How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment

It isn't easy to identify ADHD, especially for adults. Many healthcare professionals don't know how to recognize ADHD in adults or may only have a few tools for diagnosing.

Using self-assessment tools may provide some clues, but the most accurate diagnosis can only be determined by a trained professional. This includes clinical psychologists, physicians (psychiatrist or neurologists) and medical social workers.

What is an assessment that is private?

Some people who suspect that they suffer from ADHD might seek out private healthcare to obtain a diagnosis and prescription for medication. It is crucial to remember that only psychiatrists who have professional training and experience in working with ADHD in adult patients can diagnose ADHD. Counsellors and other mental health professionals can talk about ADHD symptoms, but they cannot offer a formally recognised diagnosis.

The main method of diagnosing ADHD is through a structured clinical interview and questionnaires. They are typically built on research that compares the behaviours of ADHD sufferers to those without it. During the assessment, it is important for the patient to be honest and transparent and not hold back information or hide any difficulties they face. The clinician will ask the patient about the severity and frequency of symptoms in different situations and over time. They will also discuss family history and any other mental health problems or alcohol and drug use.

A psychiatric specialist will then examine the symptoms and their impact on daily life. This assessment is generally more comprehensive than a typical psychiatric assessment It is therefore important to book ahead and allow plenty of time for the appointment. Bring a close family member or friend to provide assistance and feedback. Sometimes, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities is utilized to supplement the clinical evaluation and help determine if ADHD is present or if other conditions are contributing to the symptoms.

The clinician will explain to the patient what to do after the assessment. They will usually talk about the appropriateness of medication and decide on a holistic plan of treatment. Some clinics provide fast adjustment services for patients who want to begin taking medication immediately. This is usually only offered to a limited number of patients who meet certain requirements for example, being over the age of 18 and not having a pre-existing medical condition that would prevent them from starting treatment immediately (e.g. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular illness).

How do I book an appointment for a Private Assessment?

If you think you have ADHD and are concerned about the impact it might have on your work, relationships or general health you can have an assessment done privately. You could also ask your GP for the referral to a specialist. They are able to do this via the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme, which means that you can select the hospital or wellbeing centre you prefer.

Once you've been recommended to the clinic, an appointment will be booked for you to take the evaluation, typically within two weeks. This can be done face-to-face online, or by a specialist in the field. This appointment is vital as without it, a diagnosis cannot be determined. It is also helpful to bring a loved one to provide additional information, although this is not necessary.

Your clinician will discuss your medical history, your symptoms and how they are affecting you. They will also ask how long the symptoms have been present for. You can expect to answer questions regarding your personal and social life, how you deal with symptoms and how they impact your relationships and work. It's normal to feel nervous at the first appointment, but our psychiatrists have the knowledge and experience to make you feel at ease and secure.

The assessment will also comprise diagnostic tests, in addition to the structured interview. In general, these tests include the QbCheck and QbTest. Both are CE certified, 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 essential to receive a correct diagnosis, as if you don't treat it, it can cause serious issues at relationships and work. It can also impact your overall health. It is crucial to keep in mind that medical staff may have preconceived notions about who they believe has ADHD and this could hinder their ability to give the correct diagnosis.

What happens at the time of a Private Assessment?

While every doctor has their own process for evaluating patients however, there are some procedures that all doctors believe to be necessary for a complete ADHD assessment. These include a thorough diagnostic interview, information collected from sources other than the doctor (such as spouses and other members of the family) and standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and other forms 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 prompt the person to reflect on their behavior and then describe how that behavior impacts their daily life. The process can take up to an hour or more. It is important to obtain a complete and honest answer from the patient or a family member. Some patients may feel embarrassed or hesitant to talk about their behavior, which can affect the accuracy of your assessment.

During the interview the examiner will inquire about how the symptoms of adhd therapy for adults have affected the person's life and their relationships. The examiner will also ask the person about their medical history and the amount of time they've suffered from the symptoms of ADHD. This is a vital element of the evaluation because 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 questionnaires are based on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD to those of people who do not have ADHD and are an important source of objective information. These scales of rating are typically completed by the person who is being assessed and their spouse.

In an ADHD assessment, tests of specific abilities are often included, such as vocabulary development, language development and memory recall. Sometimes, the clinician may decide that a different type of psychometric test or psychological assessment is needed and order it.

At Priory, we are highly experienced in exploring differential diagnosis (what other conditions may have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). To optimize the treatment package, a person diagnosed with anxiety may be prescribed medication and psychotherapy.

What happens following the Private Assessment?

If you or someone you love suffers from ADHD, a diagnosis will assist you in managing symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is particularly true for adults who have difficulty at work or in their relationships, feel like they can't keep up with household chores, lose track of things or struggle to plan or organize an everyday schedule. Find a doctor qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general practitioner might be able to give a recommendation or you can request a family member or friend member to refer you. You can also reach out to medical schools or a mental health clinic for suggestions. Join an ADHD support group to talk with other members.

Face-to-face or online An in-depth ADHD assessment is available. The doctor will interview you, go over relevant medical history and ADHD Assessment For Adults may suggest psychometric testing to gain a better understanding of your cognitive capabilities. These tests include standardised behavioural ratings for ADHD psychometrics, broad spectrum psychometrics and specific ability tests.

The clinician will make use of all the data gathered from different sources to determine an assessment of ADHD and other learning or psychiatric disorders that were identified during the assessment. The doctor will go over treatment options and can help you create a comprehensive plan that includes therapy, medication or other psychosocial interventions.

After a definitive diagnosis has been determined and the clinician has written an extensive report to be sent to you and your GP. The doctor will provide your GP all the paperwork required for you to be able to receive prescription medications through the NHS. You will need to attend follow-up appointments with your GP to ensure that they track your progress and ensure the medication is working.

After your doctor has provided you a written summary of the treatment and reached an agreement on a holistic treatment program, you can decide whether you want to continue your private or NHS care. You will need to have a minimum three months of medication stabilisation, and follow-up appointments prior to when you can be admitted to the NHS.