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What is a Private ADHD Assessment? A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with an expert psychologist. They will review your psychiatric history and examine the ways in which ADHD symptoms could impact different aspects of your daily life. Only UK registered psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses are able to officially diagnose ADHD. However, you can access an assessment from another “appropriately qualified healthcare professional [Nice Guidelines]. This includes Psychologists. What to expect In an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will interview both you and your child (if it is an ADHD assessment for kids) about your symptoms and behavior over time. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or evaluate your behavior using different scales. They will inquire about your family history, lifestyle and the environment you live in. The psychiatric consultation will last approximately 90 minutes and can be carried out in person or via video call. Bring any relevant documents, such as records of school or work performance, as well as medication information. Wear comfortable clothes and no jewelry during the examination as it could require physical examinations. You'll be asked about your family history and health and also about any issues you've experienced at work or in school. The consultant psychiatrist will examine your medical records, and any other information that they have about your child or you. They will then go over any rating scales or questionnaires that you have completed as well as their observations. Based on the outcome of your test, depending on the results of your test, you will receive the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and treatment options. In some cases this could be medication, and in other instances, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your specific needs with you, and once they've agreed on a 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 ease feelings of guilt and shame since it allows you to realise that the symptoms you experience are caused by an illness in the brain, not a sign of poor 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. While it may be detrimental to certain aspects of life, individuals with ADHD often go on to accomplish 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 a diagnosis The process of obtaining a diagnosis is a crucial first step to getting help for ADHD. It will mean that you stop blaming yourself for your problems and realize that the issues you face are due to your ADHD. It will also mean that you can find a way to manage your symptoms and gain control over parts of your life that have been challenging for a long time. 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 will also be provided with questionnaires to complete prior to your appointment. This will allow you to think about your difficulties and provide the psychiatrist with a wealth of information, helping them to diagnose your ADHD symptoms in a precise manner. You should be honest and not shy back from answering questions in fear of being judged or embarrassed. This is because a psychiatrist needs to know the full extent of your difficulties in order to properly assess you for ADHD. It is also essential to not be diagnosed with a different disorder. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and other disorders may resemble ADHD and can be serious for your health. The experts who make the diagnosis are usually GMC registered consultant Psychiatrists. They will have years of experience in assessing adults with ADHD and will be able to determine other conditions that might be causing problems. This is called differential diagnosis and is a typical part of the process. If you are not diagnosed with ADHD, the psychiatrist will explain the reason. You may not have provided enough information about your difficulties or another condition could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is crucial to realize that you don't have to accept this diagnosis if you do not believe in it, however you may request a second opinion with another medical professional. Treatment options In many cases, once an individual has been evaluated, they will be offered a treatment package to help manage their symptoms. It's usually an amalgamation of medication and specialist coaching. This can help improve their overall wellbeing and allow them to realize their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting times. It is important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just an easy fix, it should be treated as a long-term condition. If left untreated, those with ADHD may experience difficulties at home, work and in their relationships. Signs of ADHD like poor organization, difficulty staying focused and staying on task, as well as being easily distracted can lead to problems in all aspects of their lives. Adults suffering from ADHD typically have a history of mental health issues. These can include depression and bipolar disorder. These conditions can cause ADHD more difficult to manage. The symptoms can also get worse when a setback happens, e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship issues. The psychiatrist will examine the person's symptoms of ADHD over their lifetime. This may involve the use of questionnaires and rating systems. They might also want to talk about how the symptoms have affected their family and friends. The assessment will usually take between 45 to 90 minutes. adhd private assessment will review the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then formulate the diagnosis. If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition and they decide to recommend the patient for further medical tests. Depending on the results test, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them. It is crucial to understand that private healthcare professionals have the same obligations as those employed by the NHS. This means that the services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines set forth by NICE. It is suggested that patients contact their GP to find out whether they need a referral letter before taking an assessment. Patients can also contact an individual specialist, such as Priory to schedule an appointment. Aftercare A private ADHD assessment offers clear advice and expert guidance so that you can choose the appropriate treatment options that suit your symptoms, lifestyle and preferences. The psychiatrist might need to meet with you for a series of sessions and discuss your medication options. This could be as long as two hours. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However, you will require a referral from your GP. Private providers may not require this, but it's worth checking prior to making an appointment. The first step in a private assessment will be to fill out a mental health form that will ask you about your symptoms, past treatments, family history, and any other mental health issues you may have. The private assessment procedure may also include a test for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). It is a type of therapy that helps you to change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is particularly beneficial for adults suffering from 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 an interview with you. It is essential that you are honest and precise as this will influence the outcome of your personal evaluation. If the psychiatrist concludes that you do not have ADHD the doctor will explain the reason and inform you whether you're eligible for a medication shared care agreement (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) or if you could be referred to another psychiatric expert. It's not uncommon to find another condition that could be causing your symptoms, such as autism or PTSD, that looks like ADHD so it's crucial that you undergo a complete mental health screening. It is also essential that the healthcare provider you go to for your evaluation is in compliance with clinical guidelines as set out by NICE. This is particularly important when assessing adults suffering from ADHD. It is often difficult to identify and treat them effectively. A quality service will make sure that the healthcare professional you're consulting is an GMC registered psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse and that they have appropriate experience in assessing and treating patients suffering from ADHD.