ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers can benefit patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. But an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses via video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they can also have a family member or partner complete it. It is required to fill out the form prior to an appointment can be made.
Symptoms
ADHD may be the cause of your frequent loss of focus and inability to finish tasks at work, or be interrupted by your family or friends. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional life. Many people do not realize that the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and do not seek help because they aren't sure what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be frustrating.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD however a certified mental health professional will use information from a variety of sources to determine a diagnosis, including the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, as well an extensive history of the person's past and present performance, as well as information from people who know them well. Depending on the nature of the person's issues and the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may be conducted.
It is crucial 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 usually check for the presence of other medical conditions that could lead to similar symptoms, such as a thyroid disorder or obesity.
Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to an expert. They may refer you to an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. If you visit a private clinic, the assessment will be conducted in a clinic and will involve filling out questionnaires with yourself, your partner or parents, as well as others who know you well. These questions 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 psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience diagnosing ADHD will carry out the assessment. They will carry out an exhaustive investigation, record your history and discuss your behavior in different environments with you. This includes at school, at home and at work. You will be asked to assess your ADHD symptoms over the course of a week. You will also be asked to complete tests such as the cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, the first step is to visit your GP. They might refer you to a private doctor such as a psychologist or psychiatrist who is trained to diagnose people with ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to set up an appointment. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire before your appointment. Additionally, you will need to provide information about your family's health history, as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is crucial that you be honest with your physician about your symptoms, as they will require an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your medical history of your family, your personal medical history, as well as your current symptoms. adhd diagnosis uk adults will then analyze this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms might be due to other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Based on the circumstances it is possible that you will require additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This can help identify other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities which could cause similar symptoms. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations of professionals who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You may also contact a local group of adults with ADHD to request referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel it's an immense relief to find out the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. It can be difficult to deal the feelings that accompany a diagnosis. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis from a clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next step toward managing your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate an healthcare professional who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is familiar with the disorder and has treated patients in the past. You could also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment for ADHD is different from a typical psychiatric visit because it will involve a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they impact you in your everyday life. You should come prepared to discuss your problems with hyperactivity and attention at your relationships, work, hobbies and school. You will also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues you've had.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment thinks you may be suffering from ADHD they will evaluate your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you have provided to determine if there are six characteristics (symptoms). These traits should have been present for a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will write an assessment report and present the results of your assessment to you. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you do not meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that could better explain your issues.
It is essential to discuss treatment options with your doctor once you have a diagnosis. They'll be able to recommend medication and therapy that can help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments that are specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
It can be a huge relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD especially as an adult. It could explain why you were struggling in the past and can be empowering and inspiring. It is important to remember, however, that many people suffer from self-stigma following being diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be helpful for people who struggle to tell their story differently and alter the way they perceive themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming destigmatised, services have been popping up on the internet that give individuals the chance to receive an ADHD diagnosis by a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can save the time needed to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of treatment. These services are also more efficient and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can feel like a maze.
They are not without critics. In recent months there have been many stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of a BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original premise remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.
The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not uncommon to see people suffer from symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It is essential to find a psychiatrist who has an understanding of the adult ADHD and who is an expert in the field of diagnosis. A thorough assessment will require collecting information from you as well as your friends and family such as school reports and a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your therapist will then utilize the results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy or medication.
You should also check with your GP to determine if they are willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you as well as your psychologist prior to requesting an individual ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication. Some doctors will not take this approach, so it's best to check before you start spending money for an assessment.
A good support system can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and enhance your life quality. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can assist you. You can also book an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to see whether we're the right choice for you.