ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down due to the long NHS waiting lists. But an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses through video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they can also request a family member or partner complete the questionnaire. It is necessary to return this form before an appointment can be scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can be the reason behind your frequent loss of focus, inability to complete tasks at work, or be interrupted by family or friends. This condition can affect as much as 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent adults. It can have a major impact on both personal and professional lives. Many people are unaware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and do not seek treatment because they don't know what to do. They might try to manage their own symptoms but this can be a challenge.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD but a trained mental health care professional will make use of information from several sources to make diagnosis, such as the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, as well an extensive review of the person's history and current functioning, and information from people who are familiar with their condition. Based on the nature of the person's problems and the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests may be performed.
It is crucial that a healthcare professional rule out co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety in a few people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will test for other medical disorders which may cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid disorders or weight increase.
GPs are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD However, they may refer you to an expert such as a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. When you go privately the test will take place in a medical setting and involves filling out questionnaires with you, your parents or partner and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined 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 psychiatrist or psychologist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a detailed account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss your behaviour with you in different settings. This will include at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, like tests of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to set up an appointment. Before you can make an appointment with the doctor you'll need to complete a questionnaire about the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You will be asked to provide details about your mental health background, including any previous treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received.
It is important to be honest about your symptoms with the clinician, as you will be required to provide complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your medical history of your family and your medical history, as well as your current symptoms. They will then utilize this information to determine if you have ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also look into whether other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, might be causing your symptoms.
Based on the circumstances it is possible that you will require additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This will help determine other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. Certain people with ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities, which could cause similar symptoms. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations about experts who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to a local group of people with ADHD to ask for recommendations.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved to finally realize the reason they've been unable to live their lives. However it can be a struggle to cope with the emotions that come with being diagnosed. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis from a skilled doctor, so that you can take the next steps towards managing your ADHD and making the most of your life.
Treatment
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate a healthcare professional who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating people suffering from ADHD. Alternatively, you could request your family physician to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a typical psychiatric visit due to the fact that it involves a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they impact you in your everyday life. It is important to be prepared to talk about your issues with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, work as well as in your hobbies and school. You'll also need to bring a list of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life over time, and any other mental health issues you've had.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment thinks you may be suffering from ADHD they will evaluate you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you've listed to determine if you have six traits (symptoms). These characteristics should be present for a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will then create an account and inform you the outcome of your evaluation. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe you do not meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that may better explain your issues.
Once you've got a diagnosis it's important to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They'll recommend treatments and medications that will help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments read more specifically designed for adults with ADHD that include cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) as well as mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, especially for adults. It could be the reason you struggled in the previous it can be empowering and empowering. It's important to remember that a lot of adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. These individuals may benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story in a different way and to change the way they judge themselves.
Support
Online services that allow individuals to get 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 it takes to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of treatment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler than navigating the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes feel like a maze.
They are not without critics. In recent months there have been many stories and documentaries that have accused private clinics of ignoring ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original angle remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are abused.
Psychiatry is a complex field, and it's not uncommon to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to ensure that you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD and has a thorough understanding of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves gathering information from your family, friends and school reports. It could also comprise a pre-assessment form. Your clinician will then use these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that could include medication or psychotherapy.
You should also consult your GP to determine if they are willing to sign a shared care agreement with you and with your psychologist prior to requesting an individual ADHD diagnosis. You'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. It is recommended to consult your doctor before you spend money for an assessment.
The right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD, and improve the quality of your life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can assist you. You can also book an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine if we are the right fit for you.