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What is a Private ADHD Assessment? A private ADHD assessment is a consultation with a clinician who has experience in the field. They will review your psychiatric history as well as look at how ADHD symptoms can impact various aspects of your life. 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]. This includes Psychologists. What can you expect? In an ADHD private assessment, a consultant psychiatrist will talk to you and your child (if it's an ADHD assessment for kids) about your symptoms and behaviors over time. They may also request you to fill out questionnaires and rate your behavior on various scales. They will inquire about your family history and your life style and environment. The consultation is 90 minutes long and can be conducted in person or by video conference. Bring any relevant documents, including documents from work or school performance, as well as medication information. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothing and no 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 issues you've faced at work or in school. The psychiatrist in consultation with you will examine your medical records and any other information they have about your child's or your own behavior. They'll then review the results of any questionnaires or ratings scales you've completed along with their own observations. Based on the results of your assessment You'll be given a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and given treatment options. In some cases this will be medication, and in others, CBT therapy. They'll discuss your individual requirements with you, and when they've reached an agreement on the treatment plan they'll refer you to your GP for a shared-care agreement. It is important to recognize that a professional diagnosis can help you feel more confident about your capabilities and improve relationships with your family and friends. It can also reduce feelings of shame and guilt, as it helps you realize that your symptoms are caused by an illness of the brain rather than a sign of poor character or failure. It's important to remember that ADHD is a real illness that has a huge impact on the lives of millions of people. Although it can have a negative impact on some parts of life, those with ADHD tend to achieve amazing 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. Making a diagnosis Finding out if you have ADHD is a crucial first step towards getting assistance for ADHD. It means that you can stop accusing yourself of being the cause and begin to realize that the difficulties you experience are due to your ADHD. You will also be able to discover ways to manage your symptoms and regain some control over areas of your life that have been a problem for a long time. During the assessment you will be asked questions about your symptoms both as a child, and also as an adult. You will be given questionnaires in advance to fill out. This will enable you to contemplate your problems and provide the psychiatrist with many details 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 hold back because of fear of being judged or shame. A psychiatrist must understand your entire spectrum of issues to be able to diagnose ADHD. It is also important that you do not get diagnosed with something else. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and other disorders can mimic ADHD, and these can have serious consequences for your health. The professionals who perform the diagnosis are usually GMC certified psychiatrists. They will have extensive experience in assessing adults with ADHD and will be able detect other disorders that could be causing you difficulties. This is known as differential diagnosis and it is a very common part of the process. If a psychiatrist believes that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD the doctor will explain why. You might not have provided sufficient details about your problems or a different disorder may explain your symptoms more effectively than ADHD. It is not necessary to accept the diagnosis if it is not what you're looking for. You can seek a second opinion with an alternative professional if you disagree. Treatment options After a thorough examination, a person may be offered a package of treatments to manage symptoms. It's usually comprised of specialist coaching and medication. This will improve their overall health and help them to reach their maximum potential. This is an excellent alternative to the lengthy NHS waiting times. It is crucial to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD is not just an instant fix, it should be treated as a long-term condition. If untreated, people suffering from ADHD might have difficulties at work as well as in their relationships, and in their personal life. Poor organisation, difficulty staying on task and focused and being easily distracted can be a problem for those with ADHD in all areas of their life. In simply click for source , when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they may also have an antecedent of mental health problems. These may include depression or bipolar disorder. 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 relationship issues. If a person is assessed by a psychiatrist, they will be required to consider the way that the symptoms of ADHD have affected them throughout the course of their life. This may include questionnaires and rating scales. They may also want to discuss how the symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances. The evaluation typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The psychiatrist will go over the symptoms and possible causes. The psychiatrist will then make a diagnosis. If the psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition, they will refer the patient for additional medical tests. The psychiatrist will determine treatment options according to the results. It is crucial to understand that private healthcare professionals share the same obligations as those in the NHS. This means that the services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines set forth by NICE. Patients should speak to their GPs to find out if they need an appointment letter for an assessment. They can also call an individual specialist, such as Priory to arrange an appointment. Aftercare A private ADHD assessment provides clear advice and expert guidance to help you decide on the most appropriate treatment options for your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. The psychiatrist might have to visit you for a number of sessions to discuss your treatment options. This can take anywhere from two to three hours. You can access an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS, but you'll need a referral letter from your GP. Some private providers do not require this, however it is advisable to check before booking. The first step of the private assessment process will be to fill out a mental health questionnaire that includes questions regarding your symptoms and family history, prior treatments and any other mental health issues you may have. The private assessment process could also include a test of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). It is a type of therapy that helps you change your negative beliefs and behaviors. It is particularly beneficial for adults with ADHD. A Consultant Psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaire, school reports and any other evidence you have provided in addition to an interview with yourself. It is crucial to be honest and precise as this will influence the outcome of your private evaluation. If your psychiatrist concludes that you don't have ADHD they will explain the reason and inform you whether or not you can get an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (so you only pay the NHS prescription charge) or if they can recommend you for a second psychiatric opinion elsewhere. It is not uncommon to discover that your symptoms are due to other conditions, like PTSD or autism, so it is essential that you undergo an entire mental health assessment. It is also essential that the private healthcare provider you visit for an assessment is in line with the guidelines for clinical practice as laid out by NICE. This is especially important for the assessment of adults with ADHD that can be difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. A quality service will make sure that the healthcare professional you're visiting is an GMC registered psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD nurse and that they have the right expertise in the assessment and treatment of patients suffering from ADHD.