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How to Get a Private Adult ADHD Assessment Finding out that you have ADHD isn't easy particularly for adults. Many healthcare professionals aren't familiar with ADHD symptoms in adults, or they might have limited diagnostic tools to work with. Self-assessment tools could provide some clues, however an accurate diagnosis must be made by a certified professional. This includes clinical psychologists, physicians (psychiatrist or neurologists) and medical social workers. What is a private assessment? People who suspect that they suffer from ADHD might seek out private healthcare to get an assessment and prescription for medication. It is important to remember that only psychiatrists who have professional training and experience in working with ADHD in adult patients are able to diagnose ADHD. Counsellors and mental health professionals are able to discuss ADHD symptoms, but they cannot give a formal diagnosis. The main method of diagnosing ADHD is through a structured interview and questionnaires. These are often built on research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD to those of those who are not. During adhd private assessment is essential that the person be honest and open, 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 discuss the family history, as well as any mental disorders, or alcohol or drug abuse. A psychiatric specialist will then examine the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It is usually more thorough than a standard psychiatric examination Therefore, it is essential to book in advance and allow plenty of time for the appointment. Bring a family member or friend to provide assistance and feedback. Sometimes other psychological, learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing is used in conjunction with the clinical examination to determine if ADHD is present, or if any other disorders are contributing to the symptoms. The clinician will explain to the patient what to do next after the assessment. They will usually talk about whether medication is appropriate and come up with a comprehensive plan of treatment. Some clinics provide fast titration services for those who want to start taking medication immediately. This is usually only offered for a small number of patients who meet certain criteria, such as being over the age of 18 and not suffering from a medical condition that would prevent the patient from taking medication immediately (e.g. symptomatic cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism). How do I schedule an appointment for a Private Assessment? If you think you may have ADHD and are concerned about the effect it may have on your work, relationships or general wellbeing you can request an assessment privately. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a specialist. The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows them to do this. This means that you can select the health center or hospital of your choosing. Once you've been referred, an appointment will be booked for you to complete the clinical assessment, usually within two weeks. This will take place face-to-face or online and includes an organized interview with an expert in the field. It is crucial to attend this appointment as without it a diagnosis cannot be determined. You can also bring a relative along to get additional information. This is not necessary. Your physician will go over your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail and how they affect you 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 impact your relationships at work and in your personal life. It is very normal to be nervous about the first consultation, however our psychiatrists are experienced in making you feel secure and comfortable. The test will also comprise diagnostic tests, in addition to the structured interview. They will typically include the QbCheck or QbTest. Both tests are CE certified 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 as well as clinical judgment are used to provide an accurate diagnosis. It is vital to receive a correct diagnosis as if it is not treated properly it can lead to serious issues with relationships, work and wellbeing. It is important to keep in mind that medical professionals may have preconceived ideas about who they think may have ADHD and this could influence their ability to give an accurate diagnosis. What happens during the course of a Private Assessment While every doctor has their own process for evaluating patients but there are certain processes that all doctors consider necessary for a complete ADHD evaluation. This includes a thorough diagnostic interview, data collected from independent sources (such as spouses and other members of the family) and standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and various other types of psychometric testing considered appropriate by the doctor. The diagnostic interview is typically the first step of the process. The person being assessed will be asked a series of questions that are designed to get them to reflect on how they've been behaving and to discuss how those actions influence their lives. This could take about an hour or more. It is important to get a full and honest answer from the patient or a 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 interview the examiner will inquire about how the symptoms of ADHD have affected the person's life and relationships. The examiner will also ask the person about their medical history and the amount of time they've suffered from symptoms of ADHD. This is an important aspect of the examination as it can help to determine whether a diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. At the conclusion of the interview, the examiner will fill out some standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD. These scales are based on research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD to those of people without ADHD and are an important source of information objective. Usually the person being assessed along with their partner will complete these rating scales in conjunction. Broad-spectrum scales for screening for anxiety or depression are frequently included in an ADHD assessment as are tests for specific capabilities (such as the development of language, vocabulary, memory recall and motor skills). Occasionally, the clinician will decide that a new kind of psychometric or psychological test is required and request one according to the needs. At Priory we are adept at examining differential diagnosis (what other conditions have symptom overlap with ADHD). To optimize the treatment plan for a patient with anxiety might be prescribed psychotherapy and medication. What happens following the Private Assessment? If you or someone you know suffer from ADHD, getting a diagnosis can help to manage symptoms that are negatively impacting your life. This is particularly 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 plan or organize a day-to-day schedule. The first step is to locate a doctor who is qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can ask your general practitioner for an opinion, or consult a friend or relative. You can also ask the medical school or mental health clinic for suggestions. Another option is to go to an ADHD support group and talk with other members. Face-to-face or online An in-depth ADHD evaluation is available. The clinician will talk to you, review relevant medical history and may suggest psychometric tests to help you 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 information gathered from different sources to establish a diagnosis of ADHD and other learning or psychiatric issues that were uncovered in the evaluation. The clinician will discuss the treatment options and help you develop a holistic plan that includes medication, therapy or other psychosocial interventions. When a final diagnosis has been determined the doctor will write an extensive report that will be sent to you and your GP. The doctor will provide your GP all the necessary documentation in order to obtain prescription medications through the NHS. You'll be required 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 provided you a written summary of the treatment and reached an agreement on a holistic treatment program, you can decide whether to continue with private or NHS care. Generally, a minimum of three months of medication stabilisation and follow up appointments will be required before you are able to transfer back to the NHS.