How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD, especially in adults. Many healthcare professionals are not familiar with ADHD symptoms in adults, or might not have the right diagnostic tools to work with.
Self-assessment can provide some clues, but a definitive diagnosis is only possible by a trained professional. This includes clinical psychologists, physicians (psychiatrist or neurologist) and medical social workers.
What is a Private Assessment?
Many people who suspect they have ADHD will seek private healthcare in order to receive a diagnosis as well as the prescription for medication. It is important to keep in mind that only psychiatrists with a specialist training and experience working with ADHD in adult patients can diagnose ADHD. Counsellors and mental health professionals are able to discuss ADHD symptoms however they are not able to provide a formal diagnosis.
The main method for diagnosing ADHD is through a structured interview and questionnaires. These are usually based on research that compares the behaviours of people suffering from ADHD to those of people without it. During the assessment, it is essential that the person be honest and forthcoming and not conceal any difficulties or withhold information. The clinician will ask about the severity and presence of symptoms throughout time and in different situations. They will also discuss family history, any other mental problems or alcohol and/or drug use.
A psychiatric specialist will perform an assessment of symptoms and how they impact on the person's daily activities. This is a more thorough assessment than a standard assessment of psychiatric disorders, so it is important to schedule an appointment prior to the time. It is a good idea to bring a close friend or family member to support the individual and to give feedback. Sometimes, additional psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing is used in conjunction with the clinical assessment to determine if ADHD is present, or if any other disorders are contributing to the symptoms.
Following the assessment, the clinician will let the person know what their next steps are. Typically private adhd assessment uk will discuss if medication is necessary and come up with a holistic treatment plan. Some clinics offer a fast titration and stabilisation service for those who wish to start taking medications right immediately. This is typically only available for a select group of patients who meet certain requirements for example, being over the age of 18 and not having a pre-existing medical condition that prevents the patient from taking treatment immediately (e.g. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular disease).
How do I make an appointment for an Assessment Private?
If you think you have ADHD and are concerned about the effect it may have on your work, relationships or general health you can request an assessment privately. You can also ask your GP for a referral to a specialist. They can do this through the NHS 'Right to Choose' scheme, which means you can pick the hospital or wellbeing centre of your choice.
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. It is essential that you attend this appointment as without it, a diagnosis will not be made. It is also helpful to bring a family member with you to gather additional information, but this is not essential.
Your clinician will go over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail and how they affect you now and how long they have been present. You'll be asked questions about your personal and social life, how you cope with the symptoms, and if they affect your relationships and work. It's normal to feel nervous at the first appointment However, our psychiatrists have the experience to make you feel relaxed and secure.
In addition to a structured interview, the test will include some diagnostic tests. They will typically include the QbCheck or QbTest. Both are CE marked and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the diagnosis of adults suffering from ADHD and employ an adapted 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 crucial to receive a correct diagnosis as if it is not treated properly it can cause serious difficulties with work, relationships and well-being. It is important to remember that medical staff can sometimes have preconceived notions about the people they think may have ADHD and this could influence their ability to give the correct diagnosis.
What happens at a Private Assessment?
Although each doctor has their own process for evaluating patients, there are certain procedures that all physicians consider necessary for a complete ADHD assessment. These include a thorough diagnostic interview, data collected from outside sources (such as spouses and other members of the family), standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and other types of psychometric tests determined appropriate by the physician.
The diagnostic interview is typically the first step in the process. The person being evaluated is asked a series questions designed to get them to think about their behavior and describe how that behaviour impacts their daily life. This could take an hour or longer. It is crucial to get a full and honest answer from the patient or family member. Some patients may be shy or embarrassed to discuss how they're acting, and this can significantly affect the quality of the evaluation.
During the examination, the examiner will ask questions about the effects of ADHD on the person's relationships and daily life. The examiner will also inquire of the person about their medical history and duration of time they've 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 tests are based on research that compared people with ADHD with those who do not suffer from ADHD. They provide important objective information. These rating scales are typically completed by the person being evaluated and their spouse.
Broad-spectrum scales for screening for depression or anxiety are often included in an ADHD assessment as are tests of specific capabilities (such as vocabulary development, language development, memory recall and motor skills). Sometimes, the clinician may decide that a different type of psychological test or psychometric assessment is needed and order it.
Priory is extremely experienced in investigating differential diagnoses. (What other conditions have symptoms with ADHD). In order to optimize the treatment program the patient diagnosed with anxiety may be prescribed psychotherapy and medication.
What happens following the Private Assessment?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, a diagnosis will help you manage symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is particularly 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 locate a doctor who is able to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. Your general practitioner may be able to give a recommendation or you can request a family member or friend member to refer you. You can also call the mental health clinic or medical school to get recommendations. Participate in an ADHD support group to chat with members.
A thorough ADHD assessment can be done in person or via the internet. The clinician will talk to you, look over pertinent clinical history and may recommend psychometric tests to help you understand your cognitive capabilities. These tests often include standardized behavioural rating scales for ADHD psychometrics, broad-spectrum psychometrics, and tests of specific abilities.
The clinician will incorporate all the data from a variety of sources to offer diagnostic opinions regarding your ADHD and any other learning or psychiatric disorder that are discovered during the evaluation. The clinician will discuss treatment options and can help you develop a holistic plan that includes medication, therapy and/or other psychosocial treatments.
When a final diagnosis has been made, the clinician will write an extensive report that will be sent to you and your GP. The doctor will provide your GP all the paperwork required if you wish to receive prescription medication via the NHS. You'll need to attend follow up appointments with your GP in order for them to keep track of your progress and make sure that the medications are working.
You can choose to continue with private care or return to NHS care after your psychiatrist has provided you with a written summary of the assessment and reached an agreement on a holistic treatment plan. In general, a minimum of three months of medication stabilisation and follow-up appointments will be required before you can transfer back to the NHS.