ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel disappointed by logjammed NHS waiting lists. But an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses through video calls.
A questionnaire will be given to the person and they can also have a family member or partner complete the questionnaire. It must be returned prior to an appointment can be made.
Symptoms
If you keep getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or are constantly interrupted by family members or friends this could be an indication of ADHD. This condition can affect as much as 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% adults. It can have a profound impact on both personal and professional lives. Many people are unaware that their symptoms result from ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know how to do. Often they'll try to self-manage, but this can be a struggle and may not be effective.
There isn't a physical or medical test for ADHD however a certified mental health care professional will use information from a variety of sources to make an assessment, which may include symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, as well an extensive history of the person's past and present functioning, as well as information from people who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the nature of the person's issues further neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities could be conducted.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and depression, so it's important for a healthcare professional to rule out these conditions. A healthcare professional will check for any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid disorders or weight gain.
GPs do not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to an expert. They could refer you to an Priory hospital, or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. If you visit a private clinic the test will be conducted in a medical setting and involve filling in questionnaires with you, your partner or parents, as well as others who know you well. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will carry out an exhaustive history, take detailed notes and discuss your behavior in various situations with you. This will include at school, at home and at work. You will be asked to evaluate your ADHD symptoms throughout the course of a week and take tests like a cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
You should first talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know could be suffering from ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly yourself to organise an assessment. Before you attend your appointment with the doctor, you will need to complete an assessment form regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. adults diagnosed with adhd ADHD Diagnosis will also be asked to supply information about your mental health history, including any previous psychiatric treatments you may have received.
It is crucial that you are honest with your clinician about your symptoms, as they will require an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your personal, family medical history, and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms and concerns. They will then utilize this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also consider whether your symptoms may be due to other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
Depending on your situation depending on your situation, you may require additional neuropsychological, psychological, or testing for learning disabilities. This can help to identify other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. Some people with ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities which can cause similar symptoms. Contacting your insurance provider for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You may also contact a local group of people with ADHD to request referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to recognize the reasons they've had to struggle in their lives. It isn't easy to manage the feelings that accompany an diagnosis. It is essential to receive a correct diagnosis from a clinician who has experience treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next step to manage your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an healthcare professional who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist with experience treating adults with ADHD. You can also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment for ADHD is different from a regular psychiatric appointment due to the fact that it involves a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily activities. Be prepared to talk about your issues with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You'll also need to keep a record of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, and any other mental health issues that you've faced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation believes that you may have ADHD they will evaluate your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and use the symptoms you have provided to determine if you have six traits (symptoms). These traits must be present for a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will prepare an assessment report and explain the results of your test to you. If they decide that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD, they will explain the reasons why and suggest a different diagnosis that could better explain your issues.
After you've been diagnosed it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They will be able to suggest medication and therapy that can help you manage your symptoms. There are several therapies specifically designed for adults who have ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, particularly for adults. It could explain why you had difficulty in the past, which can be liberating and empower. It's important to remember, however, that many adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. They can benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different way and change the way they judge themselves.
Support
Online services that allow individuals to receive a quick ADHD diagnosis by phone call or online survey have been gaining popularity as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatized. These services can cut down on the time needed to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of treatment. They also have the benefit of being more efficient and less time-consuming to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can feel like a maze.
They're not without criticism. In the last few months, there have been numerous stories and documentaries accusing private clinics of ignoring ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama, was titled The ADHD Scandal. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however, the original premise remained the same: that those seeking 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's crucial to find a psychiatrist with an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is an expert in the diagnosis. A complete assessment involves gathering information from your friends and family such as school reports as well as an assessment questionnaire. Your therapist will then utilize these findings to determine whether you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan, which could include medication or psychotherapy.
It is also advisable to check with your GP to determine whether they're willing sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist before seeking the private ADHD diagnosis. You'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should consult with your GP before spending money on an assessment.
Having the right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD, and improve the quality of your life. If you're ready to take the first step toward a better future, head over to our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also book an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the best solution for you.