How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It isn't easy to identify ADHD particularly in adults. Many healthcare professionals don't know how to diagnose ADHD in adults or may only have limited tools for diagnosing.
Self-assessment could provide clues, but a definitive diagnosis is only achievable by a trained professional. This includes physicians, clinical psychologists (psychiatrist or neurologist) and medical social workers.
What is a Private Assessment?
People who suspect they may have ADHD might seek out private medical attention in order to receive an assessment and the prescription for medication. It is important to keep in mind that only psychiatrists with a specialization and experience working with ADHD in adult patients are able to diagnose ADHD. Counsellors and other mental health professionals are able to discuss ADHD symptoms, but they are not able to provide an official diagnosis.
The primary method of diagnosing ADHD is through a structured interview and questionnaires. These are usually founded on research and compare the behaviors of ADHD patients with and without it. During the assessment it is important that the individual be honest and forthcoming, and not hide any issues or hide information. 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 and any other mental health problems or use of alcohol or drugs.
A psychiatric specialist will complete an assessment of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily functioning. This is a more detailed evaluation than a standard assessment of psychiatric disorders, so it is essential to schedule an appointment in advance. Bring a close family member or friend to offer assistance and feedback. Sometimes an additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities testing is utilized to supplement the clinical evaluation and determine if ADHD is present or other conditions are causing the symptoms.
The clinician will tell the patient what to do following the assessment. They will usually discuss the appropriateness of medication and then decide on a comprehensive plan of treatment. Some clinics offer a quick stabilisation and titration service for patients who wish to start taking medication straight immediately. This service is available only to a select number of patients who meet certain requirements. For example, they must be over 18 years old and not have pre-existing conditions that would prevent 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 could be having on your work, relationships or general well-being you can request an assessment privately. You could also ask your GP for the referral to a specialist. The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows the doctors to refer you to a specialist. This means that you can select the hospital or wellness centre of your choosing.
After private adhd assessment have been referred to the clinic, you will be offered an appointment to complete the clinical evaluation, usually within two weeks. It can be done face-toface or via the internet, or by a specialist in the field. It is important that you attend this appointment as without it, a diagnosis can't be determined. You can also bring a relative along to get collateral information. It is not required.
Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history, your symptoms and how they are affecting you. They will also inquire about how long the symptoms have been present. You should expect to answer questions about your personal and social life, how you cope with symptoms and how they affect your work and relationships. It is normal to be nervous at the first appointment However, our psychiatrists have the knowledge and experience to make you feel relaxed and secure.
In addition to a structured interview, the test will include a few diagnostic tests. They will typically include the QbCheck or QbTest. Both tests are CE marked and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the diagnosis of adults with ADHD, and they use an adapted version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults Version 5 (DIVA5). The results of the test are then compared 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 issues with relationships and work. It can also impact your overall health. It is important to remember that medical professionals might have preconceived notions about who they believe may have ADHD and this could affect their ability provide an accurate diagnosis.
What happens during the course of a Private Assessment
While each doctor has their own evaluation process there are some standard procedures that all physicians consider necessary for a complete ADHD assessment. These include 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 tests deemed appropriate by the clinician.
The diagnostic interview is typically the first step of the process. The person being evaluated will be asked an array of questions that are designed to make them think about the way they've been behaving and then to explain how their actions affect their lives. It could take about an hour or more. It is important that the patient or family members respond honestly and fully. Some patients may be embarrassed or reluctant to discuss how they're acting, and this can negatively impact the quality of the assessment.
During the examination, the examiner will inquire about the effects of ADHD on the person's relationships and daily life. They will also ask about the history of their medical condition and how long they've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD. This is a vital aspect of the assessment, as it can determine whether the diagnosis of ADHD is warranted.
At the end of the interview, the examiner will be asked to fill out a set of behavioral rating scales for ADHD. These scales are based on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people who do not have ADHD and are a significant source of information that is objective. These rating scales are typically completed by the person being rated as well as their partner.
Broad-spectrum scales that screen for depression or anxiety are usually included in an ADHD assessment, as are tests of specific abilities (such as the development of language, vocabulary recall, memory and motor skills). Occasionally, the clinician may decide that a different type of psychometric or psychological test is needed and will order one accordingly.
At Priory we are skilled in examining differential diagnoses (what other conditions might have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). To maximize the treatment package the patient diagnosed with anxiety may be prescribed medication and psychotherapy.
What happens after a Private Assessment?
If you or someone you know has ADHD being diagnosed can help to manage symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is especially applicable to adults who experience difficulties at work or in their relationships, find it difficult to keep up with household chores or lose track of things or struggle to plan or organize a day-to-day schedule. The first step is to find an expert doctor to perform an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general practitioner may be able to give an appointment or request a family member or friend member for a referral. You can also reach out to a medical school or mental health clinic for suggestions. Another option is to join an ADHD support group and chat with the group members.
A thorough ADHD evaluation can be conducted face to face or online. The clinician will talk to you, go over 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 incorporate all the data from various sources to offer diagnostic opinions regarding your ADHD and any other psychiatric or learning disorders that are discovered during the evaluation. The physician will be able to discuss treatment options with you and help develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapy, medication or other psychosocial interventions.
When a final diagnosis has been made the doctor will write a comprehensive report to be sent to you and your GP. The doctor will provide your GP all the necessary documentation if you wish to receive prescription medication via the NHS. You'll have to make periodic appointments with your GP to ensure they track your progress and make sure the medication is working.
You can decide to continue receiving private treatment or return to NHS treatment once your psychiatrist has given you an written summary of the examination 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 before you can return to the NHS.