ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are able to benefit patients who feel depressed by the NHS waiting list. However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses via video calls.
In most cases, people will be given an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by an immediate family member or partner. This will need to be returned prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD may be the reason behind your frequent loss of concentration, inability to complete tasks at work, or getting interrupted by family or friends. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a major impact on both your personal and professional life. Many people don't know their symptoms are caused by ADHD and don't seek assistance because they aren't sure what to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves, but this can be a struggle and may not be effective.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD but a trained mental health care professional will make use of information from several sources to make a diagnosis, including the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, as well an extensive review of the person's history and present performance, as well as information from others who are familiar with them. Depending on the nature of the person's problems and the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests may be performed.
It's important that a medical professional rule out co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will usually examine for the presence of other medical conditions that could lead to similar symptoms, such as the thyroid disorder or obesity.
Doctors are not experts and cannot diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to specialists like a Priory hospital or wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. When you go privately, the assessment will be conducted in a clinic and will involve filling out questionnaires with your partner or parents, as well as others who know you well. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
The assessment process will be carried out by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full note of your history, record it in detail and discuss with you your behaviour in various situations. This will include at work, at school and at home. 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 talk to your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know may have ADHD. They may refer you to a private physician, such as psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to schedule an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the therapist, you will need to complete an assessment form regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You should also provide information about your family's health history, as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is essential to be honest about your current symptoms to the clinician, as you will be required to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family medical history as well as your own medical history, as well as your current symptoms. The doctor will analyze this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, could be causing your symptoms.
Depending on the situation you might require additional psycho-educational testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing. This will help you rule out other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD might also suffer from other disorders of learning or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations about experts who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also call an organization that offers support for adults with ADHD and ask for referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an immense relief to find out the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. However it can be a struggle to cope with the emotions that come with the diagnosis. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a skilled professional to take the next steps in managing your ADHD and making the most of your life.
Treatment
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an healthcare professional who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated other 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 of ADHD differs slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it includes an interview with a plan to examine your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Prepare to talk about your issues with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You will also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues that you've faced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment thinks you may be suffering from ADHD, they will assess you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and use the symptoms you've listed to determine if there are six characteristics (symptoms). These traits should be present for at least one year.
The healthcare professional will write an report and then explain to you the outcome of your assessment. If they conclude you aren't a candidate for ADHD they will explain why and suggest a different diagnosis that may better explain your problems.
If you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They can suggest therapy and medication that may assist you in managing your symptoms. There are adult adhd diagnosis uk designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
It can be a major relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. You might find that it clarifies a lot about the reasons why you've struggled 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 after being diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their own story differently and alter the way they perceive themselves.
Support
Online services that allow people to receive a quick ADHD diagnosis via a phone call or online survey have been gaining popularity as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatized. These services can cut down on the time it takes to locate an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of getting treatment. They also have the benefit of being quicker and easier to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can seem like an endless maze.
There are plenty of critics. In recent months, there's been a flurry of news reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic 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 premise remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.
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 that you're assessed by a psychiatrist who is an expert in adult ADHD, and has a deep understanding of how it manifests in adults. A thorough assessment will require gathering information from you and your family and friends, including school reports and an assessment questionnaire. Your clinician will use these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and create an entire treatment plan which could include medication or therapy.
It's also worth contacting your GP before requesting an individual diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. You'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors will not take this approach therefore it's important to verify before spending money for an assessment.
The right support system can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you're ready for the first step towards a better life go to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can assist you. You can also request an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the best choice for your needs.