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. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering unreliable diagnoses over video calls.
Usually a person will be given an application form to fill out on their own, as well as by a close family member or partner. This will need to be returned before an appointment can be made.
Symptoms
ADHD may be the cause of your frequent key loss of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or be interrupted by family or friends. This condition can affect as much as 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent adults. It can have a major impact on both personal and professional lives. Many people do not realize that the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and don't seek help because they don't know how to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves, but this can be frustrating and might not be effective.
There isn't a medical or physical 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 history of the person's past and present performance, as well as information from people who are familiar with them. Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problem further tests for learning disabilities, psychological, or neuropsychological testing may be carried out.
It is crucial to have a doctor check for co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will usually check for the presence of other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, for example, a thyroid disorder or obesity.
GPs do not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They may refer you to an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The assessment will be done in a setting that is clinical and you as well as your partner, parents or any other relatives to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on 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 experienced in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the assessment. They will take an extensive investigation, record your history and discuss your behaviour in different environments with you. This will 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, such as an assessment of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. They can refer you to a private doctor, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to diagnose adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. Before you attend your appointment with the doctor you'll need to fill in an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You should also bring details about your family's mental health history and any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.
It is important to be open about your issues with the physician, as you will need to provide complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your medical history of your family as well as your own medical history, and your current symptoms. They will then utilize this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look into whether other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, might be the cause of your symptoms.
Depending on your situation, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This can help rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD can also have other learning disabilities or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations of specialists who are able to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact a local group of adults with ADHD to ask for recommendations.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are relieved to understand why they have struggled in their lives. It isn't easy to manage the emotions that accompany an diagnosis. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a professional who has experience treating ADHD. This will allow you to move on towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to find an expert in healthcare who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition and has treated others in the past. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private evaluation of ADHD differs slightly from a typical psychiatric consultation because it includes a structured interview that will assess your symptoms and the way they impact your everyday life. Come prepared to discuss your difficulties with hyperactivity and here attention in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You will be required to bring a list of symptoms and how they have affected your life over the years and any other mental health issues that you might have faced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you may have ADHD, they will assess you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you have provided to determine if you exhibit six characteristics (symptoms). These traits should have been present for at least one year.
The healthcare professional will then create a report and explain to you the results of their evaluation. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe that you do not meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that could better explain your issues.
Once you've got a diagnosis it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They will be able to recommend therapy and medications that can help you manage your symptoms. There are several therapies specifically designed for adults who have ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, especially for adults. You may find that it clarifies a lot about the reasons why you've been struggling in the past and that can be empowering and liberating. But, it's equally important to keep in mind that a lot of 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 own story differently and alter the way they perceive themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have popped up online that offer people the chance to quickly get an ADHD diagnosis by an online or phone questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time and cost of treatment by reducing the time needed to find a psychiatrist, attend an assessment, then schedule the appointment. These services are also more efficient and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze.
However, they aren't free of criticism. In recent months, there's been a wave of stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original concept remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being abused.
Psychiatry is a complex field and it's not unusual for people to present with symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD and has a deep knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment will involve gathering information from you and your family and friends such as school reports and an assessment questionnaire. Your doctor will analyze these findings to determine if you suffer from ADHD, and create an overall treatment plan that may include therapy or medication.
You should also consult your GP to determine whether they're willing to sign a shared care agreement with you as well as your psychologist prior to seeking the private ADHD diagnosis. You'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors won't take this approach, so it's best to verify before spending money for an assessment.
A reliable support system can help you manage ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also request a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right choice for your needs.