ADHD in Adulthood, what does an assessment involve?
If you are reading this article it is possible that you are considering whether the difficulties you have are a result of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It seems ADHD has received more attention in the media of late, possibly as a result of our increased understanding of how it continues to have an impact into adulthood. Sadly receiving an assessment for ADHD in the NHS is often accompanied with long waiting lists, and in some cases there are no services available to offer an assessment at all. Outside the NHS it can be difficult to navigate what is on offer and whether the assessment process is comprehensive and legitimate. In writing this short article I hope to make clear what is involved in a thorough evidenced based assessment so you are more confident should you be seeking an assessment privately.
What should an assessment for ADHD look like?
In the UK The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) produce guidelines (known as the NICE Guidelines) which recommend what NHS care and services should look like for people with a specific condition or need. These guidelines are based on the best available evidence and put together by experts, people using the relevant services, carers and the public. NICE Guidelines suggest the following is necessary in an assessment for ADHD:
· A full clinical and psychosocial assessment. This involves understanding your difficulties and how they impact you in different areas of your life, as well as a wider understanding of you and your life.
· A full developmental and psychiatric history. This involves asking questions about your experiences throughout your life, any other diagnoses you have and history of mental health difficulties.
· Observer reports and assessment of the person’s mental state. This involves getting information from someone who knew you when you were a child, and information about your current mental health wellbeing. This may or may not be accompanied with questionnaires for you to complete.
An assessment with Releaf Psychology
An assessment with Releaf Psychology follows the above process in a comprehensive and supportive way. Before we meet you will be provided with questionnaires for yourself and someone who knew you well in childhood to complete. After these have been completed we will meet for a structured interview to go through your history, understand your difficulties and how they impact you in more detail. This typically lasts 2 – 3 hours. We will meet a second time a few weeks later to discuss the outcome, go through the written report, and answer any questions you may have. Where relevant we can offer recommendations, post-diagnostic support, and signpost you to other services or professionals.
Our qualifications
Dr Sarah Buckley has trained in the assessment and diagnosis of adults with ADHD (UKAAN). She developed the psychology service for adults with ADHD in a busy London NHS service and worked as a clinical psychologist in this service offering individual and group interventions as well as training and consultation. She has published a paper based on a service evaluation in this area.
Fees and appointments
The total cost for an assessment of ADHD is £700. Payment must be made at least one week before the first appointment. This includes reviewing questionnaires, a clinical interview, feedback appointment and a full written report with recommendations for management where appropriate. Currently we are completing all assessments virtually using Zoom.
Please note as psychological practitioners we are unable to prescribe medication. Should you wish to receive medication following a diagnosis we are happy to signpost you to some psychiatrists in this area. If you are interested in receiving an assessment with Releaf Psychology, please get in touch with us.
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