What is a Private ADHD Assessment? A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a specialist who is experienced in the field. They will review your psychiatric history aswell as looking at different aspects of your life and how they could be affected by ADHD symptoms. Only UK registered psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can officially diagnose ADHD. However, you can get an assessment from another 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional [Nice Guidelines]. Psychologists are one of them. What to expect In a private ADHD assessment The psychiatrist who is the consultant will talk to you (or your child if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and how you behave over time. You may be asked to answer questions or assess your behavior on various scales. They will ask you about your family history, lifestyle and your environment. The psychiatric consultation will last about 90 minutes and is conducted either in person or by video call. It is important to bring relevant notes, such as the performance of your job or school notes and medical information. You should also wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewellery for the test since it may include physical examinations. You'll be asked about your family history and health, as well as about any issues you've experienced at school or at work. The consultant psychiatrist will also review 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've completed, as well as their observations. Based on the results of your assessment depending on the results of your test, you will receive a diagnosis for ADD or ADHD, and treatment options. In some instances this could be medication, and in other instances, CBT therapy. They'll talk about your individual needs with you, and once they've agreed on the treatment plan they'll refer you to your GP on a shared care agreement. A diagnosis from a specialist can increase your confidence in yourself and your relationships with family and close friends. It can also reduce feelings of guilt and shame, because it helps you realize that your symptoms are not a sign of failure or poor character but rather an illness of the brain. It's important to remember that ADHD is an illness that affects a lot of people across the globe. Although ADHD can be a problem in certain areas of life, a lot of people suffering from ADHD have achieved great success. This includes famous musicians such as Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles, actors such as Will.i.am and Oscar Winner Michael Phelps, businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney and scientists like Nobel physicist Albert Einstein. Making an accurate diagnosis The process of obtaining a diagnosis is the first step to getting help for ADHD. You'll be able to stop blaming yourself for your problems and start to realize that your ADHD is the cause of your difficulties. You'll also be able find a way of managing your symptoms and regain some control over areas of your life which have been a problem for a long time. During the assessment during the assessment, you will be asked questions regarding how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child, and later as an adult. You will also receive questionnaires to complete in advance of the appointment. This will help you consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist a wealth information that can be used to diagnose your ADHD symptoms. You must be honest and not shy off from answering the questions out of fear of being judged or embarrassed. This is because a psychiatrist needs to understand the full extent of your difficulties to be able to evaluate you for ADHD. It is also crucial to ensure that you don't get diagnosed with a different disorder. Depression anxiety, stress and other disorders could cause ADHD symptoms, which could cause serious health problems. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment who perform the diagnosis are typically GMC registered psychiatrists. They will have extensive experience in assessing adult ADHD and will be able identify other disorders which could be causing you difficulties. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and is a typical aspect of the process. If a psychiatrist believes that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD and they explain why. You may not have provided enough details about your problems or another condition could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is crucial to realize that you don't have to accept this diagnosis if you do not accept it, but you are able to request an opinion from a different professional. Treatment options After an assessment the patient might be offered a set of treatments to manage symptoms. Most often, a combination is made of medications and expert coaching. This can improve their overall wellbeing and allow them to realize their maximum potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting times. It is essential to understand that ADHD is a long-term condition and should not be treated as an illness. If left untreated, people with ADHD may have issues at work, in their relationships and in their home life. The signs of ADHD include poor organisation, difficulty staying focused and being on task, and being easily distracted can cause difficulties in all aspects of their lives. Adults with ADHD often have a history mental health issues. Bipolar disorder and depression are two examples. These conditions can enhance the impact of ADHD and make it more difficult to cope with. The symptoms can also get worse if a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or having relationship problems. The psychiatrist will assess the symptoms of ADHD throughout their life. 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 discuss the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis. If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying condition, he or she will refer the patient to further medical tests. The psychiatrist will determine treatment options based on the results. It is important to note that healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same obligations as those working within the NHS. This means that the services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines set forth by NICE. It is recommended that patients consult their doctor to find out whether they require a referral letter before going for an assessment. They can also call an individual specialist like Priory to arrange an appointment. Aftercare A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and expert guidance so that you can pick the right treatment options to suit your symptoms, lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might need to meet with you for a number of sessions to discuss your options for medication. This could take up to two hours. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. However, you will require a referral from a GP. Some private providers don't require this, but it's worth checking prior to making an appointment. The first step of the private assessment process will be to complete an assessment of your mental health that includes questions regarding your symptoms as well as family history, past treatments and any other mental health issues you may have. It could include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. It is a type of therapy that assists you to change your negative beliefs and behaviors. It can be particularly beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. A Consultant Psychiatrist reviews the results of your questionnaire, school reports and any other evidence that you've provided, as well as an interview with you. It is crucial that you are honest and precise because this will affect the outcome of your private evaluation. If the psychiatrist concludes that you aren't suffering from ADHD, they will explain the reasons and inform you whether you're eligible for a medication shared-care agreement (so that you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) or if you're able to be referred to a psychiatric expert. It is not uncommon to discover that your symptoms are caused by another issue, such as PTSD or autism, so it is important that you get a full mental health screening. It is crucial to ensure that the private healthcare provider who conducts your assessment follows the clinical guidelines established by NICE. This is especially important for people suffering from ADHD, which can be difficult to diagnose accurately and treat effectively. If you are looking to receive the best service, make sure that the healthcare professional that you're working with has experience in treating adults with ADHD and is a GMC registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.