Post by roland on Aug 16, 2017 12:08:40 GMT
We've copied the information below from elsewhere on our website and forum because it may be helpful when writing reviews:
Information about ADHD assessments:
1. ADHD is difficult to diagnose so only experienced mental health professionals who have been trained to recognise ADHD can accurately assess and diagnose ADHD
2. You will usually be asked to complete at least two questionnaires before the assessment & you may also be given questionnaires for a family member or partner to complete. These questionnaires are designed to help consultants review important information about you before you meet.
3. Assessments usually take from two to four hours or sometimes longer depending upon need. You may also need additional appointments and/or you may need to see other professionals before a diagnosis can be made.
4. During the first part of the assessment you may be asked to take a Qb Test (a computerised test which takes 15-20 minutes). See Qbtech
5. The assessment should include the following:
a) your full psychiatric history;
b) your symptoms as experienced previously, currently and in different environments such as school and work (school reports & work evaluations, if available, are helpful);
c) you may also be asked to complete tests to assess focus, hyperactivity & impulsiveness.
6. The assessment, however, should not be based solely upon the results of the various tests and observable behavioural symptoms. It should also include time spent talking with the consultant who will ask questions, listen carefully, and who will develop an understanding of both your internal and external experiences. For an accurate diagnosis, your assessment needs to be thorough.
7. Once the assessment has been completed, the consultant should write a report for your GP which will include a diagnosis (if one is made) as well as any treatment recommendations and also give you written information about ADHD including contact details for any local support groups that may exist.
8. If medication is recommended and you choose that option, the consultant should send you back to your GP so that you can have your blood pressure, pulse, cardiovascular functioning as well as any other tests deemed necessary, checked before medication is started.
9. If you choose to take medication, your consultant should also provide a titration period of about 3 months or so before you are discharged back to your GP. This simply means that the consultant will start you off on a low dosage and then work with you to find the right dosage that will control your symptoms with the fewest side effects.
10. Some consultants/services may also provide psychoeducational courses as well as help with specific problems or goals. If they are unable to do the latter themselves, they should be able to refer you to another appropriate professional.
Questions to ask Consultants:
1. What is your experience with Adult ADHD?
2. How many patients a year do you see with ADHD?
3. Are you a specialist in ADHD, or a general psychiatrist with an interest in ADHD?
4. Have you attended ADHD training courses?
5. How long will the assessment take?
6. How much do you charge?
7. What is included in the price? (e.g. assessment, report, treatment plan)
8. What is not included in the price? (e.g. any follow-up appointments)
9. If you make a diagnosis and treatment recommendations will you also provide follow-up appointments?
10. How much will each follow-up appointments cost & how many will be needed?
11. Do you work collaboratively with other services as needed (e.g. GP’s, substance abuse services, sleep disorders, etc.)
13. What other help can you either provide or refer me to? (e.g. cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), anger management counselling, relationship counselling, coaching, etc.)
14. Have you got informational pamphlets/leaflets I can read, and can you refer me to any local support groups (if any exist)?
Questions to ask yourself:
1. Are the staff willing to answer questions, are they helpful and welcoming?
2. Do you feel you are being treated with respect?
3. Have they clearly explained the assessment process? What tests will be given & how much time will you spend with the consultant?
4. If you are given a prescription for medication, will you also be supported during the titration period?
5. Are there extra fees for the titration period?
4. Have they given a clear explanation of all fees and follow-up expenses? What is covered and not covered?
5. Do you feel comfortable with both the staff and the doctor? Do you feel you can trust them?
Please note that you must not post a review for a service in which you have a beneficial interest. Such posts will be deleted without notice.
Information about ADHD assessments:
1. ADHD is difficult to diagnose so only experienced mental health professionals who have been trained to recognise ADHD can accurately assess and diagnose ADHD
2. You will usually be asked to complete at least two questionnaires before the assessment & you may also be given questionnaires for a family member or partner to complete. These questionnaires are designed to help consultants review important information about you before you meet.
3. Assessments usually take from two to four hours or sometimes longer depending upon need. You may also need additional appointments and/or you may need to see other professionals before a diagnosis can be made.
4. During the first part of the assessment you may be asked to take a Qb Test (a computerised test which takes 15-20 minutes). See Qbtech
5. The assessment should include the following:
a) your full psychiatric history;
b) your symptoms as experienced previously, currently and in different environments such as school and work (school reports & work evaluations, if available, are helpful);
c) you may also be asked to complete tests to assess focus, hyperactivity & impulsiveness.
6. The assessment, however, should not be based solely upon the results of the various tests and observable behavioural symptoms. It should also include time spent talking with the consultant who will ask questions, listen carefully, and who will develop an understanding of both your internal and external experiences. For an accurate diagnosis, your assessment needs to be thorough.
7. Once the assessment has been completed, the consultant should write a report for your GP which will include a diagnosis (if one is made) as well as any treatment recommendations and also give you written information about ADHD including contact details for any local support groups that may exist.
8. If medication is recommended and you choose that option, the consultant should send you back to your GP so that you can have your blood pressure, pulse, cardiovascular functioning as well as any other tests deemed necessary, checked before medication is started.
9. If you choose to take medication, your consultant should also provide a titration period of about 3 months or so before you are discharged back to your GP. This simply means that the consultant will start you off on a low dosage and then work with you to find the right dosage that will control your symptoms with the fewest side effects.
10. Some consultants/services may also provide psychoeducational courses as well as help with specific problems or goals. If they are unable to do the latter themselves, they should be able to refer you to another appropriate professional.
Questions to ask Consultants:
1. What is your experience with Adult ADHD?
2. How many patients a year do you see with ADHD?
3. Are you a specialist in ADHD, or a general psychiatrist with an interest in ADHD?
4. Have you attended ADHD training courses?
5. How long will the assessment take?
6. How much do you charge?
7. What is included in the price? (e.g. assessment, report, treatment plan)
8. What is not included in the price? (e.g. any follow-up appointments)
9. If you make a diagnosis and treatment recommendations will you also provide follow-up appointments?
10. How much will each follow-up appointments cost & how many will be needed?
11. Do you work collaboratively with other services as needed (e.g. GP’s, substance abuse services, sleep disorders, etc.)
13. What other help can you either provide or refer me to? (e.g. cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), anger management counselling, relationship counselling, coaching, etc.)
14. Have you got informational pamphlets/leaflets I can read, and can you refer me to any local support groups (if any exist)?
Questions to ask yourself:
1. Are the staff willing to answer questions, are they helpful and welcoming?
2. Do you feel you are being treated with respect?
3. Have they clearly explained the assessment process? What tests will be given & how much time will you spend with the consultant?
4. If you are given a prescription for medication, will you also be supported during the titration period?
5. Are there extra fees for the titration period?
4. Have they given a clear explanation of all fees and follow-up expenses? What is covered and not covered?
5. Do you feel comfortable with both the staff and the doctor? Do you feel you can trust them?
Please note that you must not post a review for a service in which you have a beneficial interest. Such posts will be deleted without notice.