How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
Finding out that you have ADHD can be difficult particularly for adults. Many healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms in adults, or might have limited tools for diagnosing.
Using self-assessment tools may provide some clues, but a valid diagnosis can only be made by a certified professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologists), doctors (psychiatrists) and medical social workers.
What is an assessment that is private?
A few people who suspect they have ADHD might seek out private healthcare to receive a diagnosis and prescription for medication. It is important to remember that only psychiatrists with specialist training and experience working with ADHD in adult patients are able to diagnose ADHD. Mental health professionals and counselors can discuss ADHD symptoms, but they cannot give a formal diagnosis.
The primary method for diagnosing ADHD is a structured clinical interview and questionnaires. These are often founded on research that compares behaviours of those with ADHD to those of people without it. During the assessment it is essential that the person be honest and forthcoming, and not hide any difficulties or withhold information. The doctor will ask the patient about the severity and frequency of symptoms in different situations and over time. They will also talk about family history as well as any other mental health issues or use of alcohol or drugs.
A psychiatric expert will then perform an assessment of symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning. This is a more comprehensive assessment than a typical mental health evaluation, which is why it's important to make an appointment prior to the time. It is a good idea to bring a friend or family member to assist the person and to provide feedback. Sometimes other psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing is used in conjunction with the clinical examination 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 the appropriateness of medication and then decide on a comprehensive treatment plan. Some clinics offer a quick stabilisation and titration program for those who want to begin taking medication right away. This is typically only available to a limited number of clients who meet certain requirements, such as being over 18 and not having a pre-existing medical condition that would prevent them from taking their medication immediately (e.g. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular disease).
How do I schedule a Private Assessment?
You can request a private assessment if you think you have ADHD and you are worried about the effects it has on your work, relationships, or general well-being. You could also ask your GP for an appointment with an expert. They can do this through the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme, which means that you can choose the wellbeing center or hospital you prefer.
Once you've been recommended to the clinic, an appointment will be booked for you to take the assessment, usually within several weeks. The assessment can be conducted face-to-face online, or by an expert in the field. It is important that you attend this appointment as without it, a diagnosis will not be established. It is also useful to bring a loved one to provide additional information, although this is not necessary.
Your clinician will discuss your medical history, symptoms and how they are affecting you. They will also ask how long the symptoms have been present for. You should expect to answer questions about your personal and social life, how you deal with symptoms, and how they affect your relationships and work. It is normal to be nervous about your first consultation, but our psychiatrists have the experience to make you feel at ease and safe.
In addition to a structured interview, the assessment will include some diagnostic tests. They will typically include the QbCheck or QbTest. Both are CE marked, FDA/TGA approved and use an shortened version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD Adults Version 5(DIVA5) to diagnose adults with ADHD. The results of the test are then compared with clinical judgement to create an accurate diagnosis.
It is crucial that you receive a valid diagnosis because left untreated it can lead to serious difficulties with work, relationships and well-being. It is crucial to keep in mind that medical professionals may have preconceived notions about the people they believe may have ADHD and this could hinder their ability to provide an accurate diagnosis.
What happens during a Private Assessment?
While every doctor may have their own method of evaluation, there are certain procedures that all clinicians consider necessary for a complete ADHD evaluation. This includes a thorough diagnosis interview, data collected from independent sources (such as spouses and family members) and standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and other forms of psychometric testing considered appropriate by the doctor.
The diagnostic interview is usually the first step in the process. The person being assessed will be asked a series of questions that are designed to get them to consider the ways they have been behaving and then to explain how their behaviours affect their lives. It could take up to an hour or longer. It is important that the patient or family members answer honestly and completely. Some patients may be embarrassed or reluctant to talk about how they are acting, and this can seriously impact the quality of the assessment.
During the interview the examiner will inquire about the impact of ADHD on the person's relationships and daily life. adhd private assessment will also inquire of the individual about their medical history as well as the length of time they have experienced the symptoms of ADHD. This is an important aspect of the examination because it helps determine if an assessment of ADHD is appropriate.
The examiner is then required to complete the scales of behavioral ratings that are standard for ADHD. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD to those of people who do not have ADHD and are a significant source of information that is objective. The person being rated together with their significant other complete these rating scales together.
In an ADHD assessment, tests of specific abilities are often included, including the development of vocabulary, language and memory recall. Sometimes, the physician will decide that a different type of psychometric or psychological test is required and request one in accordance with the need.
At Priory, we are highly experienced in exploring differential diagnosis (what other conditions might have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). For instance, a patient who has been diagnosed with anxiety might be recommended psychotherapy as well for medication to optimize the treatment program.
What happens following a Private Assessment?
Whether you or someone you know suffers from ADHD being diagnosed can help manage the issues that are negatively impacting your life. This is particularly applicable to people who struggle at work or in relationships, feel they cannot keep up with tasks at home, get lost of their time easily, or struggle to plan and organize their daily routine. Find a doctor qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general practitioner might be able to make recommendations or ask a friend or family member for a referral. You can also call an office for mental health or medical school for recommendations. Participate in an ADHD support group to chat with members.
Face-to-face or online A thorough ADHD assessment is available. The clinician will conduct an interview, review your medical history, and suggest psychometric tests to understand cognitive abilities. These tests include standardised behavioural ratings for ADHD psychometrics, broad spectrum psychometrics and tests for specific abilities.
The clinician will integrate all the data from different sources to offer diagnostic opinions regarding your ADHD and any other learning or psychiatric disorder that are identified during the test. The doctor will go over possible treatment options and assist you create a comprehensive plan that includes medication, therapy and/or other psychosocial interventions.
Once a final diagnoses has been made, the clinician will provide you and your GP the full report. The doctor will provide your GP all the paperwork required if you wish to receive prescription medication via the NHS. You will need to attend periodic appointments with your GP to ensure they monitor your progress and ensure that the medication is effective.
You may choose to continue receiving private treatment or return to NHS care after your psychiatrist has given you an written summary of the evaluation and has reached an agreement on a holistic treatment plan. You'll need at least three months of stabilisation of your medication, and follow-up appointments prior to when you can return to the NHS.