ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private health providers are able to benefit patients who feel depressed by the NHS waiting list. However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses through video calls.
In most cases, people will be given a questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by someone close to them, such as a family member or partner. It is essential to complete this form prior to when an appointment can take place.
Symptoms
If you keep getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish work or are frequently interrupted by family members or friends this could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect as much as 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent adults. It can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional lives. However, many people don't know their symptoms are due to ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know how to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be frustrating.
There isn't a physical or medical test for ADHD however a certified mental health professional will make use of information from multiple sources to establish diagnosis, such as symptom checklists and standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well an extensive history of the person's past and present performance, as well as information from those who know them well. Based on the nature of the individual's problems, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could also be conducted.
It is essential that a medical professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically check for the presence of other medical conditions that could lead to similar symptoms, like an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.
GPs are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to a specialist, such as a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. If you visit a private clinic, the assessment will take place in a medical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with you, your partner or parents, as well as other people who know you well. 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 psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will take a full account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss with you your behaviour in different settings. This could include at work, at school and at home. You will be asked to provide a rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, including tests of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know could be suffering from ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill in an application form prior to your appointment. You will be asked to provide details regarding your mental health history, including any previous treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received.
It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about your symptoms, as they will require an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over the medical history of your family members as well as your own medical history, as well as 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 determine if other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could be causing your symptoms.
Based on the circumstances it is possible that you will require additional neuropsychological, psychological, or testing for learning disabilities. This can help to determine other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. Certain people with ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities which could cause similar symptoms. It is recommended to ask your insurance company for recommendations about professionals who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the local support group for people who suffer from ADHD and request referrals.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD feel it's a relief to finally have an explanation for why they have been struggling in their lives. It can be difficult to deal the emotions that accompany an diagnosis. It is important to get a proper diagnosis from a qualified professional, so that you can move forward in managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.
Treatment
Finding a healthcare professional with experience in treating adults with ADHD is the first step to get a proper diagnosis. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private evaluation of ADHD here differs from a regular psychiatric visit due to an organized interview that will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is important to be prepared to discuss your problems with attention and hyperactivity in work, relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You'll also need to keep a record of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues you've experienced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment believes you may have ADHD, he or she will determine your ADHD based on the DSM V criteria. They will look at the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine whether or not you are suffering from at least six characteristics (symptoms) that have been present throughout your life for a minimum of 12 months.
The healthcare professional will then prepare a report and explain to you the results of their assessment. If they find 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 problems.
After you've been diagnosed, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They'll be able to recommend treatments and medications that will assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief, particularly for adults. You might find that it clarifies a lot about the reasons why you've had difficulties in the past, and it can be liberating and empowering. It's important to remember that many people suffer from self-stigma following being diagnosed. These individuals can benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different way and to change how they perceive themselves.
Support
Online services that allow individuals to receive a quick ADHD diagnosis via a telephone or online questionnaire are becoming more popular as mental health problems are becoming less stigmatized. These services can cut down on the time needed to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of seeking treatment. These services are also quicker and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can feel like a maze at times.
There are plenty of critics. In recent months, there were numerous reports and documentaries that have accused private clinics of overdiagnosing 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 abused.
Psychiatry can be a complex discipline and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to have symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is therefore crucial to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist that specialises in adult ADHD, and has a deep understanding of how it presents in adults. A full assessment involves gathering information from your family, friends and school reports. It could also comprise an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your clinician will then use these results to determine if you have ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include medication or psychotherapy.
It's also worth checking with your GP prior to seeking 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 charge for your medication. Some doctors won't do this therefore it's important to check before you start spending money for an assessment.
Having the right support system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can assist you. You can also schedule a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good fit for your needs.