What is a Private ADHD Assessment? A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with an expert psychologist. They will review your psychiatric history as well as analyze the ways in which ADHD symptoms can impact different aspects of your daily life. Only UK registered psychiatrists and ADHD nurses can diagnose ADHD. You can still get an assessment from a 'appropriately-qualified healthcare professional'. Psychologists are one of them. What can we expect? During a private ADHD assessment The psychiatrist who is the consultant will talk to you (or your child, should it be an ADHD assessment for children) about symptoms and behaviour over time. You may be asked to answer questions or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will inquire about your family history, life style and environment. The consultation with a psychiatrist will last around 90 minutes and is conducted in person or via video conference. It's important to bring any relevant notes with you such as school or work performance notes and medical information. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothing and not much jewelry for the examination because it could require physical examinations. You'll be asked about your health and family history as well as about any problems you've had at school or at work. The psychiatrist consultant will also review your medical records and any other information they have about your child or you. They'll then look over the results of any questionnaires or rating scales you've completed, as well as their own observations. Based on the outcome of your test, you will be given an assessment for ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some cases this will be medication, and in other cases, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your individual needs with you, and after they've come to the treatment plan, they'll refer you back to your GP for a shared-care agreement. It's important to understand that a medical diagnosis can help you feel more confident about your capabilities and improve relationships with your family and friends. It can also alleviate feelings of guilt and shame, since it makes you realize that your symptoms aren't an indication of failure or a lack of character, but an illness of the brain. It is important to remember that ADHD is a condition that affects a lot of people across the world. While it may have a negative impact on certain aspects of life, people who suffer from ADHD often go on 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. Finding a diagnosis A diagnosis is the first step towards seeking help for ADHD. This means that you stop blaming yourself for your problems and start to recognise that the issues you face are the result of your ADHD. It will also mean that you will discover a way to manage your symptoms and gain control over areas of your life that have been problematic for an extended period of time. During the examination, you will be asked questions about your symptoms as a child, and as an adult. You might be provided with questionnaires ahead of time to fill out. This will enable you to think about your difficulties and give the psychiatrist a wealth of information that will help them diagnose your ADHD symptoms accurately. You should be honest and don't hold off from answering the questions for fear of shame or criticism. This is because a psychiatrist has to understand the full extent of your difficulties to be able to evaluate you for ADHD. It is also important to not be diagnosed with something else. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and other disorders may resemble ADHD and could be serious for your health. The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are typically GMC certified consultant Psychiatrists. They will have years of experience in assessing adults with ADHD and will be able identify other disorders which could be causing you difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and it is a very common part of the process. If you are not diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will explain the reason. It could be because they feel you do not provide enough information about your difficulties or that another disorder explains your symptoms better than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it is not what you want. You can seek a second opinion with an alternative professional if you disagree. Treatment options In many cases, once an individual has been assessed, they will be offered a treatment package to help manage their symptoms. Often, a combination is made of medications and expert coaching. This will improve their overall health and allow them to reach their maximum potential. This is an excellent alternative to long NHS waiting times. It is essential to recognize that a diagnosis of ADHD is not an instant solution, it must be treated as a long-term condition. If untreated, people who suffer from ADHD may have issues at work as well as in their relationships, and in their personal life. Poor organisation, difficulty staying on task and focused, and being easily distractible can cause problems for people who suffer from ADHD in all areas of their life. Adults with ADHD often have a history mental health issues. Bipolar disorder and depression are two instances. These conditions can cause ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also become more severe when a setback occurs e.g. losing a job or experiencing issues with relationships. The psychiatrist will examine the person's symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This may involve questionnaires and rating scales. They might also wish to talk about how the symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances. The examination typically lasts between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms and possible causes. The doctor will then formulate a diagnosis. If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying condition and they decide to recommend the patient for additional medical tests. Depending on the results examinations, the psychiatrist will determine what treatment options are available to them. It is worth noting that private healthcare professionals are subject to the same obligations as those working within the NHS. The services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines laid out by NICE. It is suggested to consult your GP to find out whether they require a referral letter before going for an assessment. They can also call an individual specialist like Priory to schedule an appointment. Aftercare A private ADHD assessment offers clear guidance and expert advice to help you decide on the most effective treatment options for your specific symptoms lifestyle, preferences, and lifestyle. This process can take up to two hours or more to discuss your medication options and can involve several sessions with the psychiatrist. You can access an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS, but you'll need an appointment letter from your GP. Some private providers do not require this, but it is advisable to check before making a booking. private adhd assessment cost uk of the private assessment process will be to fill out an assessment of your mental health that includes questions about your symptoms as well as family history, past treatments and any other mental health issues you have. It could also include a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) test. This is a problem-solving, talking therapy that can help you overcome your negative thoughts and behaviours. It is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD. Once the questionnaire is completed, a Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of the questionnaire or school reports, and any other evidence you have provided, and conduct an interview with you. You must be honest and truthful since this will affect the results of your private evaluation. If the doctor determines you do not have ADHD, they will explain the reason and let you know if you can get an agreement for shared care of medication (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) or if you're able to be referred to a psychiatric expert. It's not uncommon to discover another disorder that may be causing your symptoms, like autism or PTSD which resembles ADHD therefore it is essential to undergo a thorough mental health screening. It is essential to ensure that the private healthcare provider who conducts your examination follows the guidelines for clinical practice established by NICE. This is especially important when assessing adults with ADHD. It can be difficult to recognize and manage them effectively. A quality service will make sure that the healthcare professional you're visiting is an GMC registered psychiatrist or specialist ADHD nurse and that they have the right experience in assessing and treating patients with ADHD.
private adhd assessment cost uk
