How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It can be difficult to recognize ADHD particularly in adults. Many healthcare professionals are not 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, however an accurate diagnosis must be made by a certified professional. This includes clinical psychologists, physicians (psychiatrist or neurologist) and medical social workers.
What is a Private Assessment?
Some people who suspect they may have ADHD might seek out private healthcare to receive an assessment and prescription for medication. It is important to remember that only psychiatrists with specialist training and experience working with ADHD in adult patients can diagnose ADHD. Counsellors and other mental health professionals can discuss ADHD symptoms but cannot provide an official diagnosis.
The main method for diagnosing ADHD is through a structured interview and questionnaires. These are usually founded on research and compare the behaviours of ADHD sufferers to those without it. During the assessment, it is important that the individual be honest and forthcoming and not conceal any issues or hide information. The clinician will inquire about the presence and severity of symptoms over time and in different situations. They will also talk about family history as well as any other mental health issues or alcohol and drug use.
A psychiatric specialist will then assess the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning. This is a more detailed assessment than a typical assessment of psychiatric disorders, so it is essential to schedule an appointment in advance. It is recommended to bring a close family member or friend to support the individual and provide feedback. Occasionally, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing is used to complement the clinical evaluation and help determine whether ADHD is present or whether other conditions are causing the symptoms.
After the evaluation the doctor will let the person know what their next steps are. They will usually discuss whether medication is appropriate and then decide on a comprehensive treatment plan. Some clinics offer a quick stabilisation and titration service for those who want to start taking medications right immediately. This is typically only available to a limited number of clients who meet certain requirements for example, being over the age of 18 and not suffering from a medical condition that would prevent them from taking their medication immediately (e.g. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular disease).
How do I make an appointment for an Assessment Private?
You can ask for a confidential assessment if you suspect that you have ADHD and you are concerned about the effects it has on your work, relationships, or general well-being. Alternately, you can request your GP to refer you to an expert. You can do this via the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme, which means you can pick the hospital or wellbeing centre that you prefer.
After you have been referred to the clinic, you will be offered an appointment to conduct the evaluation typically within two weeks. This can be done face-to-face, online or by a specialist in the field. This appointment is crucial since without it, a diagnosis cannot be established. You may also invite your loved ones along to gather additional information. It 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 can expect to answer questions about your social and personal life, how you deal with symptoms, and how they affect your relationships at work and in your personal life. It is quite normal to be nervous about your first appointment, but our psychiatrists are experienced in making you feel safe and at ease.
The assessment will also include diagnostic tests in addition to the structured interview. Most often, these tests will comprise the QbCheck and QbTest. Both tests are CE certified and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the identification of people suffering from ADHD and use an adapted version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults Version 5 (DIVA5). The results of the test and clinical judgment are used to provide an accurate diagnosis.
It is essential to receive a correct diagnosis, as if you don't treat it the condition can lead to serious issues at work and relationships. It can also affect your health. It is important to remember 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 the time of a Private Assessment?
While every doctor will have their own method of evaluation, there are certain procedures that all doctors believe to be essential to a thorough ADHD assessment. This includes a thorough diagnosis interview, data gathered from independent sources (such a spouses or other family members), the standard scales of behavior rating for ADHD and other forms of psychometric testing deemed appropriate by the therapists.
The diagnostic interview is usually the first step in the process. The person being evaluated will be asked a series of questions that are designed to make them consider the ways they've been behaving and to describe how those behaviours influence their lives. It could take up to an hour or longer. It is essential that the patient or family members are honest and fully. Some patients might be shy or embarrassed to discuss how they're being behaved, and this could seriously impact the quality of the evaluation.
During the interview the examiner will inquire about how the symptoms of ADHD have affected the person's life and relationships. The examiner will also ask the individual about their medical history and the amount of time they've suffered from symptoms of ADHD. This is an important aspect of the examination because it helps determine if an assessment of ADHD is warranted.
The examiner is then required to complete a series of behavioral rating scales that are standardized for ADHD. These tests are built on research that compared people who suffer from ADHD with people who don't have ADHD. They are a valuable source of objective information. Typically, the person being evaluated together with their significant other complete these rating scales together.
In an ADHD assessment, tests of specific abilities are often included, like the development of vocabulary, language and memory recall. Sometimes, the clinician might decide that a different type of psychometric or psychological assessment is required and request it.
At Priory we are skilled in examining differential diagnoses (what other conditions have symptom overlap with ADHD). For example, a person who is diagnosed with anxiety might be recommended psychotherapy as in a medication plan to enhance the treatment program.
What happens following the Private Assessment?
If private adhd assessment london or someone you know suffers from ADHD, getting a diagnosis can help to manage symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is especially relevant for adults who experience difficulty at work or in their relationships, find it difficult to keep up with household tasks 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. You could ask your general practitioner for recommendations, or ask someone you know. You can also contact an office for mental health or medical school to get suggestions. Another option is to attend an ADHD support group and chat with the group members.
A thorough ADHD assessment can be done face to face or online. The psychologist will conduct an interview, review your medical history, and recommend psychometric tests to better understand the cognitive abilities. These tests include standardised behavioural ratings for ADHD, broad spectrum psychometrics and specific ability tests.
The clinician will incorporate all the information from various sources to provide diagnostic opinions regarding your ADHD and any other psychiatric or learning disorders identified during the assessment. The clinician will discuss possible treatment options and assist you develop a holistic treatment plan that includes therapy, medication and/or other psychosocial treatments.
After a final diagnosis is made, the clinician will send you and your GP a detailed report. If you are interested in receiving prescription medications through the NHS, the clinician will give your GP with all the required documentation. You'll need to attend follow-up appointments with your GP in order for them to monitor your progress and verify that the medications are working.
After your doctor has provided you a written summary and agreed on a comprehensive treatment program, you can decide if you want to continue with private or NHS care. Generally, a minimum of three months of medication stabilisation and follow up appointments are required before you can transfer back to the NHS.