What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a meeting with an expert clinician. They will go over your psychiatric history as well in examining different aspects of your life, and how these could be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK registered psychiatrists and ADHD nurses can diagnose ADHD. However, you can get an assessment from a 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional' [Nice Guidelines]. These include Psychologists.
What can you expect?
During an ADHD private assessment,
treatment a psychiatrist consultant will interview both you and your child (if it is an ADHD assessment for kids) about your symptoms and behavior over time. You may be asked to answer questions or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will ask you about your family history, lifestyle and environment.
The psychiatric consultation lasts about 90 minutes and is conducted in person or by video call. It's important to bring any relevant notes like the performance of your job or school notes and medical information. Wear comfortable clothing and minimal jewelry during the examination because it could involve physical examinations.
You'll be asked about your health and family history, as well as about any issues you've experienced in school or at work. The consultant psychiatrist will review your medical records, along with any other information that they may have about your child or you. They will then go over any rating scales or questionnaires that you have completed as well as their observations.
Depending on the outcome of your assessment You'll be given a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and given treatment options. In some instances, this could be medication, and in others, CBT therapy. They'll talk about your individual requirements with you, and after they've come to the best treatment plan and have you referred back to your GP in a shared care agreement.
It is important to recognize that a medical diagnosis can make you feel more confident in your capabilities and improve relationships with family and friends. It can also reduce feelings such as shame and guilt, as it makes you realize that your symptoms are not an indication of failing or a lack of character, but an illness of the brain.
It is important to remember that ADHD is an illness that affects a lot of people across the globe. While it may have a negative impact on some parts of life, individuals who suffer from ADHD often achieve amazing things. Some of these people include famous people like Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Making a diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important first step towards getting help for ADHD. This means that you can stop accusing yourself of being the cause and start to recognise that the difficulties you experience are a result of your ADHD. It will also mean that you will discover a way to manage your symptoms and regain control over aspects of your life that have been challenging for an extended period of time.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child and an adult. You might be provided with questionnaires in advance to fill out. This will allow you to contemplate your problems and give the psychiatrist an abundance of information which will assist them in diagnosing your ADHD symptoms accurately.
It is crucial to be honest when answering the questions. Do not hold back because of fear of being judged or shame. This is because a psychiatrist needs to know the extent of your difficulties so that they can properly evaluate your case for ADHD. It is also crucial that you do not get diagnosed with a different disorder. Depression anxiety, stress, and other disorders may mimic ADHD symptoms, which could cause serious health problems.
The experts who carry out the diagnosis are typically GMC registered psychiatrists. They will have a huge amount of experience in the assessment of adults for ADHD and can identify other disorders that could cause your issues. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a common aspect of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD and a psychiatrist will explain the reason. You might not have provided enough information about your difficulties or another condition could explain your symptoms more effectively than ADHD. You don't have to accept the diagnosis if it's not what you're looking for. You can seek a second opinion with an alternative expert if you are not satisfied with.
Treatment options
After an assessment, a person may be offered a package of treatments that can help manage symptoms. Most often, a combination is employed of medications and specialist coaching. This will improve their overall health and allow them to reach their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to the long NHS waiting time.
It is important to realize that ADHD is a long-term condition and should not be treated as such. If untreated, people suffering from ADHD may have issues at work as well as in their relationships, and in their personal life. Poor organisation, difficulty staying focused and on task and being easily distracted can cause problems for people with ADHD in all areas of their life.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have a history mental health issues. Bipolar disorder and depression are two of the most common. 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 experiencing issues with relationships.
If a person is being evaluated, their psychiatrist will be required to consider how the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their life. This may involve the use of questionnaires and rating systems. They might also wish to talk about how the symptoms have impacted their family and friends.
The examination will typically last between 45 to 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms that are being experienced and look over a list of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make an assessment.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying issue they will send the patient to additional medical tests. Depending on the results of these tests examinations, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them.
It is worth noting that
private adhd assessment near me healthcare professionals are subject to the same responsibilities as those within the NHS. This means that the services they provide must be in line with the guidelines set out by NICE. Patients should speak to their GPs to determine whether they require a referral letter to go for an assessment. Or, they can contact a private specialist like Priory to arrange the assessment for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment offers clear advice and expert guidance so that you can choose the best treatment options that match your lifestyle, symptoms and preferences. The psychiatrist might need to meet with you for a number of sessions to discuss your options for medication. It could take anywhere from two to three hours.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you need an appointment letter from your GP. Some private providers don't require this however it's worth checking prior to making an appointment.
The initial step of the private assessment process will be to complete an assessment of your mental health that includes questions regarding your symptoms and family history, prior treatments and any other mental health issues you have. It could include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. It is a type of therapy that assists you to change your negative thoughts and
treatment behaviors.