Private ADHD Assessment The Process Isn't As Hard As You Think
What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is an appointment with a professional who is skilled in the field. They will review your psychiatric history and look at the ways in which ADHD symptoms could impact the various aspects of your life.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can officially diagnose ADHD. You can still receive an assessment from a 'qualified healthcare professional'. These include Psychologists.
What can private adhd assessments expect?
During an ADHD private assessment, a psychiatrist consultant will interview both you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behaviour over time. You might be asked to answer questions or rate your behavior on different scales. They will ask you questions about your family's history, lifestyle and the environment.
The consultation with a psychiatrist will last approximately 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video call. It is important to bring relevant notes with you like the performance of your job or school documents and medications. Also, you should wear comfortable clothing and not much jewelry for the examination as it can require physical tests.
You'll be asked about your family history and health and also about any problems you've had at school or at work. The consultant psychiatrist will examine your medical records, and any other information they have on your child or your. They will then go over any questionnaires or rating scales that you have completed as well as their observations.
Depending on the outcome of your test, you will be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, and in other instances, CBT therapy. They will discuss your requirements and agree on the best treatment plan. After they have agreed on a plan, they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care arrangement.
A diagnosis from a specialist can increase your confidence in yourself and your relationships with family and close friends. It can also ease feelings of shame and guilt because it helps you recognize that the symptoms you experience are caused by an illness in the brain, not an indication of a lack of character or failure.
It's important to remember that ADHD is an illness that affects millions around the world. While it can be detrimental to certain aspects of life, individuals with ADHD often go on to achieve amazing things. Some of these people include celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople such as Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Finding a diagnosis
A diagnosis is the first step to getting help for ADHD. This means that you are no longer blaming yourself for your problems and start to recognise that the challenges you experience are due to your ADHD. You will also be able to discover ways to manage your symptoms and regain control over the areas of your life which have been troublesome for quite some time.
During the examination, you will be asked about your symptoms both as a child and as an adult. You might be provided with questionnaires to fill out. This will enable you to contemplate your problems and give the psychiatrist a wealth of information, helping them to diagnose your ADHD symptoms with precision.
It is important that you are honest when answering the questions. You should not hesitate due to the fear of criticism or shame. A psychiatrist needs to understand your entire spectrum of difficulties to accurately diagnose ADHD. It is important to avoid being diagnosed with any other disorder. Depression anxiety, depression and other disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms, and could cause serious health problems.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are usually GMC certified consultant psychiatrists. They have a wealth of experience in assessing adult ADHD and will be able identify other disorders which may be causing your problems. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and is a typical part of the process.
If you are not diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is not able to explain why. It could be because they believe you don't give enough detail about your difficulties or that another disorder explains your symptoms better than ADHD. You don't have to accept the diagnosis if it's not what you want. You may seek a second opinion with another professional if you disagree.
Treatment options
Following an evaluation an individual may be offered a package of treatments that can help manage symptoms. In most cases, a combination will be made of medications and expert coaching. This can improve their overall health and allow them to achieve their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting time.
It is essential to understand that ADHD is a chronic disorder and should not be treated as such. If untreated, people who suffer from ADHD might have difficulties at work, in their relationships, and even in their private life. Lack of organization, difficulty staying on task and focused and being easily distracted can be a problem for those with ADHD in all areas of their lives.
Often when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they may also have a history of mental health issues. These may include depression or bipolar disorder. These conditions can intensify the effects of ADHD and cause it to be harder to manage. The symptoms can also get worse when a setback happens, e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship problems.
If a person is assessed, their psychiatrist will have to examine the ways in which the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their lives. This could involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They may also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The evaluation typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will talk about the symptoms that are being experienced and look over a list of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then determine the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are caused by an underlying issue, he or she will refer the patient for further medical tests. The psychiatrist will determine treatment options according to the results.
It is important to note that private healthcare professionals share the same responsibilities as those employed by the NHS. The services they provide must still follow the guidelines laid out by NICE. It is suggested that patients consult their doctor to determine if they need a referral before going for an assessment. Alternately, they can call a private specialist such as Priory to schedule the assessment for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and expert advice to help you choose the best treatment options for your specific symptoms lifestyle, preferences, and lifestyle. The psychiatrist may need to visit you for a series of sessions and discuss your treatment options. It could take up to two hours.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you'll need a referral letter from your GP. Private providers may not require this, but it is important to confirm this prior to making a booking.
The initial step of the private assessment process will be to fill out an assessment of your mental health that includes questions regarding your symptoms and family history, prior treatments and any other mental health issues that you might 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 behaviours. It is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaire, your school's reports, and any other evidence you have provided along with an interview with yourself. You must be honest and accurate, as this will affect the final outcome of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist decides that you don't have ADHD they will explain the reason and inform you if or not you can get an agreement to share care with your GP to get medication (so you only pay the NHS prescription fee) or if they can recommend you for a second mental health evaluation elsewhere. It is not unusual to find another disorder that may be causing your symptoms, such as autism or PTSD which resembles ADHD so it's essential that you undergo a complete mental health check-up.
It is important that you ensure that the private healthcare professional who conducts your examination follows the clinical guidelines set forth by NICE. This is especially important when it comes to assessing adults with ADHD, which can be difficult to diagnose accurately and effectively treat. A quality service will make sure that the healthcare professional you are visiting is an GMC certified psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and that they have the right experience in assessing and treating patients with ADHD.