ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are able to benefit patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. But an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses through video calls.
In most cases, people will be sent an application form to fill out by themselves and also by a close family member or partner. The questionnaire must be returned before an appointment is scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD may be the reason behind your frequent loss of concentration of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or being interrupted by your family or friends. This condition can affect up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent adults. It can have a profound impact on both your personal and professional lives. However, many people don't realize the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be difficult.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will use various sources of data to determine the severity of the condition, including symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They also make use of information from other people who are familiar with the person, including their past and present functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Depending on the severity and nature of the problem further psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests may be carried out.
It is crucial to have a doctor rule out co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in a few people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will check for any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or weight increase.
GPs are not specialists and they cannot diagnose ADHD, but they may refer you to a specialist like a Priory hospital or 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 complete questionnaires. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD that are laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
The assessment process is performed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a thorough account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss with you your behaviour in various situations. This includes at school, at work, and at home. You will be asked to rate your ADHD symptoms throughout the course of a week and take tests, such as a cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to see your GP. They may be able to refer you to an individual specialist, such as psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly yourself to organise an assessment. You will be asked to complete an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will be asked to provide details about your mental health history, including any previous treatment you've received.
It is essential to be open about your current symptoms to the physician, as you will need to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review the medical history of your family members and your medical history, and current symptoms. They will then analyze this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms may be caused by other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Based on adhd diagnostic ADHD Diagnosis depending on your situation, you may require additional neuropsychological, psychological, or testing for learning disabilities. This will help identify other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, some people with ADHD might also suffer from other disorders of learning or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations about specialists who are able to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call an organization that offers support for adults suffering from ADHD and ask for referrals.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD find that it is an exhilarating feeling to finally find out the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. It isn't easy to manage the feelings that accompany the diagnosis. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next steps toward managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Locating a healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step towards getting a proper diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. You can also request your family physician to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric appointment due to a structured interview that will assess your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Prepare to discuss your struggles with hyperactivity and attention at work, in relationships, hobbies, and school. You will have to bring an inventory of your symptoms and how these have affected your life over the years, as well any other mental health issues that you might have faced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment believes you might have ADHD, they will assess your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will look at the list of symptoms you've listed and ask questions to determine if you have at least six signs (symptoms) which have been present in your life for at least 12 months.
The healthcare professional will prepare a report, and then discuss the findings of your examination to you. If they find that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe that 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 physician once you've been diagnosed. They'll be able to suggest medication and therapy that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are many treatments that are specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, especially for adults. It may explain why you struggled in the previous and can be empowering and empower. But, it's equally important to keep in mind that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Individuals with these issues may benefit from therapy, specifically narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different way and to change the way they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have popped up online that give individuals the opportunity to swiftly obtain an ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can save the time required to find an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of getting treatment. They also have the benefit of being faster and simpler than the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes feel like a maze.
However, they aren't without their critics. In the past few months, there has been a wave of reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing 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, but the original angle was the same: those seeking private ADHD diagnosis are being taken advantage of.
Psychiatry is a complex discipline and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to have symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is essential to find a psychiatrist who has an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the field of diagnosis. A full assessment will involve gathering information from you and your friends and family such as school reports and an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your clinician will then use these results to determine if you have ADHD and formulate a holistic treatment plan, which may include medication or psychotherapy.
It's also worth checking with your GP before requesting a private diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication. Some doctors won't do this It's a good idea to confirm this before paying for an assessment.
The right support system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better life visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also schedule an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to determine if we are the right fit for you.