How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
It isn't easy to identify ADHD, especially in adults. Many healthcare professionals aren't aware of how to recognize ADHD in adults or may only have a limited set of diagnostic tools.
Self-assessment may give some clues, but a proper diagnosis is only achievable by a qualified professional. This includes clinical psychologists, physicians (psychiatrist or neurologist) and medical social workers.
What is a private assessment?
Some people who suspect that they may have ADHD might seek out private medical attention to get an assessment and the prescription for medication. It is important to keep in mind that only psychiatrists with a specialist training and experience working with ADHD in adult patients are able to diagnose ADHD. Counsellors and other mental health professionals are able to talk about ADHD symptoms but cannot provide an official diagnosis.
The main method of diagnosing ADHD is through a structured clinical interview and questionnaires. These are usually built on research that compares behaviours of those with ADHD with those of people who are not. During the assessment, it is important that the individual be honest and open and not conceal any difficulties or withhold 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, any other mental health issues or alcohol and/or drug use.
A psychiatric expert will then conduct an assessment of the symptoms and their affect the person's daily life. This is a more comprehensive evaluation than a standard psychiatric evaluation, so it is important to schedule an appointment in advance. It is recommended to bring a friend or family member to help the patient and to give feedback. Sometimes other psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests are used in conjunction with the clinical evaluation to determine whether ADHD is present, or if other conditions are contributing symptoms.
The clinician will tell the patient what to do next after the assessment. Typically they will discuss if medication is appropriate and agree on an overall treatment plan. Some clinics provide a rapid titration and stabilisation service for patients who wish to start taking medications right immediately. This service is usually only available for a select group of patients who meet certain requirements for example, being over the age of 18 and not suffering from a medical condition that would prevent the patient from taking treatment immediately (e.g. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular illness).
How do I book an appointment for a Private Assessment?
If you suspect that you have ADHD and are concerned about the effect it might have on your relationships, work or general health it is possible to seek an assessment privately. You could also request your GP for an appointment with a specialist. The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows them to do this. This means that you can select the health center or hospital you prefer.
After you've been referred to the clinic, an appointment will be booked for you to undergo the clinical assessment, which usually takes several weeks. The assessment can be conducted face-to-face or via the internet, or by a specialist in the field. It is important that you attend this appointment as without it a diagnosis cannot be made. You may also bring your loved ones along to gather collateral information. This is not required.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail, how they affect you right now and how long they have been present. You can expect to be asked questions about your social and personal life, your ability to manage symptoms and how they impact your work and relationships. It's normal to be nervous at the first appointment, but our psychiatrists have the experience to make you feel comfortable and secure.
The assessment will also include 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 determine if an adult is with ADHD. The results of the test and clinical judgment are used to make an accurate diagnosis.
It is vital that you receive a valid diagnosis, as if left untreated, it can cause serious issues with relationships, work and well-being. It is worth remembering that medical professionals may have preconceived notions about who they think may have ADHD and this can affect their ability to give an accurate diagnosis.
What happens at the time of a Private Assessment?
While every doctor has their own method of evaluation, there are certain procedures that all doctors consider essential to a thorough ADHD evaluation. This includes an exhaustive diagnosis interview, information gathered from outside sources (such a spouse or other family members) and the standard scales of behavior rating for ADHD and other types of tests for psychometrics that are considered appropriate by therapists.
The diagnostic interview is typically the first step of the process. The person being assessed is asked a series questions designed to prompt the person to consider their actions and describe how that behaviour impacts their lives. This could take an hour or longer. It is essential to get a complete and honest answer from the patient or a family member. Some patients might be shy or embarrassed to discuss how they're being behaved, and this could significantly affect the quality of the assessment.
During the interview the examiner will inquire about how the symptoms of ADHD have affected the person's life and their relationships. They will also inquire about the person's medical history and how long they have been experiencing the symptoms of ADHD. This is an essential part of the evaluation, because it will determine if the diagnosis of ADHD should be made.
The examiner will then complete the scales of behavioral ratings that are standardized for ADHD. These scales are based on research that compares people who suffer from ADHD with people who don't have ADHD. They are an important source for objective information. These rating scales are typically completed by the person being evaluated as well as their partner.
In an ADHD assessment tests for 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 required and request it.
At Priory we are adept at examining differential diagnosis (what other conditions might have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). For example, a person who has been diagnosed with anxiety might be recommended psychotherapy as well as medication to optimise the treatment plan.
What happens following the Private Assessment?
Whether private adhd assessment cost or someone you know suffer from ADHD, getting a diagnosis can help you manage the symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is especially true for those who struggle at work or in relationships and feel they are unable to keep up with tasks at home, lose track of their time easily, or struggle to organize and plan their day-to-day activities. Find a doctor who is able to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general physician may be able to make a recommendation or you can ask a family or friend member for a referral. You can also reach out to a medical school or mental health clinic for suggestions. Attend an ADHD support group to talk with other members.
Face-to-face or online A thorough ADHD evaluation is available. The doctor will interview you, go over relevant medical history and may suggest psychometric testing to gain a better understanding of your cognitive abilities. These tests usually include the standardized behavioural rating scales used for ADHD psychometrics, broad-spectrum psychometrics, and tests for specific abilities.
The clinician will incorporate all the information from different sources to provide diagnostic advice regarding your ADHD and any other learning or psychiatric disorder that are identified during the test. The doctor will discuss treatment options with you and help develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy or other psychosocial interventions.
Once a final diagnosis has been made the doctor will write an extensive report to be provided to you and your GP. The clinician will give your GP all the documentation necessary in order to obtain prescription medications through the NHS. You'll have to make periodic appointments with your GP to ensure that they monitor your progress and ensure the medication is effective.
You may choose to continue with private care or return to NHS care once your doctor has given you a written summary of the examination and has agreed upon a holistic treatment plan. Generally, a minimum of three months of stabilisation of your medication and follow up appointments will be needed before you are able to transfer back to the NHS.