ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers can take advantage of patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
Usually a person will be given an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves and also by a close family member or partner. It is required to fill out the form prior to an appointment can take place.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can be the cause of your frequent loss of concentration, inability to complete tasks at work, or getting interrupted by your family or friends. This common condition affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a huge impact on personal and professional life. Many people don't realize that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know what to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms, but this can be a struggle and may not be effective.
There isn't a medical or physical test for ADHD but a trained mental health care professional will use information from a variety of sources to determine diagnosis, such as the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well as a comprehensive background of the person's previous and current functioning, and information from others who are familiar with their condition. Based on the nature of the person's issues further neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities could also be conducted.
Some people suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and depression It is therefore essential for a medical professional to rule these out. A healthcare professional will usually look for other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.
Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to an expert. They may refer you to an Priory hospital or wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. When you go privately for an assessment, it will be conducted in a clinic and involve filling in questionnaires with you, your partner or parents, as well as others who know you well. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
The evaluation process will be carried out by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist, who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full history, make detailed notes and discuss with you your behaviour in various situations. This will include at work, at school and at home. You will be asked to rate your ADHD symptoms over the course of a week and take tests, such as the cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
If you think that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. They can recommend you to a private physician like psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to identify adults with ADHD. You can also contact experts directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire before your appointment. You will also need to bring details about your family's mental health history as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.
It is important to be forthcoming about your current symptoms to the doctor, since you will be required to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your medical history of your family, your personal medical history, and current symptoms. They will then utilize this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine if other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, could be causing your symptoms.
Depending on the situation you may require additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. This will help you rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. For example, some people with ADHD might also suffer from other disorders of learning or autism which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. It is recommended to ask your insurance provider for recommendations of professionals who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact a local support group for people who suffer from ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD find that it is a relief to finally have an explanation for why they've been struggling throughout their lives. It isn't easy to face the emotions that come with an diagnosis. It is crucial to get a correct diagnosis from a doctor who is experienced in treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next steps towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate a healthcare professional who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the disorder and has treated others in the past. adhd uk diagnosis could also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment of ADHD differs from a typical psychiatric consultation due to a structured interview that will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your everyday life. It is recommended that you are prepared to discuss your issues with hyperactivity and attention at the workplace, in relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You should also bring a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues you've experienced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment thinks you may have ADHD, they will assess your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will take the list of symptoms you've listed and ask questions to determine whether or not you exhibit at least six traits (symptoms) that have been present in your life for at least 12 months.
The healthcare professional will prepare a report and explain to you the results of their evaluation. If they decide that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD, they will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that could better explain your problems.
It is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor once you have a diagnosis. They will be able to suggest medication and therapy that may assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a range of treatments specifically designed for adults with ADHD that include cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) as well as acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
It can be a huge relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD especially as an adult. You might find that it clarifies a lot about the reasons you've struggled in the past, and that can be empowering and liberating. It is important to remember that many adults experience self-stigma after being diagnosed. These individuals can benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different manner and change the way they judge themselves.
Support
Online services that allow people to receive a fast ADHD diagnosis via a phone or online questionnaire are becoming more popular as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatised. These services can cut down on the time and cost of treatment by reducing the time it takes to find a psychiatrist, attend an assessment, then schedule the appointment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can appear to be an endless maze.
There are plenty of critics. In recent months, there's been a flurry of news documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama, was titled The ADHD Scandal. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle was the same: those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by.
Psychiatry can be a complex field, and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to exhibit symptoms that aren't ADHD. This is why it's crucial to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist that is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a thorough understanding of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment involves collecting information from your family, friends and school reports. It could also comprise a pre-assessment form. Your clinician will then use these results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and formulate a holistic treatment plan, which may include medication or psychotherapy.
It's also worth checking with your GP before seeking a private diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they'll sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. You should consult with your GP before spending money on an assessment.
A supportive system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD and enhance your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also request a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to determine whether we're the best fit for you.