosis if you don't agree with it, but you may request an additional opinion from a different medical professional.
Treatment options
After a thorough examination the patient might be offered a set of treatments to help manage symptoms. It is usually an amalgamation of medication and specialist coaching. This can improve their overall wellbeing and allow them to achieve their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting time.
It is important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just an easy fix, it should be treated as a chronic condition. Untreated, people with ADHD might experience issues at work, at home, and in their relationships. Insufficient organization, difficulties staying on task and focused and being easily distracted can be a problem for those with ADHD in all aspects of their life.
In most cases, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they will also have an history of mental health problems. These may include depression or bipolar disorder. These conditions can cause ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or having relationship issues.
The psychiatrist will examine the symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This will involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They may also wish to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The assessment will usually take between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then determine the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes the symptoms are related to an underlying issue, he or she will refer the patient for further medical tests. Depending on the results examinations, the psychiatrist will decide on the treatment options available to them.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals share the same obligations as those in the NHS. The services they offer must still follow the guidelines laid out by NICE. Patients should contact their GPs to inquire whether they require an appointment letter for an assessment. Alternately, they can call a private specialist such as Priory to arrange the assessment for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment will provide clear guidance and a professional opinion to help you select the best treatment options for your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. It is a process that can take two hours or more to discuss your treatment options and may require several sessions with a psychiatrist.
You can receive an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. However you'll require a referral from a GP. Private providers may not require this however it is worth confirming prior to making an appointment.
The first stage of the private assessment process is to complete the mental health questionnaire which includes questions about your symptoms and family history, prior treatments, and any other mental health issues you have. It could also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. It is a problem-solving talk therapy that can help you overcome your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is especially effective for people with ADHD.
Once this is completed a Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire or school reports, and any other evidence you've provided, and conduct an interview with you. You must be honest and accurate, as this will affect the final outcome of your personal evaluation.
If a psychiatrist determines that you don't have ADHD they will provide the reasons and will tell you if or not you are able to sign an agreement for shared care with your GP for prescriptions (so you only pay the NHS prescription charge) or if they're able to recommend you for a second mental health evaluation elsewhere. It's not uncommon to find a different disorder that may be causing your symptoms, such as autism or PTSD which resembles ADHD so it's crucial to undergo a thorough mental health check-up.
It is also crucial that the healthcare provider you visit for your evaluation is in compliance with the guidelines for clinical care as laid out by NICE. This is especially crucial when assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It is often difficult to identify and effectively treat them. A good service will ensure that the healthcare professional you are visiting is an GMC certified psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse and that they have the right expertise in the assessment and treatment of adults with ADHD.