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How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment It isn't easy to identify ADHD, especially for adults. Many healthcare professionals do not know how to diagnose ADHD in adults or only have a limited set of diagnostic tools. Self-assessment can provide some clues, but a proper diagnosis can only be made by a trained professional. This includes clinical psychologists (psychiatrists or neurologists) and physicians (psychiatrists) and medical social workers. What is a private assessment? Some people who suspect they have ADHD may seek private healthcare to get a diagnosis and prescription for medication. It is important to keep in mind that only psychiatrists with a specialization 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 they are not able to provide a formally recognised diagnosis. The main method for diagnosing ADHD is to conduct an organized interview and questionnaires. They are typically based on research comparing the behaviours of ADHD sufferers with those who do not have it. During the evaluation, it is important that the person be honest and open and not hide information or hide any difficulties they may be facing. 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 drug and alcohol use. A psychiatric expert will then perform an assessment of symptoms and their affect the individual's daily functioning. This is a more thorough assessment than a standard assessment of psychiatric disorders, so it is essential to schedule an appointment prior to the time. Bring a trusted family member or friend to offer support and feedback. Sometimes additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests are performed in conjunction with the clinical assessment to determine if ADHD is present, or if any other conditions are contributing symptoms. The clinician will tell the patient what to do next following the assessment. They will usually talk about the appropriateness of medication and decide on a holistic plan of treatment. Some clinics offer a quick stabilisation and titration service for those who wish to begin taking medication right from the beginning. This service is usually only available to a limited number of patients who meet certain criteria for example, being over the age of 18 and not suffering from a medical condition that could prevent them from starting treatment immediately (e.g. Hyperthyroidism or cardiovascular disease. How do I schedule an appointment for a Private Assessment? If you think you may have ADHD and are concerned about the effect it could be having on your relationships, work or general wellbeing it is possible to have an assessment done privately. You can also request your GP for the referral to an expert. They are able to do this via the NHS Right to Choose scheme, which means that you can choose the hospital or wellbeing centre you prefer. After you've been referred to the clinic, an appointment will be scheduled to complete the clinical evaluation, typically within several weeks. This assessment can be done face-toface or via the internet and will include an in-depth interview with a specialist in the field. This appointment is vital as without it, a diagnosis can't be made. It is also helpful to bring a loved one with you to gather additional information, though it is not required. Your physician will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail, how they affect you right now and how long they've been present. You can expect to answer questions regarding your personal and social life, your ability to deal with symptoms and how they impact your work and relationships. It is normal to be nervous about your first consultation Our psychiatrists have the expertise to make you feel relaxed and secure. In addition to a structured interview, the assessment will also include diagnostic tests. private adhd assessment adult will typically include the QbCheck or QbTest. Both tests are CE certified and FDA/TGA approved to aid in the identification of adults suffering from ADHD and employ a simplified 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 make an accurate diagnosis. It is vital to receive a correct diagnosis, as if left untreated, it can lead to serious problems with relationships, work and wellbeing. It is important to remember that medical professionals can have preconceived ideas about who they think may have ADHD and these can influence 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 doctors believe to be essential for a comprehensive ADHD evaluation. These include a thorough diagnosis interview, data collected from outside sources (such spouse or other family members) as well as 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 usually the first step in the process. The person being evaluated is asked a series of questions designed to prompt them to reflect on their behavior and explain how their behavior impacts their daily life. The process can take up to about an hour or more. It is crucial to get a full and honest response from the patient or a family member. Some patients may be uncomfortable or shy to speak about their behavior, which could affect the quality of your assessment. During the interview the examiner will ask questions about the impact of ADHD on the person's relationships as well as their life. They will also inquire about the person's medical history and the length of time they have been suffering from the symptoms of ADHD. This is an important part of the evaluation as it can help to determine whether an assessment of ADHD is warranted. The examiner will then complete the scales of behavioral ratings that are designed to be standardized for ADHD. These scales are based on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people without ADHD and are an important source of information objective. Usually the person being assessed together with their significant other complete these rating scales together. In an ADHD assessment tests for particular abilities are frequently included, like language development, vocabulary and memory recall. Sometimes, the physician may decide that a different type of psychometric or psychological test is needed and will order one according to the needs. At Priory, we are highly experienced in exploring differential diagnosis (what other conditions might have symptoms that overlap with ADHD). For instance, a patient who is diagnosed with anxiety might be recommended psychotherapy as for medication to optimize the treatment plan. What happens following a Private Assessment? Whether you or someone you know suffer from ADHD having a diagnosis can help manage the symptoms that negatively impact your life. This is especially true for adults who have difficulty working or in their relationships, feel like they can't keep up with household chores, lose track of things or struggle to organize or plan a day-to-day schedule. Find a doctor certified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can ask your doctor for a recommendation, or an acquaintance or a relative. You can also call the mental health clinic or medical school to get suggestions. Another option is to join an ADHD support group and speak with the group members. A thorough ADHD evaluation can be conducted in person or via the internet. The psychologist will conduct an interview, look over your medical history, and recommend psychometric tests to help you understand your the cognitive abilities. These tests often include standardized behavioural rating scales for ADHD, broad-spectrum psychometrics and tests of specific abilities. The clinician will incorporate all the data from a variety of sources to provide diagnostic advice regarding your ADHD and any other learning or psychiatric disorders that are identified during the test. The physician will be able to discuss treatment options with you and help you create a holistic strategy, which could include therapy, medication, or other psychosocial interventions. When a final diagnosis has been made the doctor will write a comprehensive report to be sent to you and your GP. The doctor will provide your GP all the documentation necessary in order to obtain prescription medication through the NHS. You will need to attend regular appointments with your GP to ensure that they keep track of your progress and ensure the medication is working. After your psychiatrist has provided you a written summary and agreed on a holistic treatment plan, you can decide whether to continue with private or NHS care. In general, a minimum of three months of medication stabilisation and follow up appointments will be needed before you can transfer back to the NHS.