How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It can be difficult to recognize ADHD, especially for adults. Many healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms for adults, or might have limited tools for diagnosing.
Self-assessment can provide some clues, but a definitive diagnosis is only possible by a qualified professional. This includes physicians, clinical psychologists (psychiatrist or neurologists) and medical social workers.
What is a Private Assessment?
People who suspect they have ADHD may seek private healthcare to get a diagnosis and prescription for medication. However, it is important to realise that the only doctors who can determine ADHD are psychiatrists who have undergone specialist training and have experience working with ADHD in adults. Counsellors and other mental health professionals can discuss ADHD symptoms, but they cannot offer a formally recognised diagnosis.
The primary method of diagnosing ADHD is through an interview that is structured and accompanied by questionnaires. These are typically founded on research and compare the behaviours of ADHD sufferers to those without it. During the assessment, it is essential that the person be honest and open, and not hide any issues or conceal information. The doctor will inquire about the existence and severity of symptoms throughout time and in different situations. They will also talk about family history, any other mental health issues or drug and/or alcohol use.
A psychiatric expert will then complete an assessment of the symptoms and their affect the person's daily functioning. This assessment is generally more comprehensive than a typical psychiatric assessment, so it is important to make an appointment in advance and to allow sufficient time for the appointment. It is a good idea to bring a trusted friend or family member to help the patient and to give feedback. Sometimes, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities is used to complement the clinical evaluation and help determine if ADHD is present or if other conditions are contributing to the symptoms.
The clinician will tell the patient what to do after the assessment. In most cases, they will discuss whether medication is appropriate and agree on a comprehensive treatment plan. Some clinics provide fast titration services for those who want to start taking medication immediately. This is typically only available for a small number of clients who meet certain criteria for example, being over the age of 18 and not suffering from a pre-existing medical condition that would prevent them from taking their medication immediately (e.g. symptomatic cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism).
How do I book a Private Assessment?
You can seek a private assessment if you suspect that you are suffering from ADHD and are concerned about the impact on your work, relationships or general well-being. Alternatively, private adhd assessment uk can request your GP to refer you to a specialist. They can do this through the NHS Right to Choose scheme, which means you can select the hospital or wellbeing centre you prefer.
Once you've been referred, an appointment will be scheduled to complete the clinical assessment, usually within a couple of weeks. It can be done face-toface or via the internet, or by an expert in the field. It is crucial to attend this appointment as without it, a diagnosis can't be determined. You can also bring your loved ones along to gather collateral information. It is not required.
Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history, your symptoms and how they affect you. They will also ask how long the symptoms have been present for. You can expect to be asked questions about your personal and social life, how you deal with symptoms, and how they affect your relationships at work and in your personal life. It's normal to feel nervous about your first consultation Our psychiatrists have the knowledge and experience to make you feel at ease and safe.
In addition to an organized 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 a shortened form of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD Adults Version 5(DIVA5) to diagnose adults with ADHD. The results of the test are compared with clinical judgment to provide an accurate diagnosis.
It is very important that you receive a valid diagnosis as if it is not treated properly it can cause serious difficulties with work, relationships and overall 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 could affect their ability to give a correct diagnosis.
What happens during the course of a Private Assessment
While every doctor has their own evaluation process there are some standard procedures that all doctors consider essential for a complete ADHD assessment. These include a thorough diagnostic interview, data collected from independent sources (such as spouses and other family members), standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and other forms of psychometric testing as determined appropriate by the physician.
The diagnostic interview is typically the initial step in the process. The person being assessed will be asked an array of questions designed to prompt them to consider the ways they've been behaving and then to explain how their behaviors influence their lives. It could take up to about an hour or more. It is crucial that the patient or their family members answer honestly and completely. Some patients may be embarrassed or reluctant to talk about how they are behaving, and this could seriously impact the accuracy of the evaluation.
During the interview, the examiner will ask about how the symptoms of ADHD have affected the person's life and relationships. They will also ask about the history of their medical condition and the length of time they have been experiencing symptoms of ADHD. This is a crucial aspect of the assessment because it will help determine if an assessment of ADHD is appropriate.
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 behavior of people suffering from ADHD to those of people without ADHD and are a valuable source of information that is objective. These scales of rating are typically completed by the person being rated as well as their partner.
In an ADHD assessment tests for specific abilities are often included, like the development of vocabulary, language and memory recall. Sometimes, the doctor may decide that another type of psychometric test or psychological assessment is required and may order it.
Priory is extremely experienced in exploring differential diagnosis. (What other conditions have symptoms with ADHD). For example, a person who has been diagnosed with anxiety may be advised to undergo psychotherapy as well in a medication plan to enhance the treatment plan.
What happens after a Private Assessment?
If you or someone you know suffer from ADHD, getting a diagnosis can help to manage symptoms that are negatively impacting your life. This is particularly applicable to people who struggle in their relationships or at work, feel they cannot manage their time at home, get lost of things easily or struggle to organize and plan their day-to-day life. Find a doctor certified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, or ask a friend or relative. You can also ask the medical school or mental health clinic for recommendations. Attend an ADHD support group to chat with members.
Online or face-to-face, a thorough ADHD assessment is available. The clinician will interview you, go over relevant medical history, and may suggest psychometric testing to better understand your cognitive abilities. These tests include the standardized behavioural rating for ADHD, broad spectrum psychometrics and specific test of ability.
The doctor will combine all the data from various sources to provide diagnostic advice regarding your ADHD and any other learning or psychiatric disorders that are discovered during the evaluation. The physician will talk with you about possible treatment options and assist you create a comprehensive plan that includes therapy, medication and/or other psychosocial treatments.
When a final diagnosis has been determined, the clinician will write a comprehensive report to be sent to you and your GP. If you are interested in receiving prescription medication through the NHS, the clinician will give your GP with all the required documentation. You'll have to make follow-up appointments with your GP to ensure they keep track of your progress and ensure that the medication is working.
After your doctor has provided you a written report and agreed on a comprehensive treatment plan, you are able to decide whether you want to continue your private or NHS care. In general, a minimum of three months of stabilisation of your medication and follow up appointments are required before you can transfer back to the NHS.
