Ten Common Misconceptions About Private Adult ADHD Assessment That Arent Always True

How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
Getting diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy especially for adults. Many healthcare professionals do not know how to diagnose ADHD in adults, or only have limited diagnostic tools.
Self-assessment could provide clues, however a valid 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?
A few people who suspect that they suffer from ADHD may seek out private medical attention to obtain a diagnosis and prescription for medication. It is crucial to remember that only psychiatrists with a professional training and experience in working with ADHD in adult patients are able to diagnose ADHD. Counsellors and other mental health professionals can talk about ADHD symptoms but cannot provide an official diagnosis.
website link for diagnosing ADHD is a structured clinical interview and questionnaires. These are usually built on research that compares behaviours of people with ADHD to those of people without it. During the evaluation, it is crucial that the patient be honest and forthcoming, and not hide any difficulties or withhold information. The doctor will ask 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 examine the symptoms and their impact on daily life. It is usually more thorough than a typical psychiatric assessment, so it is important to book ahead and allow plenty of time for the appointment. It is recommended to bring a trusted friend or family member to support the individual and to give feedback. Sometimes, additional psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests are used in conjunction with the clinical assessment to determine whether ADHD is present, or if other conditions are contributing symptoms.
After the assessment, the clinician will inform the patient what the next steps are. Typically they will discuss if medication is appropriate and agree on a comprehensive treatment plan. Some clinics offer a fast stabilisation and titration program for patients who wish to begin taking medication right away. This is usually only offered to a limited number of patients who meet certain criteria for example, being over the age of 18 and not suffering from a pre-existing medical condition that would prevent the patient from taking treatment immediately (e.g. hyperthyroidism or symptomatic cardiovascular disease).
How do I make an appointment for a Private Assessment?
You can ask for a confidential assessment if you think you are suffering from ADHD and you are worried about the impact on your work, relationships, or general wellbeing. You can also request your GP to refer you to a specialist. They are able to make this request through the NHS Right to Choose scheme, which means that you can pick the wellbeing center or hospital of your choice.
Once you've been recommended to the clinic, an appointment is scheduled to take the evaluation, typically within several weeks. It can be done face-toface or via the internet, or by a specialist in the field. This appointment is essential because without it, a diagnosis will not be established. It is also useful to bring a family member to provide additional information, though this is not necessary.
Your clinician will go over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in depth, how they affect you right now and how long they have been present. You should expect to answer questions regarding your personal and social life, your ability to deal with symptoms and how they affect your work and relationships. It's normal to be anxious about your first visit, but our psychiatrists have the expertise to make you feel relaxed and safe.
The assessment will also include diagnostic tests in addition to the structured interview. In general, these tests include the QbCheck and QbTest. Both of these are CE certified and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the diagnosis of adults with ADHD and employ a shortened version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults Version 5 (DIVA5). The results of the test as well as clinical judgement are used to give an accurate diagnosis.
It is vital that you receive a valid diagnosis, as if left untreated, it can lead to serious problems with relationships, work and wellbeing. It is crucial to keep in mind that medical professionals may have preconceived notions about people they believe has ADHD and this could hinder their ability to give the correct diagnosis.
What happens during the course of a Private Assessment
While every doctor has their own method of evaluation, there are certain procedures that all physicians believe to be necessary for a complete ADHD evaluation. These include an exhaustive diagnosis interview, data collected from outside sources (such spouse or other family member), the standard scales of behavior rating for ADHD and other types of tests that are deemed appropriate by therapists.
The diagnostic interview is usually the first step in the process. The person being assessed will be asked an array of questions that are designed to get them to reflect on how they've been behaving and then to explain how their behaviours impact their lives. This could take about an hour or more. It is crucial that the patient or their family members answer honestly and completely. Some patients may feel uneasy or uncomfortable speaking about their behavior, which can negatively 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. They will also inquire about the medical history of the person and how long they have been experiencing symptoms of ADHD. This is a crucial aspect of the assessment because it will help determine if an assessment of ADHD is warranted.
The examiner is then required to complete the scales of behavioral ratings that are designed to be standardized for ADHD. These scales are based on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD to those of people without ADHD and are an important source of objective information. Typically, the person being evaluated along with their partner will complete these rating scales in conjunction.
Broad-spectrum scales that screen for anxiety or depression are frequently included in an ADHD assessment as are tests of specific capabilities (such as vocabulary development, language development, memory recall and motor abilities). Occasionally, the clinician may decide that a different type of psychological or psychometric test is required and order one accordingly.
At Priory we are adept at examining differential diagnosis (what other conditions have symptom overlap with ADHD). To maximize the treatment package, a person diagnosed with anxiety could be prescribed medication and psychotherapy.
What happens following the Private Assessment?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD A diagnosis can aid in managing the issues that negatively impact your daily life. This is particularly true for people who struggle at work or in relationships or relationships, who feel they can't keep up with tasks at home, get lost of their time easily, or struggle to plan and organise their day-to-day activities. Find a doctor who is able to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You could ask your general practitioner for recommendations, or ask someone you know. You can also ask the medical school or mental health clinic for recommendations. Another option is to join an ADHD support group and chat with the members.
A thorough ADHD evaluation can be conducted face-to-face or online. The doctor will interview 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 across the broad spectrum and specific ability tests.
The doctor will utilize all the information gathered from different sources to determine an assessment of ADHD and other learning or psychiatric disorders that were discovered during the examination. The clinician can discuss the options for treatment with you and help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication, 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 doctor will send your GP all the documentation necessary for you to be able to receive prescription medication via the NHS. You'll have to make periodic appointments with your GP to ensure they keep track of your progress and ensure the medication is working.
After your psychiatrist has given you a written report and reached an agreement on a holistic treatment plan, you are able to decide whether you want to continue your private or NHS treatment. You will need to have a minimum three months of medication stabilisation, and follow-up appointments before you can be admitted to the NHS.