What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is an appointment with a specialist who is experienced in the field. They will go over your psychiatric history, as well as looking at different aspects of your life and how these might be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK registered psychiatrists and ADHD nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. You can still get an assessment from a 'qualified healthcare professional'. Psychologists are among them.
What can we expect?
During an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will talk to you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for kids) about your symptoms and behaviors over time. You may be asked to answer questions or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will ask you about your the history of your family and lifestyle and the environment you live in.
The psychiatric consultation lasts about 90 minutes and is conducted either in person or by video call. It is important to bring relevant notes like the performance of your job or school notes and medical information. Also, you should wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewellery for the test as it can require physical examinations.
You will be asked to provide information regarding your health, family history, and any issues you've had at work or in school. iampsychiatry.com will review your medical records as well as any other information they have about your child or your. They'll then look over the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you've completed as well as their own observations.
Depending on the outcome of your evaluation, you'll be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and given treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, and in others, CBT therapy. They will discuss your needs and agree on the best treatment plan. After they have reached an agreement on a plan and have referred 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 help reduce feelings of guilt and shame, because it helps you realize that your symptoms aren't an indication of failing or a lack of character, but a neurological disorder.
It's important to remember that ADHD is an illness that affects millions around the globe. While it can affect some parts of life, individuals with ADHD often go on to achieve 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.
Getting a diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important first step in obtaining assistance for ADHD. It means that you stop blaming yourself for your problems and realize that the challenges you experience are a result of your ADHD. You'll also be able to find an approach to managing your symptoms and regain control over the areas of your life that have been troublesome for a long time.
During the exam, you will be asked questions about your symptoms both as a young person, and as an adult. You may also be given questionnaires to fill out prior to the appointment. This will allow you to consider your issues and give the psychiatrist many details, helping them to diagnose your ADHD symptoms with precision.
You should be honest and not hold back from answering the questions for fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist has to know the extent of your issues in order to properly assess your case for ADHD. It is also important to not be diagnosed with something else. Depression anxiety, depression, and other disorders may cause ADHD symptoms, which can cause serious health problems.
The professionals who perform the diagnosis are typically GMC registered psychiatrists. They have a vast amount of experience in assessing adults for ADHD and can identify other conditions that could be causing your difficulties. 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 feel you do not provide enough details about your problems 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 agree with it, but you may request an opinion from an alternative medical professional.
Treatment options
After an assessment the patient might be offered a set of treatments to help manage symptoms. In most cases, a combination will be made of medications and expert coaching. This will help improve their overall health and enable them to realize their full potential. This is a great alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting times.
It is important to realize that ADHD is a long-term disorder and should not be treated as such. If untreated, people who suffer from ADHD can experience difficulties at work, in their relationships, and even in their private life. The signs of ADHD include poor organisation as well as difficulty in staying focused and being on task, and being easily distracted can lead to problems in all aspects of their lives.
Adults who suffer from ADHD usually have a history of mental health issues. These may include depression or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make ADHD more difficult to manage. Symptoms can also be intensified when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or having relationship problems.
If a person is evaluated, their psychiatrist will need to look at how the symptoms of ADHD have affected them throughout 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 usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will review the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then determine the diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are caused by an underlying condition the doctor will refer the patient to further medical tests. Based on the results of these, the psychiatrist will then decide what treatment options are available to them.
It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals have the same responsibilities as those in the NHS. The services they provide must be in line with the guidelines set out by NICE. It is recommended that patients consult their doctor to find out whether they will need to get a referral before making an appointment for an assessment. They can also contact an individual specialist, such as Priory, to arrange an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and expert guidance to help you decide on the most appropriate treatment options for your specific symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might have to visit you for several sessions and discuss your options for medication. This can take anywhere from two to three hours.
You can access an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you need an appointment letter from your GP. Some private providers do not require this, but it is important to confirm this prior to making a booking.
The first step in a private assessment will be to fill out the mental health form which inquires about your symptoms, past treatments, family history, and any other mental issues you might have. It could also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. It is a problem-solving talk therapy which can help you transform your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is particularly beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD.
Once this is completed a Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire and school reports, as well as any other evidence that you have provided and an interview with you. It is important to be honest and truthful because this will affect the results of your personal evaluation.
If a psychiatrist determines that you don't have ADHD they will provide the reasons and inform you if you can sign a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge) or if they can recommend you for a second mental health evaluation elsewhere. It is not unusual to find a different issue that may be behind your symptoms, such as autism or PTSD, that looks like ADHD so it's crucial that you have a full mental health check-up.
It is also crucial that the private healthcare provider you visit for your assessment adheres to the guidelines for clinical care as laid out by NICE. This is particularly crucial for adults suffering from ADHD who are difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. A reputable service will ensure that the healthcare professional you're seeing is an GMC certified psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and has the appropriate experience in assessing and treating patients suffering from ADHD.