ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are able to benefit patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. But a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses via video calls.
In most cases, people will be given an application form to fill out on their own, as well as by a close family member or partner. It must be returned prior to an appointment is scheduled.
Symptoms
If you are constantly losing your keys, struggle to complete work tasks or are constantly interrupted by family members or friends, it could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect as much as 8.4% children and 2.5 percentage of adults. It can have a major impact on both 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 what to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves however this can be difficult and might not be effective.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A certified mental health professional will employ a variety of information to diagnose the condition, including symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They may also draw information from people who are familiar with the person, such as their past and present functioning as well as information from people closest to them. Based on the nature and severity of the problem and the severity of the problem, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing may be carried out.
Some people with ADHD can also have co-occurring illnesses, like depression and anxiety and depression, so it's crucial for a medical professional to rule these out. A healthcare professional will usually look for other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.
The GP does not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to a specialist. They could refer you to a Priory hospital, or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. If you choose to go on your own the test will take place in a clinical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with you, your partner or parents, as well as others who know you well. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
The assessment process is carried out by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist, who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behavior with you in various settings. This will include 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 take tests like a cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
It is recommended to first speak with your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know could have ADHD. They might be able refer you to a private specialist like psychologists or psychiatrists, who is trained in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill in 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 important to be honest about your current symptoms to the physician, as you will need to provide complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review the medical history of your family members as well as your own medical history, as well as your current symptoms. They will then analyze this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also look at whether your symptoms might be caused by other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Depending on your situation it is possible that you will require additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing. This can help identify other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD might also suffer from other disabilities, such as autism or learning disabilities, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations about experts who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the local support group for adults suffering from ADHD and request recommendations.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an immense relief to understand the reason they've had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a struggle to manage the emotions associated with the diagnosis. It is crucial to get the correct diagnosis from a professional who has experience treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next step towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Finding a doctor who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD is the first step to get the right diagnosis. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the disorder and has treated other patients in the past. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a routine psychiatric appointment because it will involve an organized interview to evaluate your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily activities. It is recommended that you are prepared to discuss your problems with attention and hyperactivity in work, relationships as well as in your hobbies and school. You will also need to keep a record 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 might have ADHD they will evaluate you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you've listed to determine if you exhibit six traits (symptoms). These characteristics must have been present for a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will then write an report and then explain to you the outcome of your assessment. If they decide that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD they will explain why and suggest a different diagnosis that may better explain your issues.
It is important to discuss treatment options with your physician once you've been diagnosed. They will be able to suggest medication and therapy that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments specifically designed for adults with ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
It can be a massive relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, especially as an adult. It could be the reason you were struggling in the past, which can be liberating and inspiring. It is important to remember that many adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. They might benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, in order to learn how to tell their story in a different manner and to change how they perceive themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly stigmatized, new services have emerged online that offer individuals the opportunity to swiftly receive an ADHD diagnosis by a phone call or online questionnaire. These services will cut down on the time needed to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of treatment. These services are also quicker and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze at times.
They are not without critics. In recent months there have been numerous stories and documentaries accusing private clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original premise remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are abused.
The field of psychiatry is complex, and it's not uncommon for patients to exhibit symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist who has a thorough understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the diagnosis. A thorough assessment requires collecting data from your family, friends and school reports. It could also include a pre-assessment form. Your clinician will then use these findings to determine whether you have ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include read more psychotherapy or medication.
You should also consult your GP to see whether they're willing sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist before seeking the private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. You should consult with your doctor before you spend money for an assessment.
Having the right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD and enhance your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better life go to our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help. You can also request a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine whether we're the best fit for you.