How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
Finding out that you have ADHD isn't easy particularly for adults. Many healthcare professionals aren't aware of how to diagnose ADHD in adults or may only have limited diagnostic tools.
Using self-assessment tools may provide some clues, but a valid diagnosis can only be made by a certified professional. This includes clinical psychologists, physicians (psychiatrist or neurologist) and medical social workers.
What is a private assessment?
People who suspect they have ADHD may seek private healthcare to receive an assessment and prescription for medication. However, it is important to recognize that the only doctors who can determine ADHD are psychiatrists who have completed specialized training and have experience working with ADHD in adults. Counsellors and other mental health professionals are able to talk about ADHD symptoms, but they are not able to provide a formally recognised diagnosis.
The most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is to conduct a structured interview and questionnaires. They are usually built on research that compares behaviours of people with ADHD to those of those without it. During the assessment it is important that the individual be honest and transparent and not conceal any difficulties or withhold 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 problems or alcohol or drug abuse.
A psychiatric specialist will then assess the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning. This is a more comprehensive evaluation 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 trusted family member or friend to support the individual and provide feedback. Sometimes, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests are used in conjunction with the clinical assessment to determine whether ADHD is present, or if any other conditions are contributing symptoms.
After the evaluation, the clinician will let the person know what the next steps are. Typically they will discuss if medication is necessary and come up with a holistic treatment plan. Some clinics offer fast treatment for those who wish to begin taking medication right away. This is typically only available for a small number of clients who meet certain criteria, such as being over 18 and not suffering from a medical condition that prevents them from taking their treatment immediately (e.g. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular illness).
How do I make an appointment for an Assessment Private?
If you think you have ADHD and are concerned about the impact it might have on your work, relationships or general health it is possible to seek an assessment privately. Alternatively, you can ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. They can make this request through the NHS 'Right to Choose' scheme, which means you can pick the hospital or wellbeing centre you prefer.
After you have been diagnosed, 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 a specialist in the field. It is important that you attend the appointment because without it, a diagnosis can't be established. It is also useful to bring a family member to provide additional information, although it is not required.
Your clinician will discuss your medical history, your symptoms and how they affect you. They will also inquire how long the symptoms have been present. You can expect to be asked questions regarding your personal and social life, how you deal with the symptoms, and if they affect your work or relationships. It is quite normal to be anxious about your first appointment, but our psychiatrists have years of experience in making you feel secure and at ease.
The assessment will also include tests for diagnostics in addition to the structured interview. In general, these tests include the QbCheck and QbTest. Both are CE marked, FDA/TGA approved and use an abbreviated version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD Adults Version 5(DIVA5) to identify adults with ADHD. The results of the test are combined with clinical judgement to create an accurate diagnosis.
It is very important to receive a correct diagnosis, as if left untreated, it could lead to severe difficulties with work, relationships and overall wellbeing. It is crucial to keep in mind that medical professionals may have preconceived notions about people they believe might have ADHD, and this can hinder their ability to provide the correct diagnosis.
What happens during a Private Assessment?
While every doctor has their own process for evaluating patients, there are certain procedures that all doctors believe to be necessary for a complete ADHD evaluation. This includes an exhaustive diagnosis interview, data collected from sources other than the doctor's office (such spouse or other family member) as well as the standard scales of behavior rating for ADHD and other forms of tests for psychometrics that are considered appropriate by therapists.
The diagnostic interview is typically the initial step in the process. The person being evaluated is asked a series of questions designed to prompt the person to think about their behavior and describe how that behaviour impacts their daily life. This will take an hour or more. It is important that the patient or family members answer honestly and thoroughly. Some patients may feel embarrassed or hesitant to talk about their behavior, which could negatively impact the quality of your evaluation.
During the interview the examiner will inquire about how the symptoms of ADHD have affected the individual's life and their relationships. The examiner will also inquire of the person about their medical history and length of time they have experienced the symptoms of ADHD. private adult adhd assessment is a crucial part of the evaluation, since it will determine if the diagnosis of ADHD should be made.
The examiner is then required to complete some behavioral rating scales that are standardized for ADHD. These questionnaires are built on research that compares the people with ADHD with those who do not suffer from ADHD. They provide important reliable information. These rating scales are typically completed by the person being evaluated as well as their partner.
Broad-spectrum scales to screen for depression or anxiety are often included in an ADHD assessment as are tests of specific abilities (such as the development of language, vocabulary recall, memory recall and motor skills). Sometimes, the clinician might decide that a different type of psychometric test or psychological assessment is needed and order it.
At Priory we are experienced in exploring differential diagnosis (what other conditions might have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). In order to optimize the treatment program for a patient with anxiety could be prescribed psychotherapy and medication.
What happens after the Private Assessment?
If you or someone you know has ADHD, getting a diagnosis can help to manage issues that are negatively impacting your life. This is especially applicable to adults who experience difficulty at work or in their relationships, are struggling to keep up with household tasks and lose track of their priorities or struggle to organize or plan an everyday schedule. The first step is to locate a doctor who is able to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general practitioner might be able to make a recommendation or you can request a family member or friend member to refer you. You can also contact the medical school or mental health clinic for recommendations. Join an ADHD support group to chat with other members.
A thorough ADHD assessment can be conducted face to face or online. The clinician will interview you, look over pertinent clinical history and may recommend psychometric testing to better understand your cognitive capabilities. These tests include standardised behavioural ratings for ADHD psychometrics across the broad spectrum and specific test of ability.
The clinician will incorporate all the information from various sources to provide diagnostic advice regarding your ADHD and any other learning or psychiatric disorders identified during the assessment. The physician will talk with you about the treatment options and help you develop a holistic treatment plan that includes therapy, medication or other psychosocial interventions.
Once a final diagnoses is made, the clinician will send you and your GP a detailed report. The clinician will give your GP all the documentation necessary for you to be able to receive prescription medication via the NHS. You'll need to attend follow up appointments with your GP in order for them to monitor your progress and verify that the medication is working.
You may choose to continue receiving private treatment or return to NHS care after your psychiatrist has provided you with a written summary of the examination and has 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.