What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a meeting with a qualified psychologist. They will review your psychiatric history, as well in examining different aspects of your life and how they might be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK registered psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can officially diagnose ADHD. However, you can obtain an assessment from another "appropriately qualified healthcare professional' [Nice Guidelines]. These include Psychologists.
What can you expect?
During an ADHD private assessment, a psychiatrist consultant will sit down with you and your child (if it is an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. They may also ask you to fill in questionnaires and rate your behavior on a variety of scales. They will ask you questions about your family's history, lifestyle and your environment.
The consultation with a psychiatrist will last about 90 minutes and is carried out in person or by video call. It is important to bring relevant notes, such as work or school performance documents and medications. You should also wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewellery for the test because it could include physical examinations.
You will be asked to provide information about your health, family history and any problems you have had at work or in school. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will look at your medical records and any other information they have about your child's or your own behavior. They'll also review the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you've completed, as well as their own observations.
Based on the results of your assessment, you'll be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and given treatment options. In some instances it will be medication and in other instances, 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 for a shared-care agreement.
A professional diagnosis can improve your confidence in yourself and your relationships with family and close friends. It can also alleviate feelings like shame and guilt, as it enables you to realize that your symptoms are not an indication of failing or a lack of character, but a neurological disorder.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a real condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it may be detrimental to some parts of life, individuals with ADHD tend to accomplish great things. Some of them include celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Finding an answer to a question
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important first step towards getting help for ADHD. This means that you stop blameing yourself for your issues and start to recognise that the difficulties you experience are due to your ADHD. You will also be able to find a way of managing your symptoms and regain control over areas of your life which have been a problem for quite some time.
During the examination, you will be asked questions about your symptoms as a child and also as an adult. You might be provided with questionnaires to fill out. This will help you think about your issues and provide the psychiatrist a wealth information that can be used to identify your ADHD symptoms.
You should be honest and don't hold back from answering the questions for fear of being judged or embarrassed. A psychiatrist needs to be aware of your entire range of problems to determine accurately ADHD. It is essential to stay clear of being diagnosed with any other disorder. Depression, anxiety and other disorders may resemble ADHD, and these can have serious consequences for your health.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are usually GMC certified consultant Psychiatrists. They will have years of experience in assessing adult ADHD and will be able to detect other disorders that might be causing problems. This is called differential diagnosis and is a common component of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD and a psychiatrist will explain why. It could be because they feel you do not provide enough details about your difficulties or that another disorder could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is important to understand that you do not have to accept this diagnosis if you don't believe in it, however you are able to request an opinion from a different professional.
Treatment options
After an assessment an individual could be given a range of treatments to manage symptoms. It is usually an amalgamation of medical treatment and coaching. This can improve their overall health and allow them to achieve their maximum potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting times.
It is important to realize that ADHD is a long-term condition and should not be treated as an illness. If not treated, those suffering from ADHD may have issues at work as well as in their relationships and in their home life. Insufficient organization, difficulties staying focused and on task, and being easily distractible can cause problems for people with ADHD in all aspects of their lives.
Most of the time, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they may also have an history of mental health issues. These can include depression and bipolar disorder. These conditions can increase the impact of ADHD and cause it to be harder to manage. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship problems.
If a person is assessed, their psychiatrist will be required to consider how the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their lives. This will involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They might also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family members and friends.
The assessment will usually take between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms being experienced and will go through a checklist of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then come up with the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying issue, they 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 healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same obligations as those working within the NHS. This means that the services they provide must still adhere to the guidelines set forth by NICE. Patients should speak to their GPs to inquire whether they require an appointment letter for an assessment. They can also contact a private specialist, such as Priory, to arrange an assessment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and expert guidance to ensure you can select the right treatment options to fit your needs, lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might have to meet with you for a series of sessions and discuss your medication options. This can take anywhere from two to three hours.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However, you will require a referral from your GP. Some private providers don't require this however it is worth confirming prior to booking.
The first step in a private assessment is to complete the mental health form which inquires about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history, and any other mental issues you might have. 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 behavior. private adhd assessment cost is especially effective for adults with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist reviews the results of your questionnaire, school reports and any other evidence that you've provided along with an interview with you. It is important to be honest and truthful because this will affect the results of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist concludes that you aren't suffering from ADHD, they will explain the reason and inform you whether you are eligible for a medication shared care agreement (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) or if you're able to be referred to a psychiatrist. It is not unusual to discover another issue that may be behind your symptoms, such as autism or PTSD, that looks like ADHD so it's essential to undergo a thorough mental health check-up.
It is also crucial that the private healthcare provider you go to for your assessment adheres to the guidelines for clinical care as laid out by NICE. This is particularly important when assessing adults with ADHD. It can be difficult to recognize and manage them effectively. If you want to get the best treatment, make sure that the healthcare professional that you're seeing has experience in treating adults with ADHD and is a GMC registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.