How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
Getting diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy especially for adults. Many healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms in adults, or they might have limited tools for diagnosing.
Self-assessment can provide some clues, however a valid diagnosis is only possible by a trained professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologists), doctors (psychiatrists) and medical social workers.
What is a Private Assessment?
Many people who suspect they may have ADHD might seek out private medical attention to get an diagnosis and the prescription for medication. It is important to keep in mind that only psychiatrists with a specialization and experience working with ADHD in adult patients are able to diagnose ADHD. Mental health professionals and counselors are able to discuss ADHD symptoms but they are unable to give an official diagnosis.
The main method for 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 crucial for the patient to be honest and open and not bury details or conceal any difficulties they may be facing. The clinician will ask about the severity and presence of symptoms over time and in different situations. They will also discuss family history and any other mental health issues or alcohol and drug use.
A psychiatric specialist will complete an assessment of the symptoms and how they impact on the person's daily activities. This is a more detailed evaluation than a standard mental health evaluation, which is why it's important to make an appointment prior to the time. It is a good idea to bring a friend or family member to support the individual and provide feedback. Sometimes there are additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests are used to complement the clinical evaluation and determine if ADHD is present or other conditions are contributing to the symptoms.
The clinician will tell the patient what to do after the assessment. Typically, they will decide if medication is necessary and come up with an overall treatment plan. Some clinics offer fast treatment for those who wish to begin taking medication immediately. This is usually only offered for a select group of patients who meet certain criteria that include being over the age of 18 and not suffering from a pre-existing medical condition that prevents them from taking their medication immediately (e.g. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular disease).
How do I book an appointment for a Private Assessment?
If you think you may have ADHD and are concerned about the impact it could be having on your work, relationships or general health you can seek an assessment privately. You could also request your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Iampsychiatry to Choose scheme allows them to do this. This means that you can choose the hospital or wellness centre of your choosing.
After you've been referred to the clinic to the clinic, an appointment will be scheduled to take the evaluation, typically within a couple of weeks. This assessment can be done face-toface or online, and will involve a structured interview with an expert in the field. It is essential that you attend this appointment as without it, a diagnosis can't be made. You may also bring your family member along to collect collateral information. It is not required.
Your doctor will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms in depth, how they affect you at present and how long they've been present. You should expect to answer questions about your social and personal life, how you cope with symptoms, and how they affect your work and relationships. It is very normal to be nervous about the first consultation, however our psychiatrists are experienced in making you feel secure and comfortable.
The assessment will also include diagnostic tests, in addition to the structured interview. In general, these tests include the QbCheck and QbTest. Both are CE certified and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the diagnosis of adults suffering from ADHD, and they use an adapted version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults Version 5 (DIVA5). The results of the test as well as clinical judgment are used to make an accurate diagnosis.
It is crucial to get a correct diagnosis, as if left untreated this condition can cause serious problems with work and relationships. It can also impact your overall health. It is important to remember that medical professionals may have preconceived notions about who they believe has ADHD and this could hinder their ability to provide an accurate diagnosis.
What happens during the course of a Private Assessment
While every doctor has their own evaluation process, there are certain procedures that all doctors consider necessary for a complete ADHD evaluation. This includes a thorough diagnosis interview, data collected from independent sources (such a spouses or other family members) as well as standard behavior rating scales for ADHD and other forms of tests that are deemed appropriate by the therapists.
The diagnostic interview is typically the first step in the process. The person being evaluated will be asked an array of questions designed to get them to think about the way they have been behaving and to describe how those behaviours affect their lives. This may take about an hour or more. It is important to get a complete and honest response from the patient or a family member. Some patients may be embarrassed or reluctant to discuss how they're being behaved, and this could seriously impact the accuracy of the evaluation.
During the interview the examiner will inquire about how the symptoms of ADHD have affected the person's life and their relationships. The examiner will also inquire of the individual about their medical history as well as the length of time they have experienced symptoms of ADHD. This is a crucial aspect of the assessment, because it will determine if an assessment of ADHD should be made.
At the conclusion of the interview, the examiner will be asked to fill out a set of behavioral rating scales for ADHD. These questionnaires are founded on research that compared people who suffer from ADHD with people without ADHD. They provide important reliable information. Usually the person being assessed along with their partner will complete these rating scales together.
Broad-spectrum scales for screening for anxiety or depression are usually included in an ADHD assessment as are tests for specific abilities (such as language development, vocabulary recall, memory recall and motor skills). Sometimes, the doctor will decide that a different type of psychometric or psychological test is required and order one according to the needs.
At Priory, we are highly adept at examining differential diagnosis (what other conditions may have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). In order to optimize the treatment package for a patient with anxiety could be prescribed psychotherapy and medication.
What happens following what happens after Private Assessment?
If you or someone you know has ADHD, getting a diagnosis can help to manage symptoms that are negatively impacting your life. This is particularly true for people who struggle at work or in relationships or relationships, who feel they can't keep up with tasks at home, get lost of their time easily, or struggle to plan and organize their day-to-day life. Find a doctor certified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You could ask your general practitioner for an opinion, or consult a friend or relative. You can also call the mental health clinic or medical school for suggestions. Join an ADHD support group to discuss issues with other members.
A thorough ADHD assessment can be conducted in person or via the internet. The clinician will interview you, look over pertinent medical history, and may suggest psychometric testing to better understand your cognitive abilities. These tests include standardised behavioural ratings for ADHD psychometrics, broad spectrum psychometrics and specific ability tests.
The clinician will incorporate all the information from various sources to provide diagnostic advice regarding your ADHD and any other learning or psychiatric disorders that are identified during the test. The clinician will discuss treatment options and can help you develop a holistic treatment plan that includes therapy, medication and/or other psychosocial treatments.
Once a final diagnoses has been confirmed, the physician will provide you and your GP the full report. The doctor will provide your GP all the necessary documentation for you to be able to receive prescription medications through the NHS. You will be required to attend follow-up appointments with your GP in order for them to track your progress and verify that the medications are working.
You may choose to continue private care or return to NHS care after your psychiatrist has provided you with an written summary of the assessment and agreed upon a holistic treatment plan. Generally, a minimum of three months of medication stabilisation and follow-up appointments are required before you are able to transfer back to the NHS.