Watch Out: How Private ADHD Assessment Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a clinician who is experienced in the field. They will look at your psychiatric history as well as analyze how ADHD symptoms could impact different aspects of your daily life.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists and ADHD nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD. However, you can obtain an assessment from a 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional [Nice Guidelines]. These include Psychologists.
What to expect
During an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will sit down with you and your child (if it is an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behaviors over time. They may also require you to complete questionnaires and assess your behavior on a variety of scales. They will ask about family history, life style and environment.
The consultation lasts 90 minutes and can be conducted in person or via video conference. Bring any relevant documents, including documents from work or school performance and medication details. Wear comfortable clothing and minimal jewelry during the examination because it could involve physical tests.
You'll be asked about your family history and health, as well as about any issues you've faced in school or private Adhd assessment at work. The consultant psychiatrist will also review your medical records along with any other information that they may have about your child or yourself. They'll then review the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you have completed, along with their own 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'll talk about your individual requirements with you and when they've reached an agreement on a treatment plan and have you referred back to your GP on a shared care agreement.
It's important to understand that a professional diagnosis can help you feel more confident in your capabilities and improve relationships with family and friends. It can also help reduce feelings of guilt and shame, because it enables you to realize that your symptoms aren't an indication of failure or lack of character, but rather an illness of the brain.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a condition that affects millions around the world. While ADHD can be a problem in certain areas of life, many people suffering from ADHD have achieved great success. 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.
Finding a diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis is a crucial first step to getting help for ADHD. You'll be able to stop blaming yourself for your problems and begin to understand that your ADHD is the root of your difficulties. It will also mean that you can find a way to manage your symptoms and regain control over aspects of your life that have been a problem for an extended period of time.
During the assessment you will be asked questions about how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child, and later as an adult. You will also be provided with questionnaires to fill in advance of the appointment. This will help you think about your problems and give the psychiatrist a wealth of information that can be used to determine your ADHD symptoms.
It is important that you are honest when answering the questions and do not hesitate due to fear of being judged or shame. This is because a psychiatrist needs to know the extent of your issues so that they can properly evaluate you for ADHD. It is important to stay clear of being diagnosed with anything else. Depression anxiety, stress and other disorders could mimic ADHD symptoms, which could cause serious health issues.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are usually GMC registered consultant Psychiatrists. They will have a large amount of experience in assessing adults for ADHD and are able to recognize other conditions that could be causing your difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and it is a typical part of the process.
If the doctor believes you do not meet the criteria for ADHD and they explain the reason. It could be because they believe that you don't provide enough information about your problems or that another disorder could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it's not what you are looking for. You may get a second opinion from a different professional if you don't agree with.
Treatment options
After an assessment, a person could be given a range of treatments to help manage symptoms. In most cases, a combination will be made of medications and expert coaching. This can improve their overall health and let them to achieve their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting time.
It is crucial to recognize that ADHD is a long-term disorder and should not be treated as it is. If untreated, people with ADHD might have difficulties at work as well as in relationships, and in their personal life. Poor organisation, difficulty staying on task and focused and being easily distracted can create problems for those who suffer from ADHD in all areas of their life.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically have a history of mental health issues. These can include depression and bipolar disorder. These conditions can enhance the impact of ADHD and cause it to be harder to manage. The symptoms can also become worse if a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or having issues with relationships.
If a person is being evaluated, their psychiatrist will be required to consider how the symptoms of ADHD have affected them throughout the course of their life. This may involve the use of questionnaires and rating systems. They may also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The assessment will usually take between 45 to 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 the symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition then he or she will refer the patient for further medical tests. The psychiatrist will make a decision on treatment options according to the results.
It is important to note that healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same obligations as those in the NHS. The services they provide must still adhere to the guidelines set out by NICE. It is suggested that patients contact their GP to determine if they need a referral before taking an assessment. Patients can also contact an individual specialist like Priory to schedule an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment offers clear advice and professional guidance so you can select the appropriate treatment options that fit your needs, lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might need to meet with you for a series of sessions and discuss your treatment options. It could take anywhere from two to three hours.
You can receive an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However, you will need a referral from your GP. Some private providers do not require this but it is advisable to check before making a booking.
The first step in a private examination is to fill out the mental health form which asks about your symptoms, past treatments, family history, and any other mental health issues you might have. It may include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a problem-solving talking therapy that can help you change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is especially effective for people with ADHD.
Once the questionnaire is completed, the Consultant Psychiatrist will go over the results of the questionnaire or school reports, and any other evidence you've provided and an interview with you. It is essential that you are honest and precise because this will affect the final outcome of your private evaluation.
If your psychiatrist concludes that you do not suffer from ADHD they will explain why and inform you if or not you can sign an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (so you only pay the NHS prescription charge) or if they are able to send you for a follow-up mental health evaluation elsewhere. It's not uncommon to find a different condition that could be causing your symptoms, like autism or PTSD, that looks like ADHD so it's essential to undergo a thorough mental health check-up.
It is crucial to ensure the private healthcare provider who conducts your evaluation adheres to the guidelines for clinical assessment set forth by NICE. This is especially important when assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat them effectively. A good service will ensure that the healthcare professional you are seeing is an GMC certified psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse and that they have the right experience in assessing and treating adults with ADHD.
