The 10 Scariest Things About Private ADHD Assessment

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 looking at different aspects of your life, and how these might be affected by ADHD symptoms.
Only UK registered psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can officially diagnose ADHD. You can still obtain an assessment from a 'appropriately-qualified healthcare professional'. Psychologists are among them.
What can you expect?
During a private ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will talk to you (or your child if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about symptoms and behaviour over time. They may also request you to fill out questionnaires and assess your behavior on different scales. They will inquire about your the history of your family and life style and environment.
The consultation lasts 90 minutes The consultation can be conducted in person or via video conference. Bring any relevant documents, like the records of your school or work performance, as well as medication information. Wear comfortable clothing and minimal jewelry during the examination as it could require physical tests.
You'll be asked about your family history and health and also about any issues you've experienced in school or at work. The psychiatrist consultant will also review your medical records, as well as any other information they may have about your child or you. They'll also review the results of any questionnaires or rating scales you have completed, as well as their own observations.
Based 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 will be medication and in other instances, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your specific requirements with you, and when they've reached an agreement on the best treatment plan and have you referred back to your GP in a shared care agreement.
A professional diagnosis can improve your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family and close friends. It can also help reduce feelings of guilt and shame, as it helps you realize that your symptoms are due to an illness in the brain, not being a sign of weakness 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. While ADHD can be a problem in some areas of life, many people who suffer from ADHD have achieved great success. Some of these people include famous people like Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople such as Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Finding an accurate diagnosis
Finding out if you have ADHD is an important first step in obtaining assistance for ADHD. You will be able to stop blaming yourself for the problems you are having and start to realize that your ADHD is the reason for your issues. It will also mean that you can find a way of managing your symptoms and gain control over aspects of your life that have been a problem for many years.
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 may be given questionnaires to fill out. This will help you think about your difficulties and provide the psychiatrist with a wealth of information, helping them to diagnose your ADHD symptoms in a precise manner.
It is important to be honest when answering the questions. Do not hesitate due to the fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist needs to know the full extent of your issues so that they can properly evaluate your case for ADHD. It is also essential to not be diagnosed with a different disorder. Depression anxiety, stress and other disorders could mimic ADHD symptoms, which could cause serious health issues.
The experts who carry out the diagnosis will usually be GMC registered consultant psychiatrists. They will have years of experience in assessing adults with ADHD and will be able determine other conditions that could be causing you difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and is a typical aspect of the process.
If you're not diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will explain the reason. You might not have provided enough details about your issues, or another disorder could be a better explanation for your symptoms than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it is not what you're looking for. You may seek a second opinion from another professional if you don't agree with.
Treatment options
After a thorough examination the patient might be offered a set of treatments that can help manage symptoms. It is usually comprised of medical treatment and coaching. This will improve their overall health and allow them to achieve their full potential. This is a great alternative to the long NHS waiting list.
It is important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just an instant fix, it needs to be treated as a chronic condition. If left untreated, those with ADHD might have issues at work, at home, and in their relationships. Lack of organization, difficulty staying on task and focused and being easily distracted can cause problems for people with ADHD in all aspects of their life.
Adults with ADHD often have a history mental health issues. Depression and bipolar disorder are two of the most common. These conditions can make ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also get worse when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship issues.
The psychiatrist will evaluate the person's symptoms of ADHD throughout their lifetime. This may involve the use of questionnaires and rating systems. They may also wish to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends.
The examination will typically last between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will review the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis.
If private adhd assessment believes that the symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition then he or she will refer the patient to further medical tests. The psychiatrist will decide on treatment options in light of the results.
It is worth noting that private healthcare professionals are subject to the same obligations as healthcare professionals working within the NHS. The services they provide must still adhere to the guidelines set out by NICE. Patients should consult their GPs to determine whether they require a referral letter to go for an assessment. They can also call an individual specialist like Priory, to arrange an appointment.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment offers clear guidance and a professional opinion to help you decide on the most effective treatment options for your symptoms as well as your lifestyle and preferences. The process can take up to two hours or more to discuss your treatment options and can involve several sessions with the psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you need a referral letter from your GP. Private providers aren't required to have this, but it's worth checking prior to booking.
The first stage of the private assessment process will be to fill out an assessment of your mental health that includes questions regarding your symptoms, family history, previous treatments and any other mental health issues you may have. It may also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a form of therapy that helps you change your negative beliefs and behaviours. It is especially effective for people with ADHD.
Once this is completed a Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire or school reports, and any other evidence that you have provided and an interview with you. You must be honest and truthful since this will affect the final outcome of your private evaluation.
If the doctor determines you don't have ADHD and they explain the reason and let you know whether you are eligible for a medication shared care agreement (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) or if you're able to be referred to a different psychiatrist. It is not uncommon to discover that your symptoms are caused by another condition, such as PTSD or autism, which is why it's important that you get an exhaustive mental health examination.
It is essential to ensure that the private healthcare provider who conducts your examination adheres to the guidelines for clinical assessment established by NICE. This is particularly important when it comes to assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to diagnose and effectively treat them. A reputable service will ensure that the healthcare professional you are visiting is a GMC certified psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse and that they have the right experience in assessing and treating adults with ADHD.