Self-assessment could provide clues, but a proper diagnosis is only achievable by a trained professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologists) as well as physicians (psychiatrists) and medical social workers.
What is a Private Assessment?
People who suspect that they suffer from ADHD may seek out private medical attention to receive a diagnosis and prescription for medication. But it is important to realize that the only doctors who can diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists who have undergone specialist training and have experience working with ADHD in adults. Mental health professionals and counselors are able to discuss ADHD symptoms, but they cannot give a formal diagnosis.
The most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is through a structured interview and questionnaires. These are typically built on research that compares the behaviours of ADHD patients with and without it. During the evaluation, it is important that the individual be honest and open, and not hide any difficulties or withhold information. The doctor will ask the patient about the severity and frequency of symptoms in different situations and over time. They will also talk about family history as well as any other mental health problems or use of alcohol or drugs.
A psychiatrist will complete an assessment of the symptoms and their affect the person's daily activities. This is a more detailed assessment than a typical assessment of psychiatric disorders, so it's important to make an appointment ahead of time. Bring a close family member or friend to offer assistance and feedback. Occasionally there are additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities is used to complement the clinical assessment and help determine if ADHD is present or if other conditions are causing the symptoms.
Following the assessment the doctor will inform the patient what the next steps are. In most cases, they will discuss whether medication is needed and will agree on a comprehensive treatment plan. Some clinics offer a fast stabilisation and titration service for those who want to begin taking medication right away. This service is usually only available for a small number of clients who meet certain requirements, such as being over the age of 18 and not suffering from a medical condition that would prevent them from starting medication immediately (e.g. symptomatic cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism).
How do I make an appointment for a Private Assessment?
You can seek a private assessment if you suspect you have ADHD and you are concerned about the effects it has on your relationships, work, or general wellbeing. You could also request your GP for an appointment with an expert. The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows them to do this. This means that you can choose the wellness center or hospital you prefer.
After you've been referred to the clinic to the clinic, an appointment is scheduled to undergo the clinical assessment, usually within several weeks. The assessment will be conducted face-to-face or online and includes a structured interview with a specialist in the field. This appointment is essential because without it, a diagnosis cannot be determined. It is also beneficial to bring a family member to provide additional information, although it is not required.
Your clinician will go over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail, how they affect you now and how long they have been present. You can expect to be asked questions regarding your social and personal life, how you manage symptoms, and how they affect your work and relationships. It is very normal to feel apprehensive about the first consultation, however our psychiatrists are skilled in making you feel at ease and comfortable.
The test will also comprise diagnostic tests in addition to the structured interview. Typically these will include the QbCheck and QbTest. Both are CE marked and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the identification of adults with ADHD and use a shortened 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 essential to receive a correct diagnosis, as if it is not treated the condition can lead to serious issues with work and relationships. It can also affect your wellbeing. It is worth remembering that medical professionals can have preconceived ideas about who they think might have ADHD and this could affect their ability to provide a correct diagnosis.
What happens during what happens during a Private Assessment?
While every doctor may have their own process for evaluating patients however, there are some procedures that all physicians believe to be essential to a thorough ADHD evaluation. This includes a thorough diagnosis interview, information gathered from sources other than the doctor's office (such spouse or other family members) and the standard scales of behavior rating 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 several questions designed to prompt them to consider the ways they've been acting and to discuss how those behaviors affect their lives. It could take about an hour or more. It is important that the patient or family members are honest and fully. Some patients may be embarrassed or hesitant to talk about their behavior, which can affect the accuracy of your assessment.
During the interview, the examiner will ask questions about the impact of ADHD on the person's relationships and daily life. The examiner will also ask the individual about their medical history and the amount of time they've experienced the symptoms of ADHD. This is a vital part of the evaluation, since it will determine if an assessment of ADHD is warranted.
The examiner will then complete some behavioral rating scales that are designed to be standardized for ADHD. These tests are based on research that compared people with ADHD with people without ADHD. They are a valuable source of reliable information. Typically, the person being evaluated together with their significant other complete these scales of rating together.
In an ADHD assessment, tests of particular abilities are usually included, such as the development of vocabulary, language and memory recall. Sometimes, the doctor will decide that a different type of psychometric or psychological test is required and request one accordingly.
At Priory we are experienced in exploring differential diagnosis (what other conditions have symptom overlap with ADHD). For example, a person who is diagnosed with anxiety may be recommended psychotherapy as for medication to optimize the treatment package.
What happens following the Private Assessment?
If you or someone you love has ADHD A diagnosis can help you manage symptoms that can negatively impact your life. This is particularly applicable to adults who are struggling in their relationships or at work, feel they cannot keep up with the demands at home, are unable to keep track of things easily, or struggle to organize and plan their day-to-day life. Find a doctor certified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general practitioner might be able to provide an appointment or ask a family or friend member to refer you. You can also contact a medical school or mental health clinic to get recommendations. Join an ADHD support group to chat with members.
Online or face-to-face, a thorough ADHD evaluation is available. The clinician will talk to you, go over relevant medical history and may suggest psychometric tests to help you understand your cognitive capabilities. These tests include standardized behavioural ratings for ADHD psychometrics, broad spectrum psychometrics and specific test of ability.
The doctor will utilize all the information gathered from various sources to determine the diagnosis of ADHD and other learning or psychiatric disorders that were discovered in the evaluation. The clinician can discuss treatment options with you and help create a comprehensive plan, which may include medication, therapy or other psychosocial interventions.
When a final diagnosis has been determined and the clinician has written a comprehensive report to be provided to you and your GP. If you're interested in receiving prescription medication through the NHS the doctor will give your GP with all the necessary documentation. You'll need to attend follow-up appointments with your GP to ensure they keep track of your progress and make sure the medication is working.
You may choose to continue receiving private treatment or return to NHS care after your doctor has given you a written summary of the evaluation and has agreed upon a holistic treatment plan. You will need to have at least three months of medication stabilisation and follow-up appointments prior to when you are able to return to the NHS.
