Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Accurate assessment and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment and support. That’s why choosing the right professionals to conduct your assessment is fundamental. Not all healthcare professionals go through the same extensive training of an HCPC Registered Psychologist. In this blog post, we will explore the training route that a Clinical Psychologist normally takes before registering with the HCPC and the pre- and post- qualification training and experience.
In this context, the term “psychologist” refers to HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologists, which is a protected title. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is a regulatory body in the UK that sets standards for the education, training, and professional behavior of health and care professionals. The HCPC guarantees several key aspects to ensure the quality and safety of care provided by professionals. The HCPC guarantees the public that health and care professionals, including Clinical Psychologists, meet high standards of proficiency, conduct, and ethics. By regulating education and training programs, ensuring ongoing professional development, and maintaining a rigorous fitness to practice process, the HCPC works to protect the public and ensure that only qualified and competent professionals are allowed to practice.
At The Spectrum Clinic, we offer professional training in ADHD assessment and diagnosis as well as individual and group supervision
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An ADHD assessment cannot happen in isolation, but needs to be included in the context of a wider mental health, developmental and psychosocial assessment. This needs to happen because ADHD symptoms are not just specific to ADHD, but could be caused by a range of conditions and/or circumstances.
So there are two parts to an ADHD assessment: one is to look at the presence of symptoms (by gathering enough evidence) and the other is to make sure that the symptoms are really caused by ADHD and not another condition. Therefore, the person carrying out the assessment must have experience of a wide range of mental health conditions, must be an expert in developmental psychology (even if the assessment is for an adult!), have a set of skills around assessment and interviewing, be proficient when using all the tools involved, have experience of working with people with ADHD, be able to make sense of the data collected and produce a clinical formulation, not only a diagnostic conclusion.
To gain all those skills, knowledge and experience, a clinician will have to go through extensive training, placements and post-qualification experience. The training that HCPC registered psychologists go through usually includes all the above as standard. That’s why we believe that Clinical Psychologists are among the best placed clinicians to carry out ADHD assessments.
As you understand, to gather all the information as above takes time, not only expertise. The Adult ADHD Assessment Quality Assurance Standard (AQAS) (UKAAN) states that an ADHD assessment should last between 2-3 hours, at times longer. Therefore, please be weary of quick 1 hour sessions as offered and advertised by many clinics. At The Spectrum Clinic, we offer a 3 hour assessment as standard and all our assessments are led by Clinical Psychologists.
But let’s dig deeper and find out about the training that Clinical Psychologists receive.
The journey to becoming a psychologist specialising in ADHD assessment begins with an undergraduate degree in psychology. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this degree typically lasts three years and covers fundamental areas such as developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, biological psychology, social psychology, and research methods.
Most psychologists who assess ADHD pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), a three-year, full-time program combining academic coursework, clinical placements, and research. Entry is competitive, requiring a strong academic record, relevant work experience, and often a personal statement and interview.
During the DClinPsy program, trainees gain knowledge and skills in various areas, including:
Although the DClinPsy provides broad training, specialisation in ADHD typically occurs during clinical placements and through elective modules focusing on neurodevelopmental conditions. Trainees work under supervision with children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with ADHD, gaining hands-on experience in assessment and intervention.
Clinical placements are a critical component of training, providing real-world experience under the supervision of qualified psychologists. These placements occur in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community mental health teams.
During these placements, trainees:
In addition to formal supervision, trainees benefit from mentorship by experienced psychologists. Mentors provide guidance, support, and insights into advanced assessment techniques and emerging research in ADHD.
Psychologists use a variety of standardised assessment tools to evaluate ADHD symptoms. Training includes learning to administer, score, and interpret these tools accurately.
Clinical Interviews
Conducting thorough clinical interviews with individuals and their families is essential for gathering detailed information about symptoms, development, and functioning. Training emphasises the importance of building rapport, asking open-ended questions, and exploring the impact of symptoms on daily life.
Observing behaviour in naturalistic settings, such as schools or home environments, helps psychologists gather additional data and understand the context in which symptoms occur. Training includes techniques for systematic observation and recording of behaviours.
One of the critical skills in ADHD assessment is the ability to differentiate ADHD from other conditions with similar presentations, such as anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. Training involves learning to identify comorbid conditions and using diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5 and ICD-10.
Case formulation involves integrating assessment data to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual's difficulties. Psychologists are trained to consider biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to ADHD symptoms and to create individualised intervention plans.
Adhering to ethical guidelines set by the BPS and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is paramount. Training emphasises the importance of confidentiality, informed consent, and respecting the rights and dignity of clients.
Maintaining professional competence through continuous learning and self-reflection is a core aspect of training. Psychologists are encouraged to engage in regular supervision, attend professional development workshops, and stay updated with the latest research.
After qualification, psychologists must engage in continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain their skills and knowledge. This includes attending workshops, conferences, and additional training programs focused on ADHD and related areas.
Engaging in research and applying evidence-based practice are crucial for advancing knowledge and improving assessment and intervention strategies. Psychologists are encouraged to contribute to research, publish findings, and incorporate new evidence into their practice.
Effective ADHD assessment often requires collaboration with other professionals, including psychiatrists, paediatricians, educators, and occupational therapists. Training includes developing skills for working within multidisciplinary teams, sharing information, and coordinating care.
Involving families and schools in the assessment process is essential for obtaining comprehensive information and ensuring a holistic understanding of the individual's needs. Training emphasises the importance of family and school input and collaboration in developing intervention plans.
9. Post-Qualification Training
Psychologists who have accrued a wide experience in mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions, but may not have had specific training in ADHD assessment and diagnosis, can choose to attend further training, such as the one provided by The Spectrum Clinic [insert link?] and to practice under supervision. The Spectrum Clinic also offers services to professionals, such as ADHD Training and group or individual supervision.
Training to become a psychologist skilled in ADHD assessment in the UK is a rigorous and multi-faceted process. It involves extensive academic education, practical experience through supervised clinical placements, and ongoing professional development. Psychologists must master a range of assessment tools and techniques, adhere to ethical and professional standards, and engage in continuous learning to stay current with advances in the field. Through collaboration with other professionals and involvement of families and schools, psychologists provide comprehensive assessments that inform effective interventions and support for individuals with ADHD. This thorough and systematic approach ensures that psychologists are well-equipped to diagnose and address the complex needs of individuals with ADHD, ultimately improving their quality of life.