How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD particularly in adults. Many healthcare professionals do not know how to diagnose ADHD in adults or only have a limited set of tools for diagnosing.
Self-assessment can provide some clues, however a valid diagnosis can only be made by a qualified professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologists), doctors (psychiatrists) and medical social workers.
What is a private assessment?
A few people who suspect that they suffer from ADHD might seek out private healthcare to get a diagnosis and prescription for medication. It is crucial to recognize that the only doctors who can determine ADHD are psychiatrists who have undergone specialist training and have experience working with ADHD in adults. Mental health professionals and counselors can discuss ADHD symptoms but they are unable to give an official diagnosis.
The primary method for diagnosing ADHD is through a structured clinical interview and questionnaires. They are typically founded on research and compare the behavior of ADHD patients with and without it. During the assessment, it is important for the individual to be honest and open and not hold back information or conceal any issues they have. The clinician will ask the patient about the severity and frequency of symptoms in different situations and over time. They will also talk about family history, any other mental health issues or alcohol and/or drug use.
A psychiatrist will evaluate the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. This assessment is generally more comprehensive than a typical psychiatric assessment, so it is important to book in advance and allow plenty of time for the appointment. It is a good idea to bring a trusted friend or family member to support the individual and to give feedback. Sometimes additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests are used in conjunction with the clinical assessment to determine if ADHD is present, or if other disorders are contributing to the symptoms.
After the evaluation, the clinician will let the person know what the next steps will be. They will usually discuss whether medication is appropriate and decide on a holistic treatment plan. Some clinics offer rapid titration services for those who want to begin taking medications immediately. This service is usually only available to a limited number of patients who meet certain requirements for example, being over 18 and not suffering from a pre-existing medical condition that could prevent them from starting treatment immediately (e.g. symptomatic cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism).
How do I book an Assessment Private?
You can ask for a confidential assessment if you suspect you have ADHD and are concerned about the impact it could have on your relationships, work or general wellbeing. You can also request your GP to refer you to a specialist. The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows them to do this. This means that you can select the hospital or wellness centre you prefer.
Once you've been referred for an appointment, it will be booked for you to take the evaluation, typically within several 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 determined. You may also invite a relative along to get additional information. It is not required.
Your clinician will discuss your medical history, symptoms and how they affect you. They will also ask how long the symptoms have been present. You can expect to answer questions regarding your social and personal life, how you manage symptoms, and how they affect your work and relationships. It is very normal to be anxious about this first consultation but our psychiatrists are skilled in making you feel at ease and at ease.
In addition to a structured interview, the assessment will also include diagnostic tests. Typically these will include the QbCheck and QbTest. Both of these are CE marked and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the diagnosis of people suffering from ADHD and employ a shortened version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults Version 5 (DIVA5). The results of the test are combined with clinical judgement to create an accurate diagnosis.
It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis, because if left untreated, it can cause serious problems with work and relationships. It can also impact your health. It is important to be aware that medical professionals might have preconceived notions about the people they believe may have ADHD, and this can hinder their ability to give the correct diagnosis.
What happens at what happens during a Private Assessment?
While every doctor has their own evaluation process however, there are some procedures that all physicians believe to be essential to a thorough ADHD evaluation. This includes a thorough diagnosis interview, data collected from outside sources (such as spouses and other members of the family) as well as standardized behavior ratings scales for ADHD and various other types of psychometric tests considered appropriate by the doctor.
The diagnostic interview is usually the first step in the process. The person being evaluated will be asked several questions that are designed to prompt them to consider the ways they've been behaving and then to explain how their behaviours influence their lives. This could take up to an hour or more. It is crucial that the patient or family members respond honestly and thoroughly. Some patients may feel uncomfortable or shy to speak about their behavior, which could affect the accuracy of your assessment.
During the interview, the examiner will ask about how the symptoms of ADHD have affected the individual's life and their relationships. They will also ask about the person's medical history and how long they have been suffering from the symptoms of ADHD. This is an important aspect of the assessment because it will help determine if the diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate.
At the end of the interview, the examiner will be asked to fill out a set of behavioral rating scales for ADHD. These questionnaires use research that compares the behaviours of people suffering from ADHD to the behavior of those without ADHD and are a significant source of objective information. These scales of rating are typically completed by the person being evaluated and their spouse.
Broad-spectrum scales that screen for anxiety or depression are frequently included in an ADHD assessment, as are tests of specific capabilities (such as the development of language, vocabulary, memory recall and motor abilities). Sometimes, the clinician might decide that a different kind of psychological test or psychometric assessment is needed and order it.
At Priory we are adept at examining differential diagnosis (what other conditions might have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). To optimize the treatment package the patient diagnosed with anxiety might be prescribed psychotherapy and medication.
What happens following What happens following Private Assessment?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, a diagnosis will aid in managing the issues that negatively impact your daily life. This is particularly relevant for adults who experience difficulties working or in their relationships, are struggling to keep up with household tasks or lose track of things or struggle to plan or organise an everyday schedule. Find a doctor qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general physician may be able to make recommendations or ask a friend or family member to refer you. You can also reach out to the medical school or mental health clinic for suggestions. Join private adhd assessment support group to chat with other members.
Online or face-to-face A thorough ADHD evaluation is available. The doctor will interview you, review relevant medical history and may suggest psychometric testing to better understand your cognitive abilities. These tests often include standardized behavioural rating scales for ADHD psychometrics that cover a broad spectrum and tests for specific abilities.
The clinician will use all the data gathered from different sources to establish an assessment of ADHD and other psychiatric or learning disorders that were discovered during the assessment. The clinician can discuss treatment options with you and help create a comprehensive strategy, which could include medication, therapy or other psychosocial interventions.
When a final diagnosis has been determined the doctor will write a comprehensive report to be provided to you and your GP. The clinician will give your GP all the documentation necessary for you to be able to receive prescription medication through the NHS. You'll need to attend follow up appointments with your GP to allow them to keep track of your progress and ensure that the medications are working.
After your psychiatrist has given you a written summary and reached an agreement on a holistic treatment plan, you can decide whether to continue with private or NHS treatment. In general, a minimum of three months of stabilisation of your medication and follow-up appointments will be needed before you are able to transfer back to the NHS.