What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a session with a qualified doctor. They will go over your psychiatric history, as well taking a look at various aspects of your life, and how these could be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists and ADHD nurses are able to diagnose ADHD. However, you can obtain an assessment from another "appropriately qualified healthcare professional' [Nice Guidelines]. Psychologists are one of them.
What can we expect?
During an individual ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will interview you (or your child, in the case of an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. They may also request you to fill out questionnaires and rate your behaviour on various scales. They will ask about the history of your family and lifestyle and the environment you live in.
The psychiatric consultation lasts around 90 minutes and is conducted either in person or by video call. It is essential to bring any relevant notes with you, such as school or work performance notes and medical information. Wear comfortable clothes and no jewelry during the examination, as it may involve physical examinations.
You will be asked to provide information about your health, family history and any problems you have had at school or work. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will look at your medical records as well as any other information they have regarding your child's or your own behavior. They will then go over any rating scales or questionnaires that you've completed, as well as their observations.
Based on the results 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 cases, CBT therapy. They will discuss your needs and then agree on the best treatment plan. After they have reached an agreement on a plan they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care arrangement.
A professional diagnosis can improve your confidence in yourself and your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also help reduce feelings of guilt and shame, as it helps you realise that the symptoms you experience are caused by a neurological condition rather than a sign of poor character or failure.
It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is a condition that affects millions around the world. Although it can affect some parts of life, those who suffer from ADHD often achieve amazing things. These include famous musicians like Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles and actors like Will.i.am and Oscar Winner Michael Phelps, businesspeople such as Paris Hilton and Walt Disney, and scientists such as Nobel physicist Albert Einstein.
Getting an answer to a question
A diagnosis is the first step towards getting assistance for ADHD. You will be able to stop blaming yourself for the problems you are having and begin to understand that your ADHD is the cause of your difficulties. You'll also be able to find ways to manage your symptoms and regain control over aspects of your life that have been problematic for quite some time.
During the evaluation, 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 consider your problems and give the psychiatrist a wealth of information that can be used to accurately diagnose your ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you are honest when answering the questions. You should not hold back because of a fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist has to know the full extent of your difficulties to be able to evaluate your case for ADHD. It is also essential to not be diagnosed with a different disorder. Depression anxiety, depression and other disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms, which can cause serious health issues.
The specialists who make the diagnosis are typically GMC registered consultant Psychiatrists. They have a vast amount of experience in the assessment of adults for ADHD and are able to recognize other conditions that could be causing your difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a typical part of the process.
If a psychiatrist believes that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD the doctor will explain the reason. It could be because they believe you don't provide enough information about your problems or that another disorder explains 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 medical professional.
Treatment options
In most cases, after an individual has been evaluated, they will be offered an aid to manage their symptoms. This is often a combination of specialist coaching and medication. This can improve their overall wellbeing and help them realize their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to long NHS waiting times.
It is essential to recognize that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just a quick fix, it needs to be considered a long-term illness. If left untreated, those with ADHD may experience difficulties at home, work and in their relationships. Symptoms such as poor organisation or focus, difficulties in staying on task, as well as being easily distracted can cause problems in all aspects of their lives.
In most cases, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they may also have a history of mental health problems. Bipolar disorder and depression are two instances. These conditions can increase the impact of ADHD and make it harder to manage. The symptoms can become worse if a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or having relationship issues.
The psychiatrist will examine the symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This may involve questionnaires and rating scales. They may also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The examination typically lasts between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are caused by an underlying condition they will recommend the patient for further medical tests. Depending on adhd assessment private uk I Am Psychiatry of these tests examinations, the psychiatrist will determine what treatment options are available to them.
It is worth noting that healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same obligations as those within the NHS. The services they provide must be in line with the guidelines laid out by NICE. It is recommended that patients contact their GP to determine if they need a referral letter before taking an assessment. They can also call a private specialist, such as Priory to schedule an assessment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment offers clear advice and expert guidance to ensure that you can choose the right treatment options to fit your needs, lifestyle and preferences. It is a process that could take two hours or more to discuss your medication options, and may involve a number of sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS, but you must have a referral letter from your GP. Private providers may not require this but it is advisable to check before making a booking.
The first stage of the private assessment process will be to complete the mental health questionnaire which includes questions about your symptoms, family history, previous treatments, and any other mental health issues you may have. It may 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 particularly effective for adults suffering from ADHD.
A Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaire, your school's reports and any other evidence you have provided, as well as an interview with you. You must be truthful and accurate since this will affect the outcome of your personal evaluation.
If the psychiatrist concludes that you aren't suffering from ADHD and they explain the reason and let you know whether you're eligible for a medication shared-care agreement (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) or if you can be referred to a different psychiatric expert. It is not uncommon to find that your symptoms are due to another condition, such as PTSD or autism, so it is essential that you undergo a full mental health screening.
It is also crucial that the private healthcare provider you visit for an assessment is in line with clinical guidelines as set out by NICE. This is especially important when assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It is often difficult to identify and manage them effectively. If you want to get the best treatment, make sure that the healthcare professional that you're seeing is experienced in treating adults with ADHD and is a GMC-registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.