So , You've Purchased Private Assessment For ADHD ... Now What?
How to Get a Private Assessment For ADHD
A private assessment for ADHD can help adults and children understand their issues making it easier to manage the issues. A diagnosis can empower them to realize their maximum potential.
It is crucial that the person who conducts an ADHD assessment is medically qualified. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist or nurse. It is also important to have specialized training in the field of ADHD and other comorbid conditions.
Making a diagnosis
If you're looking for an assessment of ADHD, you should consult a healthcare professional that specializes in the disorder. You cannot rely on a GP, psychiatrist or any other healthcare professional to diagnose ADHD accurately. It is best to be evaluated by a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in ADHD diagnosis. They are the only professionals in the UK competent to diagnose ADHD. If you are insured you can ask your insurance provider which doctors treat ADHD. You can also ask for recommendations from your friends and family members.
Your healthcare provider will need to discuss your health issues and medical history in depth as well as any past and present issues related to work or learning. They will also conduct a neurological and psychological examination. This will include a physical exam, blood tests, and an EEG (electroencephalogram) or brain scan. This will allow them to identify any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include thyroid disorders and epilepsy.
You will be asked to fill in a series of questions and rating scales that assess your symptoms. This includes a symptom checklist, standardized behavior rating scales and a behavior history. The evaluator can also speak with other people who are important to the individual, such as their parents or teachers. They will ask how the individual behaves in various situations and how the symptoms impact their lives. The evaluator might request information from other healthcare professionals and will take into consideration if there are any co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator will assess how many of the six ADHD symptoms (inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive) are present in a person. The evaluator also will determine how long the symptoms have existed. The evaluator will then use their clinical judgement to decide whether the symptoms are continuous, severe, and impairing.
The evaluator will then make a diagnosis and prescribes a treatment plan. They will then refer the patient to their GP or negotiate a shared-care arrangement with a psychiatrist so that they continue receiving medication.
The diagnosis of ADHD symptoms in children
If you think your child may have ADHD or other disorders, you should make arrangements for an appointment at an private hospital. This will be a much faster process than waiting for NHS to determine the diagnosis of your child and will give them the best chance. You can ask your GP to refer you to the company directly.
Before your appointment, familiarize yourself with the symptoms (traits) of ADHD and note down some examples of how your child's behavior matches the symptoms. This will help you remember the information you need to give during your evaluation. The clinician will inform you of the next steps. If they are able to diagnose you with ADHD then they will discuss treatment options, which may include medication. This can take two hours, and your doctor will provide clear advice and expert guidance.
During the exam, your doctor will inquire about you and your child about your previous background as well as the mental health of your family and any other problems you or your child is experiencing. Your symptoms will be assessed and how they affect your daily life as well as your health. This will help them make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
Many parents have children who are described by their teachers or caregivers as "overly active" or "bouncing off the walls" and these children may be referred for an ADHD assessment. This is only a starting point. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at least six months, and be causing impairment in multiple settings including school, home and socially.
ADHD can affect children as young as early childhood, however, it is more prevalent to diagnose it at school age. It is much easier to diagnose ADHD in older children once the symptoms start to influence their learning and behavior.
It's important for children to receive the right treatment for their ADHD as untreated ADHD can have a long-lasting impact on their personal, professional and family life. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can lead to teenagers self-medicating with alcohol or illegal substances.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults
Unlike children, adults typically seek a private diagnosis because they believe their ADHD symptoms have a negative impact on their relationships and work. For example, they may be late at work or struggle to maintain relationships that are healthy due to excessive spending or apathy. Many adults also know that their ADHD symptoms have been causing issues for them over a long period of time.
The process of assessment begins by having an interview with a mental health professional who will ask the person about their symptoms and how they have been impacted by them for as long as they can remember. This information will determine if the symptoms meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. Some professionals will request permission to talk with someone close, like a spouse or partner, and other family members who know the person to hear their feedback on their symptoms. Others will have the person fill out a checklist of ADHD symptoms.
Some psychologists and psychiatrists, in addition to speaking to the patient, may ask for medical records and laboratory tests to gain a more complete picture of their overall health and to identify any medical conditions that could contribute to ADHD symptoms. This could include thyroid problems, substance abuse, or hormone changes.
During the assessment, it is important that the patient be as honest as possible. Adults often deny having ADHD and inform their GP that they don't require medication because they "never have it before." This isn't always the situation.
A private psychiatric examination will usually take at least an hour and could require the doctor to talk with significant others (like spouse or partner) and fill out additional diagnostic forms, for example, the history of childhood ADHD symptoms. Some doctors will ask the patient to fill out the forms prior to the appointment and then go over them with the physician. Others may begin the interview, but will complete the forms prior to the appointment for the other person.
Diagnosing ADHD among adolescents
If your child is having trouble focusing, it may be time for an ADHD assessment. They can help diagnose the condition and treat it using various methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication. It is important to note that a diagnosis does not guarantee treatment. Often, teens who have ADHD are able to concentrate well in certain situations, however they struggle in other. They can also be impulsive and behave without thinking about the consequences. They may be able play video games for long periods of time, but unable to focus on their schoolwork.
Teenagers who suffer from ADHD may have trouble making and keeping friendships and may not be able to remain in one place for a long time. adhd assessment private may not pay attention in classes or interrupt classmates or teachers and fumble through their assignments. They might also neglect their textbooks or homework at home. They often miss deadlines or don't complete projects because they delay their work.
When diagnosing ADHD in adolescents healthcare professionals rely on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association1. The criteria for diagnosis include:
In most cases, teens will only be diagnosed with ADHD if they have a significant number of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive characteristics that occur over time and impact their daily life. These symptoms must be observed in multiple environments and last for more than six months.
ADHD in teenagers has no known cause however it can be a family trait. Genetics and gender may play a role in the development of ADHD. It is more prevalent in boys than girls. It is also more likely to affect sons of fathers with ADHD.
The NHS is a great resource, but due to its size and bureaucracy, it may take years to have someone evaluated for ADHD. This is why it's important to consider the possibility of a private assessment. These assessments are quick and affordable and are carried out to the highest standard. The process is also confidential. In certain instances you can work out a shared care agreement with your GP so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge.