Finding out that you have ADHD can be a challenge particularly for adults. Many healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms in adults, or may have limited tools for diagnosing.
Self-assessment may give some clues, however a valid diagnosis can only be made by a qualified professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologists), physicians (psychiatrists) and medical social workers.
What is a Private Assessment?
adhd private assessment who suspect they have ADHD may seek out private medical attention to receive an assessment and prescription for medication. It is crucial to realise that the only professionals who can determine 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 an official diagnosis.
The primary method for diagnosing ADHD is through a structured clinical interview and questionnaires. These are usually founded on research and compare the behavior of ADHD patients with and without it. During the evaluation, it is important that the individual be honest and open and not conceal any issues or hide information. The doctor will inquire with the patient about the severity and frequency of symptoms in various situations and over time. They will also talk about family history as well as any other mental health issues or use of alcohol or drugs.
A psychiatrist will assess the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. This is a more detailed assessment than a standard psychiatric evaluation, so it is essential to schedule an appointment ahead of time. Bring a family member or friend to offer support and feedback. Sometimes additional psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests are used in conjunction with the clinical assessment to determine if ADHD is present, or if other conditions are causing symptoms.
After the evaluation, the clinician will inform the patient what the next steps are. Typically, they will decide if medication is necessary and come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. Some clinics provide a rapid stabilisation and titration service for those who want to start taking medication straight away. This is usually only offered to a limited number of patients who meet certain criteria, such as 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 Assessment Private?
You can ask for a confidential assessment if you think you have ADHD and you are concerned about the effects it has on your relationships, work or general well-being. You can also ask your GP to refer you to an expert. They can do this through the NHS Right to Choose scheme, which means you can choose the wellbeing center or hospital you prefer.
Once you've been referred to the clinic, an appointment will be booked for you to complete the clinical assessment, which usually takes several weeks. The assessment will be conducted face-to-face or online, and will involve a structured interview with a specialist in the field. This appointment is vital since without it, a diagnosis can't be determined. You can also bring your family member along to collect collateral information. This is not required.
Your physician will discuss your medical history, your symptoms and how they affect you. They will also inquire about how long the symptoms have been present. You'll be asked questions about your social and personal life, how you deal with the symptoms, and if they affect your work or relationships. It is very normal to be nervous about your first appointment, but our psychiatrists have years of experience in making you feel safe and comfortable.
In addition to a structured interview, the assessment will include some diagnostic tests. Typically these will include the QbCheck and QbTest. Both are CE marked and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the diagnosis of people suffering from ADHD, and they use a simplified 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 provide an accurate diagnosis.
It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis, because if you don't treat it the condition can lead to serious issues with relationships and work. It can also impact your health. It is important to remember that medical professionals might have preconceived notions about the people they believe might have ADHD This can hinder their ability to provide the correct diagnosis.
What happens during a Private Assessment?
While every doctor has their own method of evaluation however, there are some procedures that all physicians consider essential for a comprehensive ADHD assessment. This includes a thorough diagnosis interview, data gathered from sources other than the doctor's office (such spouses or other family members) as well as the standard scales of behavior rating for ADHD and other types of tests for psychometrics that are considered appropriate by the therapists.
The diagnostic interview is typically the first step in the process. The person being evaluated will be asked several questions designed to get them to consider the ways they've been behaving and then to explain how their actions influence their lives. The process can take up to an hour or more. It is crucial to get a full and honest response from the patient or family member. Some patients might be shy or embarrassed to discuss how they are acting, and this can significantly affect the quality of the assessment.
During the examination, the examiner will ask questions about the effects of ADHD on the person's relationships and daily life. The examiner will also inquire of the individual about their medical history as well as the duration of time they've been suffering from symptoms of ADHD. This is a vital element of the evaluation because it will determine whether the diagnosis of ADHD is warranted.
At the end of the interview the examiner will complete some standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD. These questionnaires use research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people without ADHD and are an important source of information that is objective. Typically, the person being evaluated together with their significant other complete these rating scales in conjunction.
Broad-spectrum scales to screen for anxiety or depression are often included in an ADHD assessment as are tests for specific capabilities (such as the development of language, vocabulary recall, memory recall and motor abilities). Sometimes, the clinician may decide that a different kind of psychometric test or psychological assessment is required and may order it.
At Priory we are experienced in exploring differential diagnosis (what other conditions may have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). For instance, a patient who is diagnosed with anxiety might be recommended psychotherapy as well as medication to optimise the treatment program.
What happens after what happens after Private Assessment?
If you or someone you love has ADHD, a diagnosis will assist you in managing symptoms that negatively affect your life. This is particularly true for adults who are struggling in their relationships or at work and feel they are unable to keep up with tasks at home, lose track of things easily, or struggle to organize and plan their daily routine. Find a doctor certified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general practitioner might be able to provide a recommendation or you can ask a family or friend member for a referral. You can also ask the medical school or mental health clinic to get recommendations. Attend an ADHD support group to discuss issues with members.
A thorough ADHD assessment can be done face-to-face or online. The doctor will conduct an interview, review your clinical background, and recommend psychometric tests to understand cognitive abilities. These tests typically include standardised behavioural rating scales for ADHD, broad-spectrum psychometrics and tests for specific abilities.
The clinician will use all the data gathered from different sources to determine the diagnosis of ADHD and other psychiatric or learning disorders that were discovered in the evaluation. The doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you and help you create a holistic plan, which may include therapy, medication, or other psychosocial interventions.
Once a final diagnoses is confirmed, the physician will send you and your GP the full report. If you're looking to receive prescription medication through the NHS, the clinician will give your GP with all the necessary documentation. You'll be required to attend follow-up appointments with your GP in order for them to track your progress and ensure that the medication is working.
You may choose to continue private care or return to NHS care once your doctor has provided you with a written summary of the evaluation and has reached an agreement on a holistic treatment plan. You'll need a minimum three months of medication stabilisation and follow-up appointments before you are able to return to the NHS.
