ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers can profit from patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering unreliable diagnoses over video calls.
Usually, a person will be sent an assessment questionnaire to complete on their own, as well as by an immediate family member or partner. It is necessary to return the form prior to an appointment can take place.
Symptoms
ADHD can be the cause of your frequent loss of concentration, inability to complete tasks at work, or being interrupted by your family or friends. This condition can affect up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional life. Many people don't realize that their symptoms result from ADHD and they don't seek treatment because they don't know what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be difficult.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A certified mental health professional will employ a variety of sources to diagnose the condition, such as symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They may also draw information from people who know the person, including their past and present functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Depending on the nature and severity of the person's issue and the severity of the problem, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests may be carried out.
Some people with ADHD can also have co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety It is therefore essential for a doctor to rule them out. A healthcare professional will look for any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid disorder or weight gain.
Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to an expert. They can refer you to a Priory hospital, or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. When you go privately the test will be conducted in a medical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with you, your parents or partner and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5).
The evaluation process will be carried out by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist, who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a detailed account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in different settings. This could include at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked to rate your ADHD symptoms throughout the course of a week. You will also be asked to complete tests such as an assessment of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you think that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, the first step is to visit your GP. They might be able refer you to a private specialist such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly to arrange an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the doctor you'll need to fill in an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. Additionally, you will need to bring information about your family mental health history as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.
It is essential to be forthcoming about your symptoms with the doctor, since you will need to provide complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your personal, family, and psychiatric medical history along with your current symptoms and issues. The doctor will analyze this information to determine whether you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms may be due to other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Depending on the situation, you might require additional mental or learning disabilities neuropsychological tests. This will help identify other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, some individuals who suffer from ADHD can also have other learning disabilities or autism which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. It's recommended to ask your insurance company for recommendations of professionals who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call the local support group for adults with ADHD and request recommendations.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD discover it's a relief to finally find out the reason they have been struggling in their lives. However it can be a challenge to manage the emotions that come with being diagnosed. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis more info from a qualified professional to take the next steps in managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.
Treatment
Finding a healthcare professional with experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist with experience treating people suffering from ADHD. You could also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a routine psychiatric appointment because it will involve a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily life. Come prepared to talk about your issues with attention and hyperactivity at work, in relationships, hobbies, and school. You will need to bring along a list of symptoms and how they have affected your life over the years, as well any other mental health issues you might have experienced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting the assessment believes that you have ADHD, he or she will assess you according to the DSM V criteria. They will look at the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine whether or not you have at least six signs (symptoms) which have been present in your life for a minimum of 12 months.
The healthcare professional will prepare a report and explain to you the results of your assessment. If they decide that you aren't a candidate for ADHD They will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that may better explain your issues.
It is essential to discuss treatment options with your doctor once you have a diagnosis. They can suggest medication and therapy that may aid in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies that are designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
It can be a major relief to be diagnosed of ADHD especially as an adult. It could be the reason you had difficulty in the past and can be empowering and inspiring. However, it's equally important to be aware that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Individuals with these issues might benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, in order to learn how to tell their story differently and to change how they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly disseminated, a variety of services have popped up online that give individuals the chance to receive an ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online questionnaire. These services will cut down on the time required to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of getting treatment. These services are also faster and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze.
However, they are not without criticism. In recent months, there's been a flurry of news documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama and named The ADHD Scandal. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle remained the same: that those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by.
The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not uncommon to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. It is essential to find a psychiatrist who has a thorough understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the field of diagnosis. A full assessment will involve gathering information from your friends and family, including school reports as well as an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your clinician will use these findings to determine if you have ADHD and develop an overall treatment plan that may include therapy or medication.
It's also worth checking with your GP before seeking a private diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they'll agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. You'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should consult with your doctor before you spend money for an assessment.
A good support system can aid you in managing ADHD symptoms and improve your life quality. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also book a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine whether we're the best fit for you.