Everything You Need To Learn About Private Adult ADHD Assessment

How to Get more resources can be difficult to diagnose ADHD, especially for adults. A lot of healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms for adults, or might not have the right diagnostic tools to work with.
Self-assessment may give some clues, but a definitive diagnosis can only be made by a qualified professional. This includes physicians, clinical psychologists (psychiatrist or neurologist) and medical social workers.
What is a private assessment?
Some people who suspect they have ADHD might seek out private healthcare to obtain an assessment and prescription for medication. But it is important to recognize that the only professionals who can diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists who have completed specialized training and have gained experience working with ADHD in adults. Counsellors and other mental health professionals can discuss ADHD symptoms but cannot provide a formally recognised diagnosis.
The most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is to conduct an interview that is structured and accompanied by questionnaires. These are usually built on research that compares the behavior of ADHD sufferers to those without it. During the evaluation, it is important for the individual to be honest and open and not hold back details or conceal any difficulties they face. The clinician will inquire about the existence and severity of symptoms throughout time and in different situations. They will also talk about family history and any other mental health issues or alcohol and drug use.
A psychiatric specialist will conduct an assessment of the symptoms and their affect the person's daily life. It is usually more thorough than a standard psychiatric examination It is therefore important to book ahead and allow plenty of time for the appointment. It is a good idea to bring a close friend or family member to support the individual and provide feedback. Sometimes, additional psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing is used in conjunction with the clinical examination to determine if ADHD is present, or if other disorders are contributing to the symptoms.
After the evaluation the clinician will let the person know what their next steps are. They will usually discuss the appropriateness of medication and then decide on a comprehensive treatment plan. Some clinics provide fast adjustment services for patients who want to begin taking medication right away. This service is usually only available to a limited number of clients who meet certain requirements, such as being over 18 and not having a pre-existing medical condition that prevents them from starting treatment immediately (e.g. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular disease).
How do I book an Assessment Private?
You can seek a private assessment if you think you have ADHD and you are concerned about the impact it could have on your relationships, work or general wellbeing. Alternately, you can request your GP to refer you to an expert. They are able to make this request through the NHS 'Right to Choose' scheme, which means you can choose the hospital or wellbeing centre you prefer.
If you are diagnosed after being referred, you will be given an appointment to complete the clinical assessment, usually within two weeks. It can be done face-toface or via the internet, or by a specialist in the field. It is crucial to attend the appointment because without it a diagnosis cannot be determined. It is also helpful to bring a loved one along for collateral information, although this is not necessary.
Your clinician will go over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail what they impact you now and how long they've been present. You can expect to answer questions regarding your social and personal life, how you manage symptoms and how they impact your relationships and work. It is very normal to feel apprehensive about this first consultation but our psychiatrists are skilled in making you feel secure and comfortable.
The assessment 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 as well as clinical judgement are used to give an accurate diagnosis.
It is crucial 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 professionals may have preconceived notions about people they believe might have ADHD, and this can affect their ability provide a proper diagnosis.
What happens during the course of a Private Assessment
While each doctor has their own method of evaluation, there are some procedures that all doctors consider essential to conduct a thorough ADHD assessment. This includes a thorough diagnostic interview, information collected from sources other than the doctor (such as spouses and family members) as well as standardized behavior ratings scales for ADHD and other types of psychometric testing as deemed appropriate by the clinician.
The diagnostic interview is typically the first step in the process. The person being assessed is asked a series of questions designed to get the person to consider their actions and then describe how that behavior impacts their lives. This will take an hour or more. It is important that the patient or their family members respond honestly and thoroughly. Some patients may feel embarrassed or hesitant to talk about their behavior, which could negatively affect the quality of your evaluation.
During the examination, the examiner will inquire about the impact 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 suffering from the symptoms of ADHD. This is a vital element of the evaluation as it can determine whether an assessment of ADHD is warranted.
The examiner will then fill out the scales of behavioral ratings that are standardized for ADHD. These questionnaires are based on research that compares 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 in conjunction.
In an ADHD assessment tests for particular abilities are frequently included, such as vocabulary development, language development and memory recall. Sometimes, the doctor may decide that a different kind of psychometric test or psychological assessment is needed and order it.
At Priory we are adept at examining differential diagnosis (what other conditions may have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). For instance, a person who is diagnosed with anxiety may be recommended psychotherapy as well in a medication plan to enhance the treatment plan.
What happens after a Private Assessment?
Whether you or someone you know suffer from ADHD being diagnosed can help manage the symptoms that are negatively impacting your life. This is particularly applicable to adults who experience difficulty working or in their relationships, are struggling to keep up with household tasks, lose track of things or struggle to plan or organize a day-to-day schedule. Find a doctor who is able to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You could ask your general practitioner for a recommendation, or an acquaintance or a relative. You can also reach out to a medical school or mental health clinic to get recommendations. Another option is to join an ADHD support group and talk with other members.
Face-to-face or online An in-depth ADHD assessment is available. The doctor will conduct an interview, review your clinical history, and recommend psychometric tests to help you understand your the cognitive abilities. These tests include standardised behavioural ratings for ADHD psychometrics across the broad spectrum and specific ability tests.
The clinician will incorporate all the information from different sources to offer diagnostic opinions regarding your ADHD and any other learning or psychiatric disorder identified during the assessment. The doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you and assist you to create a holistic plan, which may include therapy, medication, or other psychosocial interventions.
After a final diagnosis is confirmed, the physician will send you and your GP a detailed report. The doctor will send your GP all the documentation necessary 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 keep track of your progress and verify that the medications are working.
After your psychiatrist has given you a written summary of the treatment and reached an agreement on a holistic treatment plan, you can decide whether to continue with private or NHS treatment. You'll need a minimum three months of medication stabilisation, and follow-up appointments prior to when you can be admitted to the NHS.