How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge especially for adults. Many healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms for adults, or may have limited tools for diagnosing. Self-assessment can provide some clues, but a definitive diagnosis can only be made by a trained professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologists) as well as doctors (psychiatrists) and medical social workers. What is a private assessment? Many people who suspect they have ADHD may seek out private healthcare to get an diagnosis and a prescription for medication. It is crucial to recognize that the only professionals who can identify ADHD are psychiatrists who have completed specialized training and have experience working with ADHD in adults. Counsellors and mental health professionals are able to discuss ADHD symptoms but they are unable to give a formal diagnosis. The main method of diagnosing ADHD is through a structured interview and questionnaires. These are usually based on research that compares the behaviours of people with ADHD with those of people without it. During the assessment it is crucial that the person be honest and forthcoming and not bury information or hide any difficulties they have. 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 and any other mental health issues or drug and alcohol use. A psychiatric expert will then conduct an assessment of the symptoms and how they impact on the person's daily activities. This is a more detailed evaluation than a standard assessment of psychiatric disorders, so it is important to schedule an appointment prior to the time. It is recommended to bring a close friend or family member to support the individual and give feedback. Sometimes there are additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests are used to complement the clinical evaluation and help determine if ADHD is present or other conditions are contributing to the symptoms. After the evaluation the doctor will let the person know what the next steps are. They will usually discuss whether medication is appropriate and come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. Some clinics provide a rapid stabilisation and titration program for patients who wish to start taking medications right from the beginning. This service is available only to a limited amount of patients who meet certain criteria. For example they must be at least 18 years old and have no medical conditions that could prevent them starting their medication immediately. Cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism. How do I schedule a Private Assessment? You can ask for a confidential assessment if you suspect that you have ADHD and you are concerned about the impact it could have on your relationships, work, or general well-being. You could also request your GP for a referral to an expert. The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows the doctors to refer you to a specialist. This means that you are able to choose the hospital or wellness centre of your choosing. Once you've been diagnosed, you will be given an appointment to conduct the evaluation, usually within two weeks. It can be done face-toface online, or by a specialist in the field. It is essential that you attend this appointment, as without it a diagnosis cannot be determined. It is also beneficial to bring a family member along for collateral information, although it is not required. Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history, your symptoms and how they are affecting you. They will also ask how long the symptoms have been present. You will likely be asked questions about your social and personal life, how you cope with the symptoms, and how they affect your relationships and work. It is very normal to be nervous about your first appointment, but our psychiatrists are experienced in making you feel secure and at ease. In addition to an organized interview, the assessment will include a few diagnostic tests. They are typically the QbCheck or QbTest. Both tests are CE marked and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the identification of people suffering from ADHD and use a simplified version of the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults Version 5 (DIVA5). The results of the test are combined with clinical judgment to provide an accurate diagnosis. It is crucial to receive a correct diagnosis as if it is not treated properly it can cause serious issues with relationships, work and overall wellbeing. It is worth remembering that medical staff can sometimes have preconceived notions about the people they think may have ADHD and this can have an impact on their ability to provide a correct diagnosis. What happens at the time of a Private Assessment? While every doctor will have their own process for evaluating patients but there are certain processes that all doctors believe to be essential to a thorough ADHD assessment. These include a thorough diagnosis interview, data collected from independent sources (such a spouses or other family members) as well as typical behavior rating scales for ADHD, and other types psychometric testing deemed appropriate by therapists. The diagnostic interview is typically the first step in the process. The person being assessed will be asked an array of questions designed to get them to think about the way they've been behaving and to discuss how those actions impact their lives. It could take about an hour or more. It is crucial that the patient or their family members are honest and completely. Some patients may be shy or embarrassed to discuss how they are behaving, and this could negatively impact the accuracy of the evaluation. During the interview, the examiner will ask about how the symptoms of ADHD have affected the individual's life and relationships. They will also ask about the medical history of the person and how long they have been experiencing the symptoms of ADHD. This is an essential element of the evaluation because it will determine if an assessment of ADHD should be made. At the end of the interview the examiner will complete some standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the people who suffer from ADHD with people who don't have ADHD. They are an important source for objective information. These scales of rating are typically completed by the person being evaluated and their significant other. Broad-spectrum scales to screen for anxiety or depression are frequently included in an ADHD assessment as are tests of specific capabilities (such as the development of language, vocabulary, memory recall and motor abilities). Sometimes, the clinician may decide that a different type of psychometric test or psychological assessment is needed and order it. At Priory we are experienced in exploring differential diagnosis (what other conditions might have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). To optimize the treatment package, a person diagnosed with anxiety may be prescribed medication and psychotherapy. What happens following what happens after Private Assessment? If you or someone you love suffers from ADHD A diagnosis can assist you in managing symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is especially relevant for those who struggle in their relationships or at work or relationships, who feel they can't manage their time at home, lose track of things easily, or struggle to organize and plan their day-to-day life. Find a doctor qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. Your general physician may be able to make recommendations or request a family member or friend member for a referral. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment can also call a mental health clinic or medical school to get recommendations. Attend an ADHD support group to talk with 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 better understand your cognitive capabilities. These tests typically include standardised behavioural rating scales for ADHD psychometrics that cover a broad spectrum and tests of specific abilities. The clinician will make use of all the data gathered from different sources to establish the diagnosis of ADHD and other learning or psychiatric disorders that were discovered during the assessment. The doctor will go over the treatment options and help you develop a holistic plan that includes therapy, medication and/or other psychosocial treatments. After a definitive diagnosis has been determined, the clinician will write an extensive report that will be provided to you and your GP. The clinician will give your GP all the necessary documentation 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 monitor your progress and make sure that the medications are working. After your psychiatrist has given you a written summary of the treatment and agreed on a comprehensive treatment plan, you can decide if you want to continue with private or NHS treatment. You'll need at least three months of medication stabilisation and follow-up appointments prior to when you can return to the NHS.