ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel disappointed by the stifling NHS waiting lists. However, an earlier 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. It is necessary to return this form before an appointment can be scheduled.
Symptoms
ADHD can be the cause of your frequent loss of concentration and inability to finish tasks at work, or being interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition can affect up to 8.4% children and 2.5% adults. It can have a profound impact on both your personal and professional lives. Many people are unaware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they do not seek treatment because they don't know what to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms however this can be a struggle and might not be effective.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will use diverse data to determine the severity of the condition, such as symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They may also draw information from people who are familiar with the person, such as their previous and current functioning and information from those closest to them. Based on the nature of the individual's issues further neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities could also be conducted.
It's important that a medical professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will look for other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid disorder or weight increase.
The GP does not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to a specialist. They can refer you to an Priory hospital, or a wellbeing centre to conduct 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 complete questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on the 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 conduct the assessment. They will take a full history, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in various environments. This includes at school, at home and in the workplace. You will be asked to evaluate your ADHD symptoms over the course of a week. You will also be asked to take tests, such as a cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know could have ADHD. They might be able refer you to an individual specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, who is trained in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill out an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will also be asked to provide details about your medical history, including any previous psychiatric treatments you may have received.
It is essential to be honest with your doctor about your health issues, as he or she will need an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your personal, family medical history, and psychiatric history and also your current symptoms and issues. They will then utilize this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also consider whether other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, could be causing your symptoms.
Depending on the situation you may require additional psychological testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help to rule out other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD can also have other learning disabilities or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. Asking your insurance company about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also reach out to a local group of people with ADHD to inquire about referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to understand why they have had to struggle in their lives. It can be difficult to deal the feelings that accompany an diagnosis. It is essential to receive a proper diagnosis from a skilled clinician to take the next steps in managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.
Treatment
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate an expert in healthcare who has experience working with adults with ADHD. This may 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 to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric visit because it is an interview with a plan to evaluate your symptoms and the way they impact your everyday life. It is recommended that you are prepared to discuss your issues with hyperactivity and attention in the workplace, in relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You should also provide a list of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life over time, and any other mental health issues you've experienced.
If the health professional conducting your examination believes that you might be suffering from ADHD The doctor will evaluate you based on the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you've listed to determine if you exhibit six traits (symptoms). These traits should have been present for a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will write an report and then explain to you the outcome of your assessment. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe that you do not meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that might better explain your difficulties.
After you've been diagnosed it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They'll be able to suggest treatments and medications that will aid in managing your symptoms. There are many treatments specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD that include cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) as well as acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
It can be a massive relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD, especially as an adult. You might find that it provides a lot of information about the reasons you've had difficulties in the past, and it can be empowering and freeing. 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 beneficial for people who struggle to tell their own stories differently and change the ways they view themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming disseminated, a variety of services have popped up on the internet that give people the chance to quickly obtain an ADHD diagnosis through an online website or phone questionnaire. These services will cut down on the time it takes to find an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of getting treatment. These services are also more efficient and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze.
There are plenty of critics. In the past few months, there has been a wave of documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of a BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original concept remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.
Psychiatry is a complex field and it's not unusual for people to present with symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. It is therefore crucial to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD and has a deep knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment involves collecting data from your relatives, friends and school reports. It may also include an assessment form prior to your visit. Your physician will use these results to determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and create a holistic plan of treatment that may include therapy or medication.
It's also worth talking to your GP before requesting an official diagnosis for ADHD and to determine if they will agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means that you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication. It is recommended to consult your doctor before you spend money on an assessment.
The right support system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can help. You can also schedule a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good choice for your needs.