How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment

It can be difficult to recognize ADHD, especially in adults. Many healthcare professionals don't know how to recognize ADHD in adults or only have a limited set of diagnostic tools.

Self-assessment can provide some clues, but a proper diagnosis is only possible by a trained professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologist) as well as doctors (psychiatrists) and medical social workers.

What is a Private Assessment?

Many people who suspect they suffer from ADHD may seek out private healthcare to get an diagnosis and the 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 are able to discuss ADHD symptoms, but they are not able to provide an official diagnosis.

The primary method for diagnosing ADHD is through a structured interview and questionnaires. They are typically based on research comparing the behaviors of ADHD sufferers to those without it. During the evaluation, it is important that the individual be honest and forthcoming, and not hide any issues or conceal information. The clinician will ask about the severity and presence of symptoms over time and in different situations. They will also discuss family history, any other mental problems or drug and/or alcohol use.

A psychiatrist will conduct an assessment of the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life. It is usually more thorough than a routine psychiatric assessment, so it is important to make an appointment in advance and to allow sufficient time for the appointment. It is a good idea to bring a trusted friend or family member to assist the person and give feedback. Sometimes an additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or learning disabilities testing is utilized to supplement the clinical assessment and help determine if ADHD is present or other factors are contributing to the symptoms.

After the assessment, the clinician will inform the patient what the next steps are. They will usually discuss whether the medication is appropriate and decide on a holistic plan of treatment. Some clinics provide a rapid stabilisation and titration service for those who wish to start taking medication straight immediately. This is usually only offered to a limited number of clients who meet certain requirements, such as being over the age of 18 and not having a pre-existing medical condition that would prevent the patient from taking treatment immediately (e.g. symptomatic cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism).

How do I schedule a Private Assessment?

You can ask for a confidential assessment if you suspect that you are suffering from ADHD and you are concerned about the impact it could have on your work, relationships, or general wellbeing. You could also request your GP for the referral to an expert. You can do this via the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme, which means you can pick the health centre or hospital of your choice.

After you have been diagnosed after being referred, you will be given an appointment to conduct the evaluation usually within two weeks. This can be done face-to-face, online or by an expert in the field. It is important that you attend this appointment, private adult adhd assessment as without it a diagnosis cannot be made. You may also invite a relative along to get collateral information. This is not required.

Your doctor will go over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail what they impact you now and how long they 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 very normal to be nervous about the first consultation, however our psychiatrists have years of experience in making you feel at ease and comfortable.

In addition to an organized interview, the test will include some diagnostic tests. They will typically include the QbCheck or QbTest. Both tests are CE certified and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the diagnosis of adults with ADHD, and they use a simplified version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults Version 5 (DIVA5). The results of the test are compared with clinical judgement to create an accurate diagnosis.

It is essential to receive a correct diagnosis, as if you don't treat it the condition can lead to serious problems with work and relationships. It can also affect your overall health. It is worth remembering that medical professionals can have preconceived notions about who they think might have ADHD and this can influence their ability to provide a correct diagnosis.

What happens during the time of a Private Assessment?

While every doctor will have their own method of evaluation but there are certain processes that all clinicians consider essential for a comprehensive ADHD evaluation. This includes an exhaustive diagnosis interview, data gathered from independent sources (such spouse or other family member), typical behavior rating scales for ADHD and other forms of tests that are deemed appropriate by therapists.

The diagnostic interview is typically the first step in the process. The person being assessed will be asked a series of questions that are designed to make them think about the way they've been acting and to discuss how those actions impact their lives. The process can take up to an hour or more. It is essential to get a complete and honest response from the patient or a family member. Some patients might be embarrassed or reluctant to discuss how they're behaving, and this could significantly affect the quality of the evaluation.

During the examination, the examiner will inquire about the effects of ADHD on the person's relationships and life. They will also ask about the medical history of the person and how long they have been experiencing symptoms of ADHD. This is an important part of the assessment as it can help to determine whether the diagnosis of ADHD is warranted.

The examiner will then complete the scales of behavioral ratings that are standardized for ADHD. These questionnaires are built on research that compares people with ADHD with people without ADHD. They are a valuable source of objective information. These scales of rating are typically completed by the person who is being assessed as well as their partner.

In an ADHD assessment tests for particular abilities are frequently included, like vocabulary development, language development and memory recall. Sometimes, the doctor may decide that a different kind of psychological test or psychometric assessment is required and may order it.

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

What happens after the Private Assessment?

If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, a diagnosis will assist you in managing symptoms that can negatively affect your life. This is particularly relevant for adults who are struggling at work or in relationships, feel they cannot keep up with tasks at home, lose track of their time easily, or struggle to plan and organize their day-to-day life. Find a doctor who is able to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can ask your doctor for a recommendation, or a friend or relative. You can also ask the medical school or mental health clinic for recommendations. Another option is to go to an ADHD support group and talk with the group members.

A thorough ADHD evaluation can be conducted face-to-face or online. The clinician will talk to you, go over relevant clinical history and may recommend psychometric tests to help you understand your cognitive abilities. These tests include standardized behavioural ratings for adhd assessment private cost, broad spectrum psychometrics and tests for specific abilities.

The clinician will integrate all the information from different sources to offer diagnostic opinions regarding your ADHD and any other psychiatric or learning disorders that are discovered during the evaluation. The clinician can discuss the options for treatment with you and assist you to create a comprehensive strategy, which could include therapy, medication, or other psychosocial interventions.

After a definitive diagnosis has been made, the clinician will write an extensive report to be sent to you and your GP. If you are interested in receiving prescription medications through the NHS, the clinician will give your GP with all the required documentation. You'll need to attend follow up appointments with your GP to allow them to monitor your progress and ensure that the medication is working.

You can choose to continue receiving private treatment or return to NHS care after your doctor has given you an outline of the evaluation and has agreed upon a holistic treatment plan. You must have a minimum three months of medication stabilisation, and follow-up appointments prior to when you can be admitted to the NHS.