How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It isn't easy to identify ADHD, especially in adults. A lot of healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms in adults, or they may have limited tools for diagnosing.
Self-assessment could provide clues, but a proper diagnosis is only possible by a qualified professional. This includes clinical psychologists, physicians (psychiatrist or neurologist) and medical social workers.
What is a Private Assessment?
Some people who suspect that they may have ADHD might seek out private medical attention to get an assessment and a prescription for medication. However, it is important to realize that the only professionals who can identify ADHD are psychiatrists who have completed specialized training and gained experience in working with ADHD in adults. Counsellors and mental health professionals can discuss ADHD symptoms however they are not able to provide an official diagnosis.
The primary method of diagnosing ADHD is to conduct a structured interview and questionnaires. These are typically based on research comparing the behaviors of ADHD sufferers to those without it. During the assessment it is important that the individual be honest and forthcoming, and not hide any difficulties or withhold information. 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 problems or alcohol or drug abuse.
adult adhd private assessment will then complete an assessment of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life. This is generally more in-depth than a typical psychiatric assessment It is therefore important to book ahead and allow plenty of time for the appointment. It is recommended to bring a close friend or family member to support the individual and to provide feedback. Occasionally an additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities tests are utilized to supplement the clinical evaluation and help determine whether ADHD is present or other factors are contributing to the symptoms.
The clinician will explain to the patient what to do next after the evaluation. Typically they will discuss if medication is needed and will agree on a holistic treatment plan. Some clinics provide a rapid stabilisation and titration program for those who want to start taking medication straight from the beginning. This is typically only available for a select group of patients who meet certain criteria, such as being over 18 and not suffering from a medical condition that could prevent them from taking their medication immediately (e.g. Cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism.
How do I book an Assessment Private?
If you suspect that you have ADHD and are concerned about the impact it could be having on your relationships, work or general well-being it is possible to request an assessment privately. You can also request your GP to refer you to an expert. The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows them to do this. This means that you can select the health center or hospital of your choosing.
Once you've been recommended to the clinic, an appointment is scheduled to complete the clinical assessment, usually within two weeks. This will take place face-to-face or online and includes a structured interview with an expert in the field. It is important that you attend this appointment as without it a diagnosis cannot be established. It is also helpful to bring a loved one with you to gather additional information, but this is not essential.
Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history, symptoms and how they are affecting you. They will also ask how long the symptoms have been present. You can expect to be asked questions about your social and personal life, how you cope with the symptoms, and whether they impact on your work and relationships. It is quite normal to feel apprehensive about your first appointment, but our psychiatrists have years of experience in making you feel secure and at ease.
The assessment will also comprise tests for diagnostics in addition to the structured interview. These 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 as well as clinical judgment are used to make an accurate diagnosis.
It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis, because if you don't treat it, it can cause serious issues with relationships and work. It can also affect your overall health. It is important to keep in mind that medical professionals may have preconceived notions about who they think may have ADHD and these can have an impact on their ability to give an accurate diagnosis.
What happens during an Private Assessment
While every doctor has their own method of evaluation however, there are some procedures that all clinicians consider essential for a comprehensive ADHD assessment. This includes a thorough diagnostic interview, data collected from independent sources (such as spouses and other members of the family) and standardized behavior rating 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 is asked a series questions designed to get them to think about their behavior and then describe how that behavior impacts their lives. This could take an hour or longer. It is important to obtain a complete and honest response from the patient or family member. Some patients might be embarrassed or reluctant to discuss how they are being behaved, and this could negatively impact the quality of the assessment.
During the examination, the examiner will inquire about the impact of ADHD on the person's relationships as well as their life. They will also inquire about the person's medical history and how long they've been suffering from the symptoms of ADHD. This is a vital element of the evaluation because it will determine if the diagnosis of ADHD is warranted.
The examiner will then fill out a series of behavioral rating scales that are standard for ADHD. These tests are founded on research that compares the people who suffer from ADHD with people who don't have ADHD. They are an important source for reliable information. Typically, the person being evaluated together with their significant other complete these rating scales together.
Broad-spectrum scales for screening for depression or anxiety are often included in an ADHD assessment as are tests for specific capabilities (such as vocabulary development, language development recall, memory recall and motor skills). Sometimes, the clinician may decide that another type of psychometric or psychological assessment is required and may order it.
At Priory, we are highly adept at examining differential diagnosis (what other conditions have symptom overlap with ADHD). For instance, a person who has been diagnosed with anxiety may be advised to undergo psychotherapy as well as medication to optimise the treatment package.
What happens after the Private Assessment?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD The diagnosis can assist you in managing issues that negatively impact your life. This is particularly relevant for adults who experience difficulty working or in their relationships, are struggling to keep up with household chores 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 practitioner may be able to give a recommendation or you can ask a family or friend member for a referral. You can also reach out to a medical school or mental health clinic for recommendations. Another option is to attend an ADHD support group and speak with the members.
Face-to-face or online An in-depth ADHD evaluation is available. The clinician will talk to you, go over relevant medical history and may suggest psychometric tests to help you understand your cognitive capabilities. These tests often include the standardized behavioural rating scales used for ADHD psychometrics that cover a broad spectrum and tests of specific abilities.
The doctor will combine 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 clinician can discuss treatment options with you and assist you to create a holistic plan that may include therapy, medication or other psychosocial interventions.
Once a final diagnoses has been made, the clinician will send you and your GP a detailed report. If you are looking to receive prescription medication through the NHS, the clinician will give your GP with all the required documentation. You will need to attend follow-up appointments with your GP to ensure that they track your progress and ensure that the medication is working.
After your psychiatrist has given you a written summary and reached an agreement on a holistic treatment plan, you can decide if you want to continue with private or NHS treatment. You will need to have at least three months of medication stabilisation, and follow-up appointments before you are able to return to the NHS.