What is a Private ADHD Assessment? A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a professional who is skilled in the field. They will review your psychiatric history and look at how ADHD symptoms may affect various aspects of your life. Only UK licensed psychiatrists and ADHD nurses are able to diagnose ADHD. You can still obtain an assessment from a 'qualified healthcare professional'. These include Psychologists. What to expect In an ADHD private assessment, a psychiatrist consultant will interview both you and your child (if it is an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. They might also ask you to fill in questionnaires and rate your behaviour on various scales. They will ask you questions about your family's history, lifestyle and your environment. The psychiatric consultation will last approximately 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or by video call. Bring any relevant documents, including the records of your school or work performance, as well as medication information. https://koldfalkenberg4.livejournal.com/profile and minimal jewelry for the assessment, as it may involve physical examinations. You will be asked to provide details regarding your health, family history, and any issues you've had at work or in school. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will look at your medical records as well as any other information they have regarding the behavior of your child or you. They'll then review the results of any questionnaires or rating scales you've completed as well as their own observations. Based on the results of your evaluation you will be given the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some cases, this will be medication, and in others, CBT therapy. They will discuss your needs and agree on the treatment plan. After they have reached an agreement on a plan they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care arrangement. It's important to understand that a medical diagnosis can make you feel more confident about your abilities and improve your relationships with family and friends. It can also reduce feelings of shame and guilt because it helps you realize that the symptoms you experience are caused by an illness in the brain, not a sign of poor character or failure. It's important to recognize that ADHD is a real disorder that has a huge impact on the lives of millions of people. Although it can affect some parts of life, people who suffer from ADHD tend to achieve great things. Some of these people include celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney. Making a diagnosis A diagnosis is the first step in receiving help for ADHD. This means that you are no longer blaming yourself for your problems and start to recognise that the difficulties you experience are due to your ADHD. You will also be able to find ways to manage your symptoms and regain some control over areas of your life that have been problematic for quite some time. During the examination you will be asked questions about how you've been affected by your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You will also be provided with questionnaires to fill prior to your appointment. This will help you to think about your concerns and provide the psychiatrist a wealth of information that can be used to accurately identify your ADHD symptoms. You should be honest and don't hold off from answering the questions in fear of shame or criticism. This is because a psychiatrist has to understand the full extent of your problems to be able to evaluate you for ADHD. It is essential to avoid being diagnosed with something else. Depression anxiety, stress and other disorders could cause ADHD symptoms, which could cause serious health issues. The experts who make the diagnosis are usually GMC registered consultant Psychiatrists. They will have a huge amount of experience in the assessment of adults for ADHD and they will be able to identify other disorders that may cause your issues. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a typical part of the process. If the doctor believes you don't meet the criteria for ADHD the doctor will explain the reason. You may not have provided enough details about your problems, or another disorder could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is important to realise that you don't have to accept this diagnosis if you don't agree with it, but you can ask for an opinion from a different expert. Treatment options In most cases, after an individual has been evaluated, they will be offered a treatment package to help manage their symptoms. It's usually a combination of medication and specialist coaching. This can improve their overall health and enable them to reach their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting times. It is crucial to recognize that ADHD is a long-term disorder and should not be treated as such. If left untreated, people suffering from ADHD might have difficulties at work, in their relationships, and even in their private life. Poor organisation, difficulty staying focused and on task, and being easily distractible can create problems for those with ADHD in all areas of their lives. Often, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they also have a history of mental health problems. Depression and bipolar disorder are two examples. These conditions can enhance the effects of ADHD and make it more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or having issues with relationships. If a person is assessed by a psychiatrist, they will need to look at how the symptoms of ADHD have affected them over the course of their life. This may include questionnaires and rating scales. They may also wish to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends. The examination typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms that are being experienced and will look over a list of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis. If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying condition they will recommend the patient for additional medical tests. The psychiatrist will make a decision on treatment options according to the results. It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals share the same responsibilities as those employed by the NHS. This means that the services they provide must still be in accordance with the guidelines set out by NICE. It is suggested to consult your GP to find out whether they require a referral before going for an assessment. They can also call an individual specialist, such as Priory to arrange an assessment. Aftercare A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and expert advice to help you decide on the most appropriate treatment options for your symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist may need to visit you for a number of sessions to discuss your treatment options. This can take anywhere from two to three hours. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However you'll require a referral from a GP. Some private providers do not require this but it is worth checking before booking. The first step in a private assessment will be to complete a mental health form that inquires about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history, and any other mental health issues you may 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 behaviors. It is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD. A Consultant Psychiatrist examines the results of your questionnaire, your school's reports and any other evidence that you've provided, as well as an interview with you. It is important that you are honest and precise because this will affect the outcome of your personal assessment. If your psychiatrist concludes that you don't have ADHD they will explain the reason and tell you if or not you can sign an agreement for shared care with your GP to get medication (so you only pay the NHS prescription cost) or if they are able to send you for a follow-up medical opinion elsewhere. It is not uncommon to find that your symptoms are caused by other conditions, like PTSD or autism, which is why it's crucial that you have an exhaustive mental health examination. It is crucial to ensure the private healthcare provider who conducts your examination follows the clinical guidelines established by NICE. This is particularly crucial when it comes to assessing adults suffering from ADHD, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. A quality service will make sure that the healthcare professional you are seeing is a GMC certified psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and that they have the right experience in assessing and treating adults with ADHD.