ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down by the stifling NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering unreliable diagnoses over video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person and they may also request an adult family member or partner complete the questionnaire. This will need to be returned prior to when an appointment can be made.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD may be the reason for your frequent key loss, inability to complete tasks at work, or be interrupted by family or friends. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a significant impact on personal and professional life. However, many people don't realize their symptoms are caused by ADHD and don't seek assistance because they aren't sure what to do. They might try to manage their own symptoms but this can be frustrating.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care specialist will draw information from a variety of sources to determine diagnosis, such as symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales, as well as a comprehensive review of the person's history and current functioning, and information from people who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problem, additional tests for learning disabilities, psychological, or neuropsychological tests could be conducted.
It is essential that a medical professional rule out co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will test for other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues 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 center to conduct an assessment. When you go privately for an assessment, it will be conducted in a clinical setting and involves filling out questionnaires with your parents or partners, 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).
A psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take a full account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss your behaviour with you in different environments. This includes at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked for a rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, including a test of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know may be suffering from ADHD. They might be able to refer you to an individual specialist, such as psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. You will be asked to complete an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will also need to provide information about your family's mental health history as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is important to be honest with your physician about your symptoms, as he or she will need an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your medical history of your family as well as your own medical history, and your current symptoms. They will then use this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also consider whether other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, could be causing your symptoms.
Based on the circumstances, you may require additional mental testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This will help you rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some people with ADHD might also suffer from other disorders of learning or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations about experts who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call an organization that offers support for adults suffering from ADHD and request recommendations.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD find that it is an exhilarating feeling to finally find out the reason they have been struggling in their lives. However it can be a challenge to cope with the emotions that come with being diagnosed. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a clinician who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next step toward managing your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step to get a diagnosis is to find an healthcare professional who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the disorder and has treated others in the past. Alternatively, you could ask your family doctor to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private evaluation of ADHD differs from a typical psychiatric consultation due to a structured interview that will assess your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You should come prepared to discuss your issues with hyperactivity and attention in work, relationships, hobbies and school. You should also keep a record of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues you've experienced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation believes that you may have ADHD, they will assess you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the information you've provided to determine if you have six traits (symptoms). These traits must be present for a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will prepare an account, and then discuss the findings of your examination to you. If they find that you don't have ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that could website better explain your difficulties.
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 may help you manage your symptoms. There are many therapies that are designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a wonderful relief, especially for adults. It could be that it provides a lot of information about the reasons why you've been struggling in the past and that can be liberating and empowering. It's also important to keep in mind that many adults struggle deeply with self-esteem issues 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 destigmatised, services have popped up online that offer people the chance to quickly receive an ADHD diagnosis through an online or phone questionnaire. These services can help cut down the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time required to locate a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment and then schedule the appointment. They also have the benefit of being more efficient and less time-consuming to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes feel like an endless maze.
However, they aren't free of criticism. In recent months, there have been numerous stories and documentaries that have accused private clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama, was titled The ADHD Scandal. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle was the same: those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being taken advantage of.
Psychiatry can be a complex discipline and it's uncommon for people with ADHD to exhibit symptoms that aren't ADHD. That's why it's important to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a comprehensive understanding of how it manifests in adults. A thorough assessment requires gathering information from your friends, family members and school reports. It may also include an assessment form prior to your visit. Your clinician will then use the results to determine if you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan that could include psychotherapy or medication.
You should also check with your GP to determine whether they're willing sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist prior to requesting the private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication. It is recommended to consult your GP before spending money on an assessment.
The right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD, and enhance your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can assist you. You can also request an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to determine whether we're the right choice for you.