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What is a Private ADHD Assessment? A private ADHD assessment is an appointment with a specialist who has experience in the field. They will go over your psychiatric history aswell as looking at different aspects of your life and how they might be affected by ADHD symptoms. Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses can formally diagnose ADHD. However, you can access an assessment from a 'appropriately qualified healthcare professional [Nice Guidelines]. Psychologists are among them. What to expect In an ADHD private assessment, a psychiatrist consultant will sit down with you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and behavior over time. They might also request you to fill out questionnaires and rate your behaviour on a variety of scales. They will ask you about your family's history, lifestyle and environment. The consultation with a psychiatrist will last approximately 90 minutes and can be conducted either in person or by video call. Bring any relevant documents, such as the records of your school or work performance as well as any medication information. Wear comfortable clothing and minimal jewelry for the assessment because it could involve physical examinations. You'll be asked about your family history and health as well as about any issues you've faced at work or in school. The consultant psychiatrist will also review your medical records and any other information they have regarding you or your child's behaviour. They will then go over any rating scales or questionnaires that you have completed, as well as their observations. Depending on the outcome of your examination You'll be given a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and given treatment options. In some cases this could be medication and in other instances, CBT therapy. They will talk about your needs and agree on the treatment plan. Once they have agreed on a treatment plan, they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care arrangement. A diagnosis from a specialist can increase your confidence in yourself and your relationships with family and close friends. It can also reduce feelings of guilt and shame, because it helps you realize that your symptoms are not an indication of failure or a lack of character, but an illness of the brain. It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD is an illness that affects a lot of people across the globe. While it can be detrimental to certain aspects of life, individuals who suffer from ADHD often go on to achieve great things. Some of these people include celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney. Finding an answer to a question Getting a diagnosis is an important first step in obtaining help for ADHD. This means that you stop accusing yourself of being the cause and start to recognise that the issues you face are a result of your ADHD. It will also mean that you can find a way to manage your symptoms and gain control over areas of your life that have been challenging for many years. During the examination, you will be asked questions regarding how you have been affected by your symptoms as a child, and later as an adult. You will be given questionnaires to fill out. This will enable you to think about your difficulties and give the psychiatrist many details, helping them to diagnose your ADHD symptoms with precision. It is essential to be honest when answering the questions and do not be hesitant due to a fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist has to understand the full extent of your difficulties in order to properly assess you for ADHD. It is essential to avoid being diagnosed with any other disorder. Depression anxiety, stress and other disorders can be similar to ADHD symptoms, which can cause serious health problems. The specialists who make the diagnosis are typically GMC certified consultant Psychiatrists. They have a wealth of experience in assessing adults with ADHD and will be able identify other disorders which could be causing you difficulties. This is referred to as differential diagnosis, and it is a typical part of the process. If a psychiatrist believes that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD and they explain why. You might not have provided sufficient details about your problems or a different disorder may be a better explanation for your symptoms than ADHD. You don't have to accept the diagnosis if it is not what you are looking for. You can seek a second opinion with a different professional if you disagree. Treatment options Following an evaluation an individual might be offered a set of treatments to help manage symptoms. Often, a combination is made of medications and expert coaching. This can improve their overall health and help them reach their maximum potential. This is a great alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting time. It is important to realize that ADHD is a long-term disorder and should not be treated as it is. If left untreated, those with ADHD may experience difficulties at home, work and in their relationships. Poor organisation, difficulty staying on task and focused, and being easily distractible can create problems for those who suffer from ADHD in all areas of their life. private adhd assessments with ADHD usually have a history of mental health issues. These may include depression or bipolar disorder. These conditions can cause ADHD more difficult to manage. Symptoms can also be intensified when a setback occurs e.g. Losing a job or having relationship issues. If a person is assessed by a psychiatrist, they will be required to consider the ways in which the symptoms of ADHD have affected them throughout the course of their lives. This may involve questionnaires and rating scales. They may also wish to discuss how their symptoms have affected their family and friends. The examination typically lasts between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will discuss the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then formulate the diagnosis. If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition, they will send the patient to additional medical tests. The psychiatrist will determine treatment options based on the results. It is worth noting that healthcare professionals working for private companies have the same responsibilities as those in the NHS. This means that the services they provide must still adhere to the guidelines set out by NICE. It is suggested to consult your GP to find out whether they need a referral before going for an assessment. Patients can also contact an individual specialist, such as Priory, to arrange an assessment. Aftercare A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and professional guidance so you can select the right treatment options to match your lifestyle, symptoms and preferences. It is a process that can take up to two hours or more to discuss your medication options and can involve several sessions with the psychiatrist. You can get an adult ADHD assessment via the NHS. However, you will require a referral from your GP. Some private providers do not require this, but it is worth checking before booking. The first step in a private assessment will be to complete a mental health form that asks about your symptoms, previous treatments, family history, and any other mental issues you may have. It may also include a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) test. It is a problem-solving talk therapy that can help you overcome your negative thoughts and behavior. It is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD. A Consultant Psychiatrist examines the results of your questionnaire, your school reports and any other evidence that you have provided, as well as an interview with yourself. You must be truthful and accurate, as this will affect the outcome of your personal evaluation. If a psychiatrist determines that you do not have ADHD they will provide the reasons and will tell you if you can sign an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (so you only pay the NHS prescription charge) or if they are able to refer you for a further mental health evaluation elsewhere. It is not uncommon to find that your symptoms are due to another condition, such as PTSD or autism, so it is important that you get an entire mental health assessment. It is essential to ensure the private healthcare provider who conducts your assessment adheres to the guidelines for clinical assessment that are set out by NICE. This is particularly crucial for the assessment of people suffering from ADHD that can be difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. A quality service will make sure that the healthcare professional you are consulting is a GMC certified psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse and has the appropriate knowledge of assessing and treating patients with ADHD.