What is a Private ADHD Assessment?

A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a qualified psychologist. 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 licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can formally diagnose ADHD. However, you can get an assessment from another „appropriately qualified healthcare professional (Nice Guidelines]. These include Psychologists.

What can you expect?

During an individual ADHD assessment, the consultant psychiatrist will talk to you (or your child, in the case of an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and how you behave over time. You might be asked to answer questions or assess your behavior on various scales. They will inquire about your family history, lifestyle and the environment you live in.

The consultation is 90 minutes long, and can be conducted in person or via video calls. It’s important to bring any 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 as it can require physical tests.

You’ll be asked about your family history and health as well as about any issues you’ve experienced in school or at work. The psychiatrist consultant will also 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, along with their own observations.

Depending on the outcome of your examination depending on the results of your assessment, you’ll receive a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and offered treatment options. In some cases this could be medication, and in other instances, CBT therapy. private adhd assessment ‚ll talk about your individual requirements with you and after they’ve come to the best treatment plan they’ll refer you to your GP in a shared care agreement.

A diagnosis from a specialist can increase your confidence in yourself as well as your relationships with family members and close friends. It can also reduce feelings of shame and guilt since it allows you to recognize that the symptoms you experience are caused by an illness in the brain, not an indication of a lack of character or failure.

It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a real disorder that has a huge impact on the lives of millions of people. Although it can be detrimental to some parts of life, people who suffer from ADHD often go on 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 such as Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.

Finding an accurate diagnosis

Finding out if you have ADHD is an important first step to getting help for ADHD. You will be able to stop blaming yourself for your problems and begin to understand that your ADHD is the reason for your difficulties. It also means that you can discover a way to manage your symptoms and regain control over areas of your life that have been problematic for an extended period of time.

During the assessment you will be asked about your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You will also receive questionnaires to fill out in advance of the appointment. This will help you consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist with an abundance of information that will help them diagnose your ADHD symptoms with precision.

You must be honest and not hold off from answering the questions out of fear of criticism or shame. A psychiatrist will need to be aware of your entire range of difficulties to accurately diagnose ADHD. It is crucial to avoid being diagnosed with something else. Depression anxiety, stress and other disorders could mimic ADHD symptoms, which can cause serious health problems.

The experts who make the diagnosis are usually GMC certified consultant Psychiatrists. They have a vast amount of experience in the assessment of adults for ADHD and are able to recognize other disorders that may cause your issues. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and is a standard component of the process.

If you’re not diagnosed with ADHD and your psychiatrist is not able to explain the reason. You might not have provided enough information about your difficulties or a different disorder may explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it is not what you’re looking for. You may get a second opinion from another professional if you don’t agree with.

Treatment options

After an assessment, a person may be offered a package of treatments to help manage symptoms. Most often, a combination is employed of medications and specialist coaching. This can improve their overall health and help them to reach their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to long NHS waiting times.

It is important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just an easy fix, it should be considered a long-term illness. If left untreated, people suffering from ADHD can experience difficulties at work, in their relationships, and even in their private life. Signs of ADHD like poor organization as well as difficulty in staying focused and being on task, and being easily distracted can create problems in all aspects of their lives.

Adults suffering from ADHD usually have a history of mental health issues. Depression and bipolar disorder are two instances. These conditions can make ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or having relationship issues.

If a person is assessed, their psychiatrist will be required to consider how the symptoms of ADHD have affected them throughout the course of their life. This will involve using questionnaires and rating systems. They might also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances.

The assessment will usually take between 45 to 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms being experienced and look over a list of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis.

If the psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition, they will send the patient to further medical tests. Based on the results examinations, the psychiatrist will determine what treatment options are available to them.

It is important to remember that private healthcare professionals have the same responsibilities as those employed by the NHS. The services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines laid out by NICE. It is recommended that patients consult their doctor to find out whether they require a referral before going for an assessment. Or, they can contact a private specialist such as Priory to schedule the assessment for themselves.

Aftercare

A private ADHD assessment offers clear advice and expert guidance so you can select the right treatment options to suit your symptoms, lifestyle and preferences. The process can take two hours or more to discuss your treatment options, and may involve a number of sessions with the psychiatrist.

You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However you’ll need a referral from your GP. Private providers may not require this, but it’s worth checking before booking.

The initial step of the private assessment process is to complete the mental health questionnaire which includes questions about your symptoms and family history, prior treatments, and any other mental health issues you have. It may also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a form of therapy that helps you change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is particularly effective for adults with ADHD.

Once this is completed a Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire and school reports, as well as any other evidence you’ve provided, and conduct an interview with you. You must be honest and truthful because this will impact the outcome of your private evaluation.

If the psychiatrist determines that you do not have ADHD, they will 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 could be referred to a psychiatric expert. It’s not uncommon to find a different condition that could be causing your symptoms, like autism or PTSD, that looks like ADHD therefore it is essential to undergo a thorough mental-health screening.

It is also essential that the healthcare provider you go to for your assessment adheres to the guidelines for clinical practice as laid out by NICE. This is especially important when it comes to 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’re consulting is a GMC registered psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse and that they have appropriate experience in assessing and treating patients with ADHD.