What is a Private ADHD Assessment? A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with an expert clinician. They will review your psychiatric history as well as examine how ADHD symptoms may affect various aspects of your life. Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can officially diagnose ADHD. However, you can obtain an assessment from another 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional [Nice Guidelines]. Psychologists are among them. What to expect During an individual ADHD assessment The psychiatrist who is the consultant will interview you (or your child should it be an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and how you behave over time. They may also ask you to fill in questionnaires and assess your behavior on various scales. They will ask you about your family history and your lifestyle and environment. The consultation is 90 minutes long The consultation can be conducted in person or via video call. It is essential to bring any relevant notes with you, such as school or work performance notes and medical information. Also, you should wear comfortable clothing and no jewellery for the assessment since it may include physical examinations. You'll be asked about your health and family history, as well as about any issues you've experienced at school or at work. The psychiatrist consultant will also examine your medical records and any other information they have regarding your child's or your own behavior. They'll then look over the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you've completed along with their own observations. Depending on the results of your evaluation depending on the results of your test, you will receive an assessment for ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some instances this could be medication and in other cases, CBT therapy. They will discuss your requirements and agree on the best treatment plan. After they have agreed on a plan, they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care agreement. A professional diagnosis can improve your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also alleviate feelings such as guilt and shame, because it makes you realize that your symptoms are not an indication of failing or lack of character, but rather a neurological disorder. It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD is a condition that affects millions around the world. While it can affect certain aspects of life, individuals who suffer from ADHD tend to accomplish great things. They include famous musicians like Justin Timberlake and Solange Knowles, actors such as 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 a diagnosis A diagnosis is the first step towards receiving help for ADHD. This means that you can stop blameing yourself for your issues and start to recognise that the difficulties you experience are the result of your ADHD. You'll also be able to find a way of managing your symptoms and regain some control over aspects of your life which have been a problem for quite some time. During the examination you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You will also receive questionnaires to fill prior to the appointment. This will allow you to consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist with many details that will help them diagnose your ADHD symptoms accurately. You should be honest and not shy back from answering the questions in fear of being judged or embarrassed. A psychiatrist needs to know your full range of difficulties to accurately diagnose ADHD. It is also important that you do not get diagnosed with something else. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and other disorders can resemble ADHD, and these can be serious for your health. The professionals who make the diagnosis are usually GMC registered psychiatrists. They will have a huge amount of experience in assessing adults for ADHD and they are able to recognize other conditions that could be causing your difficulties. This is called differential diagnosis and is a standard aspect of the process. If you're not diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is not able to explain why. You might not have provided enough details about your issues or another condition could explain your symptoms more effectively 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 another expert. Treatment options Following an evaluation the patient may be offered a package of treatments to help manage symptoms. In most cases, a combination will be used of medication and specialist coaching. This can improve their overall health and allow them to reach their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to long NHS waiting times. It is crucial to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just a quick fix, it needs to be treated as a chronic condition. Untreated, people with ADHD might experience issues at home, work, and in their relationships. Lack of organization, difficulty staying focused and on task and being easily distracted can be a problem for those who suffer from ADHD in all areas of their life. Often, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they may also have an history of mental health problems. Depression and bipolar disorder are two examples. These conditions can increase the effects of ADHD and make it more difficult to cope with. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or having relationship issues. The psychiatrist will assess the person's symptoms of ADHD throughout their lifetime. This could involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They might also wish to talk about how the symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances. The examination will typically last between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms being experienced and review a list of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then formulate the diagnosis. If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition, they will refer the patient for additional medical tests. Depending on the results test, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them. It is important to note that private healthcare professionals have the same responsibilities as those within the NHS. This means that the services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines set out by NICE. It is recommended that patients consult their doctor to determine if they require a referral before making an appointment for an assessment. They can also contact an individual specialist like Priory to arrange an appointment. Aftercare A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and professional guidance so that you can pick the best treatment options that fit your needs, lifestyle and preferences. It is a process that can take two hours or more to discuss your treatment options and may require several sessions with a psychiatrist. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS, but you'll need an official referral letter from your GP. Private providers may not require this, but it is worth checking before booking. The first stage of the private assessment process is to complete a mental health questionnaire that includes questions regarding your symptoms as well as family history, past treatments and any other mental health issues that you might have. The private assessment process may also include a test for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a problem-solving talking therapy which can help you transform your negative thoughts and behaviours. It is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD. Once the questionnaire is completed, the Consultant Psychiatrist will go over the results of the questionnaire, school reports, any other evidence that you have given and will conduct an interview with you. You must be honest and accurate because this will impact the results of your personal evaluation. If a psychiatrist determines that you do not have ADHD they will provide the reasons and will tell you if or not you can sign an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge) or if they're able to send you for a follow-up medical opinion elsewhere. It is not uncommon to discover that your symptoms are due to other conditions, like PTSD or autism, which is why it's essential that you undergo an entire mental health assessment. https://levy-steen.hubstack.net/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis-tools-to-make-your-daily-life is important that you ensure that the private healthcare professional who conducts your assessment adheres to the guidelines for clinical assessment that are set out by NICE. This is especially important when assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to recognize and manage them effectively. If you want to get the best service, make sure that the healthcare professional that you're seeing has experience in treating adults with ADHD and is a registered GMC psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.