How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD particularly for adults. A lot of healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms in adults, or they might not have the right diagnostic tools to work with.
Self-assessment tools can provide some clues, but the most accurate diagnosis can only be made by a certified professional. More Help includes clinical psychologists, physicians (psychiatrist or neurologists) and medical social workers.
What is a Private Assessment?
Some people who suspect they may have ADHD may seek private healthcare to obtain a diagnosis and prescription for medication. It is important to keep in mind that only psychiatrists who have specialist training and experience working with ADHD in adult patients are able to diagnose ADHD. Counsellors and mental health professionals are able to discuss ADHD symptoms, but they cannot give an official diagnosis.
The main method of diagnosing ADHD is a structured clinical interview and questionnaires. These are often based on research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with those of people without it. During the evaluation, it is important for the individual to be honest and open and not hold back details or conceal any difficulties they may be facing. The clinician will ask about the severity and presence of symptoms over time and in different situations. They will also talk about the family history, as well as any other mental health issues or alcohol or drug abuse.
A psychiatrist will perform an assessment of symptoms and how they impact on the person's daily functioning. This is generally more in-depth than a routine psychiatric assessment, so it is important to book in advance and to allow enough time for the appointment. Bring a trusted family member or friend to provide support and feedback. Sometimes, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing is used in conjunction with the clinical evaluation to determine if ADHD is present, or if any other conditions are causing symptoms.
After the assessment, the clinician will inform the patient what the next steps will be. In most cases, they will discuss whether medication is necessary and come up with an overall treatment plan. Some clinics offer a quick stabilisation and titration program for those who wish to start taking medications right immediately. This service is only available to a select number of patients who meet certain requirements. For example, they must be over 18 years old and have no medical conditions that could prevent the treatment from beginning immediately. Hyperthyroidism or cardiovascular disease.
How do I schedule a Private Assessment?
You can seek a private assessment if you suspect you are suffering from ADHD and you are worried about the impact on your work, relationships, or general wellbeing. You can also ask your GP for a referral to an expert. You can do this through the NHS 'Right to Choose' scheme, which means that you can pick the hospital or wellbeing centre you prefer.
If you are recommended, you will be given an appointment to conduct the evaluation usually within two weeks. The assessment can be conducted face-to-face, online or by an expert in the field. This appointment is vital because without it, a diagnosis can't be determined. You can also bring your family member along to collect collateral information. This is not required.
Your physician will discuss your medical history, symptoms and how they are affecting you. They will also inquire how long the symptoms have been present for. You will likely be asked questions regarding your personal and social life, how you deal with the symptoms, and how they affect your work and relationships. It is very normal to be nervous about this first consultation but our psychiatrists are skilled in making you feel safe and comfortable.
In addition to an organized interview, the assessment will include a few diagnostic tests. They are typically the QbCheck or QbTest. Both of these are CE certified and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the diagnosis of adults with ADHD and use a simplified version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults Version 5 (DIVA5). The results of the test are then compared with clinical judgement to create an accurate diagnosis.
It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis, because if it is not treated this condition can cause serious issues at work and relationships. It can also affect your wellbeing. It is important to keep in mind that medical professionals may have preconceived notions about who they believe might be suffering from ADHD and this can influence their ability to give an accurate diagnosis.
What happens during a Private Assessment
While every doctor may have their own method of evaluation however, there are some procedures that all clinicians believe to be necessary for a complete ADHD assessment. These include a thorough diagnostic interview, data gathered from sources other than the doctor (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 typically the first step in the process. The person being assessed will be asked an array of questions designed to prompt them to reflect on how they have been behaving and then to explain how their behaviors affect their lives. It could take an hour or more. It is essential to get a complete and honest answer from the patient or a family member. Some patients may be uneasy or uncomfortable speaking about their behavior, which could negatively impact the quality of your evaluation.
During the examination, the examiner will inquire about the effects of ADHD on the person's relationships and life. They will also ask about the person's medical history and how long they have been experiencing symptoms of ADHD. This is an important aspect of the examination because it will help determine whether the diagnosis of ADHD is necessary.
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 built on research that compares people who suffer from ADHD with people without ADHD. They provide important reliable information. Typically, the person being evaluated and their significant other will complete these rating scales in conjunction.
In an ADHD assessment tests for particular abilities are usually included, like language development, vocabulary and memory recall. Sometimes, the doctor may decide that a different kind of psychometric or psychological assessment is required and request it.
Priory is extremely experienced in looking into differential diagnosis. (What other conditions have symptoms with ADHD). For instance, a patient who is diagnosed with anxiety may be recommended psychotherapy as well in a medication plan to enhance the treatment package.
What happens after the Private Assessment?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD having a diagnosis can help manage the symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is particularly true for adults who have difficulty working or in their relationships. find it difficult to keep up with household chores and lose track of their priorities or struggle to organize or plan an everyday schedule. The first step is to find an expert doctor to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general practitioner might be able to give an appointment or ask a family or friend member for a referral. You can also reach out to the medical school or mental health clinic for recommendations. Join an ADHD support group to chat with members.
A thorough ADHD assessment can be conducted face-to-face or online. The psychologist will conduct an interview, look over your medical history, and suggest psychometric tests to understand the cognitive abilities. These tests include standardised behavioural ratings for ADHD, broad spectrum psychometrics and tests for specific abilities.
The clinician will incorporate all the information gathered from a variety of sources to provide 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 the options for treatment with you and help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication, or other psychosocial interventions.
When a final diagnosis has been made, the clinician will write an extensive report to be provided to you and your GP. The doctor will provide your GP all the documentation necessary in order to obtain prescription medication via the NHS. You'll have to make regular appointments with your GP to ensure that they keep track of your progress and ensure the medication is working.
After your psychiatrist has given you a written summary of the treatment and agreed on a holistic treatment program, you can decide whether to continue with private or NHS treatment. Generally, a minimum of three months of stabilisation of your medication and follow-up appointments are required before you can be transferred back to the NHS.