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

How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment
Finding out that you have ADHD isn't easy especially for adults. Many healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms in adults, or might not have the right diagnostic tools to work with.
Using self-assessment tools may provide some clues, but the most accurate diagnosis can only be made by a certified professional. This includes physicians, clinical psychologists (psychiatrist or neurologists) and medical social workers.
What is a private assessment?
People who suspect they suffer from ADHD might seek out private medical attention in order to receive a diagnosis as well as a prescription for medication. It is important to keep in mind that only psychiatrists with professional training and experience in working with ADHD in adult patients are able to diagnose ADHD. for beginners and counselors are able to discuss ADHD symptoms but they are unable to give a formal diagnosis.
The most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is to conduct an organized interview and questionnaires. These are typically based on research comparing the behaviors of ADHD sufferers with those who do not have it. During the assessment, it is important for the patient to be honest and forthcoming and not bury details or conceal any difficulties they have. The clinician will ask about the existence and severity of symptoms in various situations. They will also discuss the family history, as well as any mental disorders, or alcohol and/or drug use.
A psychiatric specialist will then assess the symptoms and their impact on daily life. This is a more thorough evaluation than a standard psychiatric evaluation, so it is essential to schedule an appointment prior to the time. It is recommended to bring a friend or family member to support the individual and provide feedback. Sometimes an additional neuropsychological, psychosocial or testing for learning disabilities is utilized to supplement the clinical evaluation and determine whether ADHD is present or if other conditions are contributing to the symptoms.
After the assessment the clinician will let the person know what the next steps will be. They will usually talk about the appropriateness of medication and decide on a holistic plan of treatment. Some clinics offer a fast titration and stabilisation service for those who want to start taking medication straight from the beginning. This is typically only available to a limited number of patients who meet certain requirements, such as being over the age of 18 and not suffering from a pre-existing medical condition that could prevent them from taking their medication immediately (e.g. Cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism.
How do I book an Assessment Private?
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 well-being. You can also request your GP for an appointment with a specialist. They can do this through the NHS "Right to Choose" scheme, which means you can choose the hospital or wellbeing centre that you prefer.
Once you've been referred to the clinic, an appointment is scheduled to undergo the clinical assessment, which usually takes two weeks. The assessment can be conducted face-to-face, online or by a specialist in the field. This appointment is crucial since without it, a diagnosis will not be determined. You can also bring your family member along to collect additional information. It is not required.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail and how they affect you now and how long they've been present. You'll be asked questions about your personal and social life, how you cope with the symptoms, and if they affect your work and relationships. It is quite normal to be anxious about the first consultation, however our psychiatrists are experienced in making you feel safe and at ease.
The assessment will also include tests for diagnostics in addition to the structured interview. Most often, these tests will comprise the QbCheck and QbTest. Both are CE marked, FDA/TGA approved and use an abbreviated version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD Adults Version 5(DIVA5) to determine if an adult is with ADHD. The results of the test are combined with clinical judgement to create an accurate diagnosis.
It is very important to receive a correct diagnosis, as if left untreated, it can cause serious difficulties with work, relationships and overall wellbeing. It is worth remembering that medical professionals can have preconceived ideas about who they think might have ADHD and these can influence their ability to provide a correct diagnosis.
What happens during the time of a Private Assessment?
While every doctor has their own evaluation process there are some procedures that all doctors consider essential to conduct a thorough ADHD assessment. This includes a thorough diagnosis interview, information collected from sources other than the doctor (such as spouses and family members) and standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and other types of psychometric testing as deemed appropriate by the clinician.
The diagnostic interview is usually the first step in the process. The person being assessed will be asked an array of questions designed to make them reflect on how they have been behaving and then to explain how their behaviors impact their lives. It could take about an hour or more. It is important to get a complete and honest response from the patient or family member. Some patients may feel uncomfortable or shy to speak about their behavior, which could negatively impact the accuracy of your assessment.
During the examination, the examiner will ask questions about the effects of ADHD on the person's relationships as well as their life. The examiner will also ask the individual about their medical history and the length of time they have been suffering from symptoms of ADHD. This is an important aspect of the evaluation as it can help to determine whether an assessment of ADHD is appropriate.
The examiner will then fill out a series of behavioral rating scales that are standard for ADHD. These scales are based on research that compares the behaviours of people with ADHD to those of people without ADHD and are a valuable source of objective information. These rating scales are typically completed by the person being rated and their spouse.
Broad-spectrum scales for screening for depression or anxiety are often included in an ADHD assessment as are tests for specific abilities (such as the development of language, vocabulary, memory recall and motor skills). Sometimes, the doctor will decide that a different kind of psychometric or psychological test is required and request one in accordance with the need.
Priory is highly experienced at exploring differential diagnosis. (What other conditions may share symptoms with ADHD). For example, a person who has been diagnosed with anxiety might be recommended psychotherapy as for medication to optimize the treatment program.
What happens after the Private Assessment?
If you or someone you love suffers from ADHD The diagnosis can assist you in managing issues that negatively impact your daily life. This is particularly true for people who struggle in their relationships or at work, feel they cannot keep up with the demands at home, lose track of things easily or struggle to plan and organise their day-to-day life. The first step is to find a doctor who is able to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can ask your general practitioner for recommendations, or ask a friend or relative. You can also contact medical schools or a mental health clinic to get recommendations. Attend an ADHD support group to chat with other members.
A thorough ADHD evaluation can be conducted face to face or online. The doctor will interview you, review relevant clinical history and may recommend psychometric testing to gain a better understanding of your cognitive abilities. These tests often include the standardized behavioural rating scales used for ADHD, broad-spectrum psychometrics and tests of specific abilities.
The clinician will integrate all the information gathered from a variety of sources to provide diagnostic advice regarding your ADHD and any other learning or psychiatric disorder identified during the assessment. The doctor will discuss treatment options with you and assist you to create a comprehensive plan that may include therapy, medication or other psychosocial interventions.
After a final diagnosis is completed, the doctor will provide you and your GP a detailed report. The doctor will send your GP all the paperwork required if you wish to receive prescription medication through the NHS. You'll need to attend follow-up appointments with your GP to allow them to track your progress and ensure that the medication is working.
After your psychiatrist has provided you a written report and reached an agreement on a holistic treatment plan, you are able to decide whether to continue with private or NHS treatment. You must have at least three months of medication stabilisation and follow-up appointments prior to when you can return to the NHS.