ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers can take advantage of patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
In most cases, people will be given an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves and also by an immediate family member or partner. It is essential to complete this form prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
If you are constantly losing your keys, struggle to complete work tasks or are frequently interrupted by family or friends It could be an indication of ADHD. This condition can affect as much as 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% adults. It can have a significant impact on your personal and professional lives. Many people don't realize the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and don't seek assistance because they don't know how to do. Often they'll try to self-manage but this can be frustrating and may not be effective.
There isn't a physical or medical test for ADHD but a trained mental health care professional will make use of information from a variety of sources to establish an assessment, which may include symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, as well an extensive review of the person's history and current functioning, and information from those who know them well. Based on the severity and nature of the individual's problem and the severity of the problem, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests may be conducted.
It is essential 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 usually look for other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.
GPs do not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to an expert. They could refer you to a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. When you go privately for an assessment, it will be conducted in a clinic and involves filling out questionnaires with your partner or parents, as well as other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take a detailed history, make detailed notes and discuss your behaviour with you in different situations. This will include at school, at home and at work. You will be asked for the rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, such as tests of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know could have ADHD. They may refer you to a private doctor, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who is certified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the clinician you'll need to complete an assessment form regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You will also be asked to provide details about your mental health past, including any prior psychiatric treatments you may have received.
It is important to be honest about your current symptoms to the physician, as you will need to give a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your family medical history as well as your own medical history, and your current symptoms. The doctor will utilize this information to determine if you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look get more info at whether your symptoms could be due to other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Based on the circumstances, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This will help determine other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. Some people with ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities, which can cause similar symptoms. Inquiring with your insurance company for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also call an organization that offers support for adults suffering from ADHD and request referrals.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD find that it is an exhilarating feeling to finally have an explanation for why they have been struggling in their lives. It isn't easy to face the emotions that come with a diagnosis. It is essential to receive a correct diagnosis from a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next step toward managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Locating a healthcare professional who has expertise in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition and has treated patients in the past. You can also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a regular psychiatric appointment because it will include an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily life. It is important to be prepared to talk about your problems with hyperactivity and attention at work, relationships, hobbies and school. You'll need to bring along a list of symptoms and how they have affected your life over the years as well as any other mental health issues you might have experienced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment thinks you may have ADHD They will test you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and use the symptoms you've listed to determine if you have six traits (symptoms). These characteristics should be present for at least one year.
The healthcare professional will then create an account and inform you the outcome of your assessment. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD they will then explain why they think you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that may better explain your issues.
It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor once you have a diagnosis. They will be able to suggest therapy and medication to aid in managing your symptoms. There are many therapies specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief, especially for adults. It could be that it provides a lot of information about the reasons why you've had difficulties in the past, and that can be empowering and freeing. However, it's equally important to be aware that many adults struggle with self-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be helpful for these individuals to learn to tell their story differently and alter the way they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming stigmatized, new services have popped up online that give people the chance to quickly obtain an ADHD diagnosis through an online or phone questionnaire. These services will cut down on the time needed to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of treatment. These services are also faster and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze.
They're not without criticism. In recent months there have been numerous stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of the BBC Panorama documentary. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle was the same: those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being manipulated by.
Psychiatry is a complex field and it's not unusual for people to present with symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD, and has a deep understanding of how it manifests in adults. A thorough assessment requires collecting information from your family, friends and school reports. It could also include a pre-assessment form. Your doctor will then use the results to determine if you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy or medication.
It's also worth talking to your GP prior to seeking a private diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they'll agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. You'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to take this approach therefore it's important to check before you start paying for an assessment.
Having the right support system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD, and improve the quality of your life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can help. You can also book an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to see whether we're the best person for you.