ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private health providers are able to benefit patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses via video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they may also request the partner or family member complete the questionnaire. The questionnaire must be returned prior to an appointment is scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD could be the reason behind your frequent loss of concentration and inability to finish tasks at work, or be interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition can affect up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% adults. It can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional lives. Many people don't realize that their symptoms result from ADHD and don't seek treatment because they don't know what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be a challenge.
There isn't a physical or medical test for ADHD but a trained mental health professional will use information from several sources to determine diagnosis, such as the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, aswell an extensive background of the person's previous and present functioning, as well as information from those who know them well. Based on the nature of the person's issues, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests may be performed.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can also have co-occurring illnesses, like depression and anxiety It is therefore essential for a healthcare professional to rule them out. A healthcare professional will check for other medical disorders which can cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or weight gain.
GPs do not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to a specialist. They may refer you to a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. If you choose to go on your own for an assessment, it will be conducted in a clinical setting and involve filling in questionnaires with you, your parents or partner and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based on 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 evaluation process will be carried out by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a detailed history, make detailed notes and discuss with you your behaviour in different environments. This could include at school, at home and in the workplace. You will be asked to provide the rating of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, including an assessment of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know could have ADHD. They can recommend you to a private physician such as psychiatrist or psychologist who is certified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the clinician you'll have to complete an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. Additionally, you will need to bring details about your family's health history, as well as any previous psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is essential that you are honest with your physician regarding your symptoms, since they will require an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family, personal medical history, and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms and concerns. They will then analyze this information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look at whether your symptoms might be caused by other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Depending on the situation, you might require additional psychological testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help to determine other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. Some people with ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities which can cause similar symptoms. Contacting your insurance provider about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also contact an adult group in your area with ADHD to ask for referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to recognize the reasons they've struggled in their lives. It can be difficult to deal the feelings that accompany the diagnosis. It is vital to get 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 treating adults with ADHD is the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating people suffering from ADHD. Alternatively, you could request your family physician to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it will involve a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they affect you in your everyday life. Be prepared to discuss your difficulties with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work or with your hobbies, as well as at school. You will also need to bring a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues you've experienced.
If iampsychiatry who is conducting your assessment thinks you might have ADHD They will test you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will take the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine if you exhibit at least six traits (symptoms) that have been present throughout your life for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will prepare a report, and then explain the results of your assessment to you. If they find that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that might better explain your difficulties.
Once you've got a diagnosis it's important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They can suggest therapy and medication that may assist you in managing your symptoms. There are several treatments that are specifically designed for adults who have ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, particularly for adults. It may explain why you were struggling in the past, which can be liberating and inspiring. It's also important to keep in mind that many adults struggle with self-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be beneficial for people who struggle to tell their story differently and change the ways they view themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly stigmatized, new services have emerged on the internet that give people the chance to quickly obtain an ADHD diagnosis via an email or phone questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time and cost of treatment by reducing the time needed to find a psychiatrist wait for an assessment, and then schedule an appointment. They also have the advantage of being more efficient and less time-consuming than navigating the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may appear to be a maze.
However, they aren't free of criticism. In recent months, there has been a wave of reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle remained the same: that those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by.
Psychiatry can be a complex field, and it's not common for people suffering from ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist with 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 as well as a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your therapist will then utilize these results to determine if you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan, which could include psychotherapy or medication.
You should also check with your GP to determine whether they're willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you and with your psychologist prior to requesting an individual ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to do this therefore it's important to verify before paying for an assessment.
A reliable support system can help you manage ADHD symptoms and improve your life quality. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can help you. You can also book a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right solution for you.