ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down by the stifling NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing incorrect diagnoses through video calls.
Usually, a person will be given an application form to fill out by themselves, but also by a close family member or partner. It is necessary to return the form prior to an appointment can be scheduled.
Symptoms
If you find yourself constantly getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish work or are constantly interrupted by family members or friends, it could be an indication of ADHD. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a huge impact on your professional and personal life. But, many do not realize that their symptoms are due to ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know how to do. They may attempt to manage themselves but this can be difficult.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD. A trained mental health professional will utilize diverse information to diagnose the condition, including symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They may also draw information from other people who know the person, such as their previous and current functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Depending on the nature of the individual's problems further neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests may be performed.
It is essential that a healthcare professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will look for other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or weight increase.
GPs do not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to an expert. They could refer you to an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The assessment will take place in a clinical environment and you, your partner, parents or any other relatives to you will complete questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on diagnostic criteria for ADHD as laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5).
The assessment process will be performed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full history, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in different environments. This includes at school, at work, and at home. You will be asked to evaluate your ADHD symptoms throughout the course of a week. You will also be asked to take tests like an assessment of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you think that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to consult your GP. They might recommend you to a private physician, such as psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to identify adults with ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly to arrange an assessment. Before you attend your appointment with the clinician, you will need to complete an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You will also be asked to provide details about your medical 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 need to provide a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your medical history of your family, your personal medical history, and current symptoms. The doctor will analyze this information to determine if you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look into whether other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, might be causing your symptoms.
Depending on the situation, you might require additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. This can help to rule out other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. Some people who suffer from ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities which could cause similar symptoms. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations on specialists who are able to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also call the local support group for adults with ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD find that it is an immense relief to understand the reason they have been struggling in their lives. However, it can be difficult to deal with the feelings that accompany the diagnosis. It is crucial to get a proper diagnosis from an experienced doctor, so that you can take the next steps in managing your ADHD and getting the most enjoyment from your life.
Treatment
Finding a doctor who has experience in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step to get an accurate diagnosis. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. Alternately, you can ask your family doctor to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private evaluation of ADHD differs slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment due to a structured interview that will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your everyday life. Be prepared to discuss your difficulties with hyperactivity and attention at work, in relationships and hobbies, as well as in school. You'll have to bring the symptoms you are experiencing and how these have affected your life over time as well as any other mental health issues that you might have faced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your evaluation believes that you might have ADHD they will evaluate you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and use the symptoms you have provided to determine if you exhibit six characteristics (symptoms). These traits should have been present for at least one year.
The healthcare professional will then create an account and inform you the results of your assessment. If they determine that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD they will explain the reasons why and suggest a different diagnosis that could better explain your problems.
After you've been diagnosed it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They can suggest therapy and medication that can help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.
It can be a huge relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD, especially as an adult. It could be that it provides a lot of information about why you have struggled in the past, and that can be empowering and liberating. It is important to keep in mind that many adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be helpful for those who need to learn to tell their story differently and change the ways they view themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly stigmatized, new services have popped up on the internet that give people the chance to quickly receive an ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can save the time needed to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of seeking treatment. They also have the advantage of being quicker and easier than the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may feel like a maze.
However, they're not free of criticism. In the past few months, there has been a flurry of news stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of a BBC Panorama documentary. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however, the original premise remained the same: that those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being taken advantage of.
The field of psychiatry is a complicated field, and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to have symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist who has an understanding of the adult ADHD and who is an expert in the field of diagnosis. A complete assessment involves gathering information from you and your family and friends, including school reports and an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your clinician will then use these findings to determine whether you have ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which could include psychotherapy or medication.
You should also consult your GP to determine whether they're willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you and with your psychologist prior to seeking the private ADHD diagnosis. You will only be required to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should check with your physician prior to spending money for get adhd diagnosis an assessment.
A supportive system in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD, and enhance your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help you. You can also schedule an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine whether we're the best person for you.