How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It can be difficult to recognize ADHD particularly in adults. A lot of healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms for adults, or might not have the right tools for diagnosing.
Self-assessment tools could provide some clues, but the most accurate diagnosis can only be determined by a trained 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 out private medical attention to obtain a diagnosis and prescription for medication. It is crucial to realise that the only doctors who can diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists who have undergone specialist training and have experience working with ADHD in adults. Mental health professionals and counselors can discuss ADHD symptoms, but they cannot give a formal diagnosis.
The main method of diagnosing ADHD is through a structured clinical interview and questionnaires. These are often built on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD with those of people who do not have it. During the evaluation, it is essential that the person be honest and transparent, and not hide any issues or conceal information. The clinician will ask the patient about the severity and frequency of symptoms in various situations and over time. They will also talk about family history and any other mental health issues or drug and alcohol use.
A psychiatric expert will then perform an assessment of symptoms and their affect the person's daily functioning. This is a more thorough assessment than a standard assessment of psychiatric disorders, so it is important to schedule an appointment in advance. It is a good idea to bring a family member or friend to assist the person and to provide feedback. Sometimes additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing is used in conjunction with the clinical examination to determine if ADHD is present, or if any other conditions are contributing symptoms.
After the assessment, the clinician will let the person know what the next steps will be. Typically they will discuss if medication is necessary and come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. Some clinics offer rapid titration services for those who want to start taking medications immediately. This service is usually only available for a select group of patients who meet certain criteria for example, being over 18 and not having a pre-existing medical condition that prevents them from taking their treatment immediately (e.g. symptomatic cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism).
How do I schedule a Private Assessment?
If you suspect that you have ADHD and are concerned about the effect it could be having on your work, relationships or general wellbeing, it is possible to seek an assessment privately. You could also ask your GP for a referral to an expert. They are able to do this through the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme, which means that you can pick the health centre or hospital that you prefer.
After you have been diagnosed after being referred, you will be given an appointment to complete the clinical assessment typically within two weeks. It can be done face-toface online, or by an expert in the field. It is crucial to attend this appointment, as without it, a diagnosis can't be made. It is also useful to bring a family member to provide additional information, although this is not essential.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in depth, how they affect you now and how long they've been present. You can expect to be asked questions about your personal and social life, how you deal with symptoms and how they impact your work and relationships. It is normal to be anxious about the first consultation, however our psychiatrists are skilled in making you feel at ease and comfortable.
The test will also comprise diagnostic tests, in addition to the structured interview. These 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 identify adults with ADHD. The results of the test are compared with clinical judgment to make an accurate diagnosis.
It is vital that you receive a valid diagnosis because left untreated it can cause serious problems with relationships, work and overall wellbeing. It is important to remember that medical staff can sometimes have preconceived notions about the people they think might have ADHD and these can influence their ability to give the correct diagnosis.
What happens during the time of a Private Assessment?
While each doctor has their own evaluation process there are some procedures that all physicians consider necessary for a complete ADHD assessment. This includes a thorough diagnosis interview, data collected 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 evaluated is asked a series of questions designed to prompt the person to reflect on their behavior and then describe how that behavior impacts their lives. The process can take up to up to an hour or more. It is crucial to obtain a complete and honest answer from the patient or family member. Some patients might be shy or embarrassed to discuss how they are acting, and this can negatively impact the accuracy of the evaluation.
During the interview the examiner will inquire about how the symptoms of ADHD have affected the individual's life and relationships. The examiner will also ask the person about their medical history as well as the amount of time they've experienced the symptoms of ADHD. This is a crucial part of the evaluation, since it will determine if an assessment of ADHD should be made.
At the end of the interview, the examiner will fill out some standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD. These scales are based on research that compared people with 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.
Broad-spectrum scales for screening 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 abilities). Sometimes, adhd private assessment will decide that a new type of psychological or psychometric test is needed and will order one in accordance with the need.
At Priory, we are highly adept at examining differential diagnosis (what other conditions have symptom overlap with ADHD). In order to optimize the treatment package the patient diagnosed with anxiety might be prescribed medication and psychotherapy.
What happens after the Private Assessment?
Whether you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, getting a diagnosis can help you manage the symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is particularly relevant for 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 plan or organise an everyday schedule. The first step is to locate an expert doctor to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can ask your doctor for a recommendation, or a friend or relative. You can also contact an office for mental health or medical school to get recommendations. Another option is to attend an ADHD support group and chat with the group members.
Face-to-face or online A thorough ADHD assessment is available. The clinician will interview you, review relevant medical history and may suggest psychometric testing to gain a better understanding of your cognitive abilities. These tests include the standardized behavioural rating for ADHD psychometrics across the broad spectrum and tests for 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 disorders that are identified during the test. The clinician can discuss the options for treatment with you and help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy or other psychosocial interventions.
When a final diagnosis has been determined and the clinician has written an extensive report to be provided to you and your GP. If you are looking to receive prescription medication through the NHS the doctor will give your GP with all the required documentation. You'll be required to attend follow up appointments with your GP to allow them to track your progress and verify that the medications are working.
You can choose to continue with private care or return to NHS care once your psychiatrist has provided you with an outline of the examination and has agreed on a comprehensive treatment plan. In general, at least three months of medication stabilisation and follow up appointments are required before you can transfer back to the NHS.