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What is a Private ADHD Assessment? A private ADHD assessment is a session with an expert clinician. They will look at your psychiatric history as well as look at the ways in which ADHD symptoms can impact various aspects of your life. Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can formally diagnose ADHD. You can still receive an assessment from a 'appropriately-qualified healthcare professional'. This includes Psychologists. What to expect In an individual ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will interview you (or your child, should it be an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. adhd assessment private may be asked to answer questions or assess your behavior on various scales. They will inquire about your the history of your family and lifestyle and the environment you live in. The consultation with a psychiatrist will last around 90 minutes and is carried out in person or via video call. Bring any relevant documents, including documents from work or school performance as well as any medication information. Wear comfortable clothes and minimal jewelry for the assessment, as it may involve physical examinations. You will be asked to give information regarding your health, family history, and any problems you have had at work or at school. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will look at your medical records and any other information they have about the behavior of your child or you. They'll also review the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you've completed along with their own observations. Depending on the outcome of your test, depending on the results of your test, you will receive a diagnosis for 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 the best 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 about your abilities and improve relationships with family and friends. It can also help reduce feelings of guilt and shame since it allows you to realize that the symptoms you experience are caused by an illness in the brain, not being a sign of weakness or failure. It's important to keep in mind that ADHD is an illness that affects a lot of people across the globe. While ADHD can be a problem in some areas of life, a lot of people who suffer from ADHD have achieved great success. This includes famous musicians such as 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 like Nobel physicist Albert Einstein. Getting an accurate diagnosis A diagnosis is the first step to seeking help for ADHD. You will be able to stop blaming yourself for the problems you are having and begin to understand that your ADHD is the reason for your problems. It will also mean that you will discover a way to manage your symptoms and regain control over areas of your life that have been problematic for a long time. During the evaluation 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 receive questionnaires to fill in advance of the appointment. This will help you contemplate your problems and provide the psychiatrist with a wealth of information which will assist them in diagnosing your ADHD symptoms in a precise manner. It is essential that you are honest when answering the questions. You should not be hesitant due to fear of being judged or shame. This is because a psychiatrist needs to know the full extent of your problems to be able to evaluate you for ADHD. It is crucial to stay clear of being diagnosed with something else. Depression, anxiety and other disorders can resemble ADHD, and these can be serious for your health. The experts who make the diagnosis are normally GMC certified consultant psychiatrists. They have a vast amount of experience in testing adults for ADHD and can identify other disorders that may cause your issues. This is referred to as differential diagnosis, and it is a typical part of the process. If the psychiatrist feels that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD the doctor will explain why. You may not have provided enough details about your problems, or another disorder could explain your symptoms better than ADHD. It is important to understand that you do not have to accept this diagnosis if you don't believe in it, however you may request a second opinion with another professional. Treatment options In many cases, once an individual has been assessed, they will be offered a treatment plan to help manage their symptoms. It's usually comprised of medical treatment and coaching. This can improve their overall health and help them reach their full potential. This is an excellent alternative to the long NHS waiting times. It is crucial to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just a quick fix, it needs to be treated as a long-term condition. If untreated, people who suffer from ADHD may have issues at work, in their relationships, and even in their private life. Symptoms such as poor organisation, difficulty staying focused and staying on task, as well as being easily distracted can lead to problems in all areas of their lives. Most of the time when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they also have a history of mental health problems. This can include depression as well as bipolar disorder. These conditions can enhance the impact of ADHD and cause it to be harder to manage. Symptoms can also be intensified when a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship issues. The psychiatrist will examine the symptoms of ADHD throughout their life. This may include questionnaires and rating scales. They might also want to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends. The examination typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will review the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make the diagnosis. If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition, they will refer the patient for additional medical tests. Depending on the results of these, the psychiatrist will then decide what treatment options are available to them. It is important to remember that healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same obligations as those within the NHS. This means that the services they offer must be in line with the guidelines laid out by NICE. It is recommended that patients contact their GP to find out whether they will need to get a referral before going for an assessment. Alternatively, they can contact an individual specialist like Priory to schedule the assessment for themselves. Aftercare A private ADHD assessment provides clear guidance and a professional opinion to help you decide on the most appropriate treatment options for your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. The process could take two hours or more to discuss your medication options and can involve several sessions with the psychiatrist. You can receive an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However you'll need a referral from your GP. Private providers aren't required to have this however it's worth checking prior to booking. The first step of the private assessment process will be to fill out an assessment of your mental health that includes questions regarding your symptoms as well as family history, past treatments 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 problem-solving talk therapy which can help you transform your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is especially beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Once this is completed the Consultant Psychiatrist will go over the results of the questionnaire or school reports, and any other evidence you have given and will conduct an interview with you. You must be truthful and accurate because this will impact the final outcome of your private assessment. If your psychiatrist concludes that you do not have ADHD they will explain the reason and will tell you if or not you can get an agreement for shared care with your GP to get medication (so you only pay the NHS prescription fee) or if they're able to recommend you for a second medical opinion elsewhere. It is not uncommon to find that your symptoms are caused by other conditions, like PTSD or autism, and it's crucial that you have a full mental health screening. It is important that you ensure that the private healthcare provider who conducts your assessment follows the clinical guidelines that are set out 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. If you are looking to receive the best treatment, make sure that the healthcare professional that you're working with has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD and is a GMC registered psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.