How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD, especially in adults. Many healthcare professionals don't know how to diagnose ADHD in adults, or only have limited diagnostic tools.
Self-assessment can provide some clues, but a definitive diagnosis can only be made by a qualified professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologists), physicians (psychiatrists) and medical social workers.
What is a Private Assessment?
People who suspect they may have ADHD may seek out private medical attention to receive a diagnosis and prescription for medication. It is crucial to remember that only psychiatrists with a professional training and experience in working with ADHD in adult patients are able to diagnose ADHD. Mental health professionals and counselors are able to discuss ADHD symptoms however they are not able to provide an official diagnosis.
The most common method for diagnosing ADHD is a structured clinical interview and questionnaires. These are usually built on research that compares the behaviors of ADHD sufferers with those who do not have it. During the assessment, it is important for the individual to be honest and transparent and not hold back information or conceal any issues they face. The clinician will ask the patient about the severity and frequency of symptoms in different situations and over time. They will also discuss family history, any mental disorders, or drug and/or alcohol use.
A psychiatric specialist will conduct an assessment of the symptoms and how they affect the individual's daily life. This assessment is generally more comprehensive than a standard psychiatric examination Therefore, it is essential to book in advance and to allow sufficient time for the appointment. Bring a trusted family member or a friend to provide assistance and feedback. Sometimes, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities is used to complement the clinical assessment and help determine whether ADHD is present or if other conditions are contributing to the symptoms.
After the evaluation the doctor will let the person know what their next steps are. They will usually discuss whether the medication is appropriate and then decide on a comprehensive plan of treatment. Some clinics offer rapid treatment for those who wish to begin taking medication immediately. This service is usually only available for a select group of clients who meet certain criteria for example, being over 18 and not suffering from a medical condition that would prevent them from starting medication immediately (e.g. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular disease).
How do I book an Assessment Private?
If you think you may have ADHD and are concerned about the effects it may have on your relationships, work or general well-being you can seek an assessment privately. Alternatively, you can ask your GP to refer you to an expert. They are able to do this via the NHS 'Right to Choose' scheme, which means that you can pick the hospital or wellbeing centre you prefer.
Once you've been referred to the clinic, you will be offered an appointment to complete the clinical assessment, usually within two weeks. The assessment will be conducted face-to-face or online, and will involve an organized interview with an expert in the field. This appointment is vital as without it, a diagnosis will not be determined. It is also beneficial to bring a loved one with you to gather additional information, although this is not necessary.
Your clinician will go over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in depth, how they affect you right now and how long they've been present. You can expect to be asked questions about your personal and social life, your ability to cope with symptoms and how they impact your relationships and work. It is quite normal to be nervous about this first consultation but our psychiatrists are skilled in making you feel secure and at ease.
The assessment will also include tests for diagnostics in addition to the structured interview. These will typically include the QbCheck or QbTest. Both are CE certified, FDA/TGA approved and use a shortened form of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD Adults Version 5(DIVA5) to determine if an adult is with ADHD. The results of the test are combined with clinical judgment to provide an accurate diagnosis.
It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis, because if it is not treated the condition can lead to serious problems with relationships and work. It can also impact your health. It is important to keep in mind that medical staff can sometimes have preconceived notions about the people they think might have ADHD and this could influence their ability to give a correct diagnosis.
What happens during a Private Assessment?
While every doctor has their own evaluation process there are certain procedures that all doctors consider essential for a comprehensive ADHD assessment. This includes a thorough diagnosis interview, information gathered from sources other than the doctor's office (such spouse or other family member) as well as the standard scales of behavior rating for ADHD and other forms of tests that are deemed appropriate by the therapists.
The diagnostic interview is typically the first step in the process. The person being assessed is asked a series questions designed to get them to reflect on their behavior and describe how that behaviour impacts their lives. The process can take up to up to an hour or more. It is crucial that the patient or their family members answer honestly and completely. Some patients might be embarrassed or reluctant to discuss how they are behaving, and this could negatively impact the quality of the evaluation.
During the interview, the examiner will inquire about the effects of ADHD on the person's relationships as well as their life. The examiner will also ask the person about their medical history and length of time they have experienced symptoms of ADHD. This is a crucial part of the evaluation, since it will determine whether a diagnosis of ADHD should be made.
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 behavior of those with ADHD to those of people without ADHD and are an important source of information objective. The person being rated and their significant other will complete these rating scales in conjunction.
In an ADHD assessment, tests of specific abilities are often included, such as vocabulary development, language development and memory recall. Sometimes, the clinician may decide that a different type of psychometric or psychological assessment is required and may order it.
At Priory we are experienced in exploring differential diagnosis (what other conditions have symptom overlap with ADHD). To optimize the treatment plan for a patient with anxiety could be prescribed psychotherapy and medication.
What happens after what happens after Private Assessment?
If you or someone you love has ADHD The diagnosis can help you manage symptoms that negatively impact your daily life. This is particularly relevant for adults who experience difficulty at work or in their relationships, are struggling to keep up with household chores or lose track of things or struggle to plan or organise a day-to-day schedule. Find a doctor who is able to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general practitioner might be able to provide recommendations or ask a family or friend member for a referral. You can also reach out to the medical school or mental health clinic for suggestions. Another option is to join an ADHD support group and chat with other members.
Face-to-face or online, a thorough ADHD evaluation is available. The doctor will conduct an interview, look over your clinical history, and recommend psychometric tests to understand cognitive abilities. These tests include the standardized behavioural rating for ADHD psychometrics across the broad spectrum and tests for specific abilities.
The doctor will combine all the information from different sources to provide diagnostic opinions regarding your ADHD and any other psychiatric or learning disorders identified during the assessment. The doctor will discuss treatment options with you and help you develop a comprehensive treatment strategy, which could include medication, therapy or other psychosocial interventions.
Once a final diagnoses is made, the clinician will send you and your GP the full report. The doctor will send your GP all the paperwork required in order to obtain prescription medications through the NHS. You'll be required to attend follow up appointments with your GP in order for them to keep track of your progress and ensure that the medication is working.
adult adhd assessment private can decide to continue private care or return to NHS treatment once your psychiatrist has given you a written summary of the assessment and agreed upon a holistic treatment plan. In general, at least three months of stabilisation of your medication and follow-up appointments will be needed before you can transfer back to the NHS.