ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers can take advantage of patients who feel let-down 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 a questionnaire to complete by themselves and also by an immediate family member or partner. The questionnaire must be returned prior to when an appointment is scheduled.
Symptoms
ADHD could be the reason behind your frequent loss of concentration and inability to finish tasks at work, or be interrupted by your family or friends. This condition can affect up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a major impact on personal and professional life. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms result from ADHD and don't seek treatment because they don't know what to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms however this can be difficult and might not be successful.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will use a variety of information to diagnose the condition, such as symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They will also use information from people who are familiar with the person, including their past and present functioning as well as information from people closest to them. Based on the nature and severity of the person's issue and the severity of the problem, additional tests for learning disabilities, psychological, or neuropsychological testing may be performed.
Certain people suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from co-occurring conditions, such as depression and anxiety and depression, so it's crucial for a doctor to rule these out. A healthcare professional will look for any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid disorder or weight gain.
GPs do not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They can refer you to an Priory hospital, or a wellbeing center for an assessment. If you choose to go on your own the test will be conducted in a clinical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with your parents or partners, and other people who know you well. These questions 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).
A psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will take an extensive history, take detailed notes and discuss your behavior in various settings with you. This could include at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, including an assessment of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know may have ADHD. They can refer you to a private physician, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist who is trained to identify adults with ADHD. You can also contact experts directly to set up an appointment. You will be asked to complete an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will also be asked to supply information about your mental health past, including any prior psychiatric treatments you may have received.
It is important that you are honest with your clinician about your health issues, as he or she will need an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family, personal medical history and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms and issues. They will then use this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also consider whether other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, could be causing your symptoms.
Based on the circumstances, you may require additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. This can help to identify other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. Some people who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities, that can trigger similar symptoms. Asking your insurance company for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also contact an organization that offers support for adults with ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are relieved to realize the reason they've had to struggle in their lives. It can be difficult to deal the emotions that come with an diagnosis. It is vital to get a correct diagnosis from a professional who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next steps to manage your ADHD.
Treatment
Locating a healthcare professional who has experience in working with adults who have ADHD is the first step to get a proper diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist who has experience treating people suffering from ADHD. Alternately, you can ask your family doctor to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a typical psychiatric visit because it will involve a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they affect you in your everyday life. Be prepared to discuss your difficulties with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work or with your hobbies, as well as at school. You will also need to keep a record of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues you've experienced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you may have ADHD They will test your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will use the list of symptoms you've listed and ask questions to determine whether or not you have at least six traits (symptoms) which have been present throughout your life for a minimum of 12 months.
The healthcare professional will then create an account and inform you the results of your evaluation. If they decide that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD They will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that can better explain your issues.
After you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They'll be able to suggest therapies and medication that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a range of therapies designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD website such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness, acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, particularly for adults. It could be that it explains a lot about the reasons you've had difficulties in the past, and that can be empowering and freeing. However, it's equally important to remember that many adults struggle deeply with self-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. They might benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, in order to learn how to tell their story in a different way and to change the way they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming destigmatised, services have been popping up online that give people the chance to quickly obtain an ADHD diagnosis through an online or phone questionnaire. These services can help cut down the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time needed to find a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment and then schedule an appointment. They also have the benefit of being more efficient and less time-consuming than the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes seem like a maze.
However, they're not without their critics. In recent months, there has been a flurry of news reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama and called The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original concept remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.
The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not unusual to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. This is why it's crucial to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is an expert in adult ADHD and has a deep understanding of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves gathering information from your friends and family as well as school reports and an assessment questionnaire. Your physician will use these findings to determine if you suffer from ADHD and then develop an overall treatment plan that could include therapy or medication.
You should also check with your GP to determine whether they're willing to sign a shared care agreement with you as well as your psychologist prior to requesting a private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication. You should check with your doctor before you spend money on an assessment.
The right support system can aid you in managing ADHD symptoms and improve your life quality. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can assist you. You can also book a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good choice for your needs.