How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD, especially for adults. Many healthcare professionals do not know how to recognize ADHD in adults, or only have limited diagnostic tools.
Self-assessment may give some clues, but a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist) and physicians (psychiatrists) and medical social workers.
What is a private assessment?
People who suspect that they suffer from ADHD may seek private healthcare to get a diagnosis and prescription for medication. It is important to keep in mind that only psychiatrists with a professional training and experience in working with ADHD in adult patients are able to diagnose ADHD. Counsellors and mental health professionals can discuss ADHD symptoms but they are unable to give an official diagnosis.
The main method for diagnosing ADHD is through an interview that is structured and accompanied by questionnaires. These are usually founded on research that compares the behaviours of people suffering from ADHD to those of those without it. During the assessment, it is important that the person be honest and transparent and not bury information or conceal any issues they face. The doctor will inquire with the patient about the severity and frequency of symptoms in various situations and over time. They will also talk about the family history, as well as any other mental problems or alcohol and/or drug use.
A psychiatrist will examine the symptoms and their impact on daily life. This assessment is generally more comprehensive than a standard psychiatric examination It is therefore important to book ahead and to allow enough time for the appointment. Bring a trusted family member or a friend to provide support and feedback. Sometimes, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing is used in conjunction with the clinical evaluation to determine whether ADHD is present, or if other disorders are contributing to the symptoms.
The clinician will tell the patient what to do following the assessment. They will usually talk about whether the medication is appropriate and then decide on a comprehensive plan of treatment. Some clinics offer a quick titration and stabilisation service for those who want to start taking medication straight away. This service is available only to a small number of patients who meet certain criteria. For instance, they must be over 18 years old and have no existing conditions that would hinder the treatment from beginning immediately. symptomatic cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism).
How do I book an Assessment Private?
If you think you may have ADHD and are concerned about the effects it might have on your relationships, work or general wellbeing it is possible to seek an assessment privately. Alternatively, you can request your GP to refer you to a specialist. You can do this via the NHS 'Right to Choose' scheme, which means you can choose the health centre or hospital of your choice.
Once you've been referred to the clinic, an appointment will be booked for you to undergo the clinical assessment, usually within a couple of weeks. This will take place face-to-face or via the internet and will include a structured interview with an expert in the field. It is essential that you attend the appointment because without it, a diagnosis will not be made. It is also useful to bring a family member with you to gather additional information, though it is not required.
Your physician will discuss your medical history, your symptoms and how they are affecting you. private adhd assessment uk will also ask how long the symptoms have been present. You'll be asked questions about your personal and social life, how you cope with the symptoms, and how they impact on your work and relationships. It is very normal to be nervous about the first consultation, however our psychiatrists have years of experience in making you feel safe and at ease.
In addition to an organized interview, the assessment will include a few diagnostic tests. These will typically include the QbCheck or QbTest. Both of these are CE certified and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the identification of adults suffering from ADHD and use a shortened version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults Version 5 (DIVA5). The results of the test are then compared with clinical judgment to make an accurate diagnosis.
It is vital that you receive a valid diagnosis because left untreated it could lead to severe issues with relationships, work and overall wellbeing. It is important to keep in mind that medical staff can sometimes have preconceived notions about the people they believe might be suffering from ADHD and this could affect their ability to provide the correct diagnosis.
What happens at a Private Assessment?
While every doctor has their own process for evaluating patients but there are certain processes that all doctors consider essential to a thorough ADHD assessment. This includes a thorough diagnostic interview, data gathered from sources other than the doctor (such as spouses and family members), standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and various other types of psychometric testing as determined appropriate by the physician.
The diagnostic interview is usually the first step in the process. The person being evaluated will be asked a series of questions designed to prompt them to consider the ways they've been acting and to describe how those behaviors affect their lives. It could take an hour or more. It is crucial that the patient or family members answer honestly and thoroughly. Some patients may feel uneasy or uncomfortable speaking about their behavior, which can negatively affect the quality of your evaluation.
During the interview, the examiner will inquire about the effects of ADHD on the person's relationships as well as their life. They will also ask about the medical history of the person and how long they've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD. This is an essential element of the evaluation as it can determine whether a diagnosis of ADHD should be made.
At the end of the interview the examiner will fill out some standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD. These scales are based on research that compares the behaviours of those with ADHD to those of people without ADHD and are a significant source of information that is objective. The person being rated and their significant other will complete these rating scales together.
Broad-spectrum scales for screening for anxiety or depression are usually included in an ADHD assessment as are tests for specific abilities (such as vocabulary development, language development recall, memory and motor abilities). Sometimes, the clinician may decide that a different kind of psychometric test or psychological assessment is required and may order it.
At Priory, we are highly skilled in examining differential diagnoses (what other conditions might have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). For example, a person who is diagnosed with anxiety may be advised to undergo psychotherapy as well for medication to optimize the treatment plan.
What happens after the Private Assessment?
If you or someone you know has ADHD having a diagnosis can help manage the symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is particularly true for adults who have difficulties working or in their relationships, feel like they can't keep up with household tasks, lose track of things or struggle to plan or organise a day-to-day schedule. The first step is to find a doctor who is able to perform an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general physician may be able to make a recommendation or you can ask a friend or family member to refer you. You can also call a mental health clinic or medical school for recommendations. Participate in an ADHD support group to chat with other members.
Face-to-face or online A thorough ADHD evaluation is available. The psychologist will conduct an interview, go over your clinical background, and recommend psychometric tests to better understand the cognitive abilities. These tests typically include standardized behavioural rating scales for ADHD psychometrics that cover a broad spectrum and tests for specific abilities.
The clinician will use all the information gathered from different sources to establish a diagnosis of ADHD and other psychiatric or learning disorders that were identified during the examination. The clinician will discuss the treatment options and help you develop a holistic treatment plan that includes medication, therapy and/or other psychosocial interventions.
Once a final diagnosis has been determined and the clinician has written an extensive report to be sent to you and your GP. The doctor will send your GP all the necessary documentation in order to obtain prescription medication through the NHS. You will need to attend periodic appointments with your GP to ensure they keep track of your progress and ensure the medication is working.
After your psychiatrist has provided you a written summary and agreed on a holistic treatment plan, you can decide if you want to continue with private or NHS care. In general, a minimum of three months of medication stabilisation and follow up appointments are required before you can be transferred back to the NHS.