ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers can profit from patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were giving incorrect diagnoses through video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they can also have an adult family member or partner complete it. This will need to be returned prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD could be the reason for your frequent key loss and inability to finish tasks at work, or getting interrupted by your family or friends. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a significant impact on your professional and personal life. However, many people do not realize that the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and don't seek assistance because they aren't sure what to do. They might try to manage their own symptoms but this can be frustrating.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will utilize various sources of data to determine the severity of the condition, including the symptom list and standardized rating scales. They may also draw information from other people who are familiar with the individual, such as their previous and current functioning as well as information from people closest to them. Based on the nature of the problems further neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests may be conducted.
It is crucial that a medical professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression in a few people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will look for other medical disorders which may cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid disorders or weight gain.
GPs do not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They may refer you to a Priory hospital, or a wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a clinical environment and you or your parents, partner or any other relatives to you will be asked to fill out questionnaires. 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 conducted by a skilled psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a thorough investigation, record your history and discuss your behaviour in various environments with you. This will include at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked for the rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, like an assessment of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to see your GP. They might be able to refer you to a private specialist like psychologists or psychiatrists who is experienced in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to arrange an assessment. Before you attend your appointment with the therapist, you will need to complete an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. Additionally, you will need to provide information about your family's mental health history and any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.
It is important to be honest about your symptoms with the clinician, as you will be required to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family, personal medical history, and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will use this information to determine whether you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look into whether other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, could be the cause of your symptoms.
Depending on the situation, you may require additional mental testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help to identify other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD can also have other learning disabilities or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. Inquiring with your insurance company about professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You may also contact a local group of people with ADHD to inquire about recommendations.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD discover it's a relief to finally diagnosis adult adhd find out the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. It can be difficult to deal the feelings that accompany an diagnosis. It is important to get a proper diagnosis from an experienced clinician, so that you can take the next steps in managing your ADHD and making the most of your life.
Treatment
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate an expert in healthcare who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. You could also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment of ADHD differs slightly from a regular psychiatric visit because it includes a structured interview that will assess your symptoms and how they impact your everyday life. Come prepared to discuss your struggles with hyperactivity and attention at work, in relationships and hobbies, as well as in school. You'll also need to keep a record of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time, and any other mental health issues you've had.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you might have ADHD, they will assess you 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 characteristics (symptoms). These traits must have been present for at least one year.
The healthcare professional will write a report, and then explain the results of your assessment to you. If they find that you don't have ADHD, they will say why they think you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that could better explain your issues.
It is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor once you have a diagnosis. They can suggest therapy and medication that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are several therapies that are designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief, particularly for adults. You might find that it clarifies a lot about why you have been struggling in the past and that can be empowering and liberating. But, it's equally important to remember that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be helpful for these individuals to learn to tell their story differently and change the way they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have popped up on the internet that give individuals the chance to get an ADHD diagnosis via a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can save the time it takes 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 navigating the NHS referral and assessment process, which can appear to be a maze.
However, they aren't without criticism. In recent months, there has been a flurry of news stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama and named The ADHD Scandal. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, but the original angle was the same: those seeking private ADHD diagnosis are being manipulated by.
The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist who has an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the field of diagnosis. A thorough assessment will require gathering information from you and your friends and family such as school reports and a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your doctor will then use these results to determine if you have ADHD and formulate a holistic treatment plan that could include medication or psychotherapy.
It's also worth contacting your GP before seeking an official diagnosis for ADHD to determine if they'll agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. You will only be required to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors won't do this therefore it's important to verify before paying for an assessment.
A reliable support system can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better life, head over to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can help. You can also request an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right choice for your needs.