ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are able to profit from patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. But an investigation by 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 the partner or family member complete it. The questionnaire must be returned prior to an appointment is scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
If you are constantly getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or find yourself interrupted frequently by friends or family members, it could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4% children and 2.5% adults. It can have a significant impact on both personal and professional lives. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms result from ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be difficult.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD. A trained mental health professional will utilize a variety of data to determine the severity of the condition, such as symptom lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They may also draw information from people who are familiar with the person, including their previous and current functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Based on the severity and nature of the person's issue, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing may be performed.
It's important that a medical professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically check for the presence of other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.
Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They could refer you to an Priory hospital, or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. The assessment will take place in a setting that is clinical and you as well as your partner, parents or any other relatives to you will fill out questionnaires. 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 psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience diagnosing ADHD will carry out the assessment. They will take a thorough history, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in various settings. This will include at work, at school and at home. You will be asked to provide an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, such as tests of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to see your GP. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist like psychologists or psychiatrists who is experienced in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to complete an application form prior to your appointment. 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 open about your symptoms with the clinician, as you will be required to provide complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your personal, family, and psychiatric medical history, as well as your current symptoms and concerns. They will then use this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine if other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, might be causing your symptoms.
Based on the circumstances, you may require additional mental or learning disabilities neuropsychological testing. This can help to determine other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. Some people who suffer from ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities, which can cause similar symptoms. It's recommended to ask your insurance company for recommendations about experts who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to a local group of adults with ADHD to inquire about recommendations.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel it's a relief to finally understand the reason they have been struggling in their lives. It isn't easy to manage the emotions that come with a diagnosis. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis from a qualified professional to take the next steps towards managing your ADHD and making the most of your life.
Treatment
Finding a healthcare professional with experience in treating adults with ADHD is the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist 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 regular psychiatric appointment due to the fact that it involves an organized interview to evaluate your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily life. Prepare to discuss your struggles with hyperactivity and attention at work, in relationships and hobbies, as well as in school. You will need to bring along an inventory of your symptoms and how these have affected your life over time and any other mental health issues you might have experienced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment thinks you might have ADHD, they will assess your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will take the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine whether or not you have at least six signs (symptoms) that have been present in your life for a minimum of 12 months.
The healthcare professional will then write a report and explain to you the results of their assessment. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD They will explain why they think you don't meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that might better explain your problems.
If you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They'll recommend medication and therapy that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are many therapies specifically designed for adults with ADHD that include cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) mindfulness, acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
It can be a major relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, especially as an adult. It could be that it explains 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. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their own stories differently and alter the way they perceive themselves.
Support
Online services that permit people to get a quick ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online survey have been gaining popularity as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatised. These services can save the time required to locate an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of getting treatment. These services are also quicker and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can feel like a maze at times.
However, they're not free of criticism. In the past few months, there has been a wave of documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic more info clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, produced by BBC's Panorama was called The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original angle remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are abused.
Psychiatry can be a complex discipline and it's uncommon for people with ADHD to have symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is therefore crucial to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist that specialises in adult ADHD and has a thorough knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves collecting data from your friends, family members and school reports. It could also include a pre-assessment form. Your physician will use these results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and then develop a holistic plan of treatment which could include therapy or medication.
It's also worth talking to your GP before seeking an official diagnosis for ADHD and to determine if they'll sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. It is recommended to consult your physician prior to spending money on an assessment.
The right support system can help you manage ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can help you. You can also book an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to see whether we're the right person for you.