ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are making a profit from patients who feel disappointed by logjammed NHS waiting lists. But a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses via video calls.
Usually, a person will be given an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves and also by an immediate family member or partner. This will need to be returned prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.
Symptoms
If you are constantly losing your keys, find it difficult to finish tasks at work or are frequently interrupted by family members or friends, it could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4% children and 2.5 percent adults. It can have a significant impact on your personal and professional lives. But, many don't realize their symptoms are due to ADHD and don't seek help because they aren't sure what to do. They may attempt to manage themselves but this can be difficult.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health specialist will draw information from a variety of sources to establish an assessment, which may include symptoms checklists and standardized behavior scales for rating, as well as a comprehensive review of the person's history and current functioning, and information from others who know them well. Depending on the nature and severity of the person's issue, additional tests for learning disabilities, psychological, or neuropsychological tests may be carried out.
Certain people with ADHD can also have co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and depression and depression, so it's crucial for a doctor to rule them out. A healthcare professional will typically check for the presence of other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid disorder or obesity.
GPs do not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They can refer you to a Priory hospital, or a wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. If you choose to go on your own for an assessment, it will be in a clinic and involves filling out questionnaires with yourself, your parents or partners, and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will take a detailed account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss your behaviour with you in various situations. This could include at home, at school and at work. You will be asked for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, such as tests of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
It is recommended to first speak with your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know might have ADHD. They may recommend you to a private physician, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who is certified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly yourself to organise an assessment. You will be asked to fill out an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will be asked to provide details about your medical past, including any prior treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received.
It is crucial to be honest with your doctor regarding your symptoms, since they will require an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family medical history as well as your own medical history, as well as your current symptoms. The doctor will utilize the information to determine if you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, might be causing your symptoms.
Depending on the situation you might require additional psychological or learning disabilities neuropsychological tests. This will help you rule out other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities that can trigger similar symptoms. Contacting your insurance provider about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also call a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD feel it's an exhilarating feeling to finally understand the reason they have been struggling in their lives. It can be difficult to deal the feelings that accompany a diagnosis. It is crucial to get a proper diagnosis from an experienced doctor to take the next steps in managing your ADHD and getting the most enjoyment from your life.
Treatment
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to find a healthcare professional who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated patients in the past. Alternately, you can request your family physician 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 include an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they affect you in your everyday life. Come prepared to talk about your issues with attention and hyperactivity at work, in relationships and hobbies, as well as in school. You will be required to bring the symptoms you are experiencing and how they have affected your life over the years, as well any other mental health issues that you might have experienced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you may be suffering from ADHD, they will assess you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will use the list of symptoms you've listed and ask questions to determine if you have at least six characteristics (symptoms) which have been present in your life for a minimum of 12 months.
The healthcare professional will prepare an report and then explain to you the results of their evaluation. 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 difficulties.
It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor after you have a diagnosis. They'll be able to suggest medication and therapy that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are many therapies specifically designed for adults with ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.
It can be a huge relief to be diagnosed of ADHD particularly as an adult. You may find that it clarifies a lot about the reasons you've struggled in the past, and that can be empowering and liberating. It is important to remember, however, click here that many adults experience self-stigma after being diagnosed. These individuals may benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, in order to learn how to tell their story in a different way and to change the way they view themselves.
Support
Online services that permit people to receive a quick ADHD diagnosis through a telephone or online questionnaire are becoming more popular as mental health problems are becoming less stigmatised. These services can cut down on the time it takes to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of seeking treatment. These services are also quicker and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze at times.
They are not without critics. In recent months, there has been a spate of reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, produced by BBC's Panorama, was called The ADHD Scandal. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle remained the same: that people who seek a private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by.
Psychiatry is a complex field and it's not unusual to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. It is essential to find a psychiatrist who has an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is an expert in the field of diagnosis. A full assessment will involve collecting information from you as well as your friends and family as well as school reports and a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your physician will use these results to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and develop an entire treatment plan that could include therapy or medication.
You should also consult your GP to determine if they are willing to sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist before seeking the private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors won't do this It's a good idea to confirm this before paying for an assessment.
Having the right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD, and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can help. You can also request an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to determine whether we're the best fit for you.