ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel disappointed due to the long NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
A questionnaire will be given to the person and they may also request an adult family member or partner complete it. This will need to be returned before an appointment is scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD could be the reason for your frequent loss of concentration of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or being interrupted by family or friends. This condition can affect as much as 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percentage of adults. It can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional lives. Many people don't realize that their symptoms result from ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be frustrating.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care professional will use information from several sources to establish a diagnosis, including symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, aswell as a comprehensive history of the person's past and present functioning, as well as information from those who are familiar with their condition. Based on the nature of the individual's issues, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may also be conducted.
It's important that a medical professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in a few people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will usually examine for the presence of other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid disorder or obesity.
They are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to an expert like a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre, to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a clinic and you as well as your partner, parents or any other relatives to you will complete questionnaires. 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 has experience diagnosing ADHD will carry out the assessment. They will take a full history, make detailed notes and discuss with you your behaviour in different environments. This could include at school, at home and in the workplace. You will be asked to provide the rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, including tests of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to see your GP. They might be able to refer you to a private specialist like psychologist or psychiatrist, who is trained in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to complete an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will also be asked to provide details about your medical past, including any prior treatment you've received.
It is essential to be open about your symptoms with the physician, as you will need to give the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family, personal, and psychiatric medical history and also your current symptoms and concerns. They will then analyze this information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms could be due to other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Depending on your situation it is possible that you will require additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disabilities testing. This will help you rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities, which can cause similar symptoms. Inquiring with your insurance company about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also contact an adult group in your area with ADHD to inquire about recommendations.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to realize the reason they've been unable to live their lives. However, it can be difficult to deal with the feelings that accompany the diagnosis. It is important to get a proper diagnosis from an experienced professional to move forward in managing your ADHD and making the most of your life.
Treatment
The first step to get a diagnosis is to find a healthcare professional who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. You could also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a typical psychiatric visit because it will involve an organized interview to evaluate your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily activities. Come prepared to discuss your struggles with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work and hobbies, as well as in school. You will have to bring an inventory of your symptoms and how these have affected your life throughout the years, as well any other mental health issues that you might have faced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your examination believes that you might be suffering from ADHD, he or she will assess you according to the DSM V criteria. They will take the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine if you have at least six signs (symptoms) which have been present in your life for a minimum of 12 months.
The healthcare professional will prepare a report, and then discuss the findings of your test to you. If adhd diagnosis uk adults determine that you aren't a candidate for ADHD, they will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that may better explain your problems.
Once you've got a diagnosis it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They will be able to suggest therapy and medication that may assist you in managing your symptoms. There are many therapies specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD that include cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.
It can be a massive relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could be that it provides a lot of information about the reasons you've been struggling in the past and that can be empowering and freeing. It is important to remember, however, that many people suffer from self-stigma following being diagnosed. These individuals may benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story in a different way and change the way they perceive themselves.
Support
Online services that permit people to receive a fast ADHD diagnosis via a phone or online questionnaire are becoming more popular as mental health issues are less stigmatized. These services can reduce the amount of time and expense involved in treatment by reducing the time needed to find a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment, and then schedule the appointment. These services are also faster and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can feel like a maze at times.
They are not without critics. In recent months there have been many stories and documentaries that have accused private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of the BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original premise remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.
Psychiatry is a complex field, and it's not common for people suffering from ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. This is why it's crucial to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is an expert in adult ADHD and has a deep understanding of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment involves collecting information from your relatives, friends and school reports. It could also include an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your doctor will then use these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include medication or psychotherapy.
You should also consult your GP to determine whether they're willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist before seeking an individual ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to take this approach, so it's best to check before you start spending money for an assessment.
A supportive system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD, and improve the quality of your life. If you're ready to take the first step toward a better future go to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can help. You can also schedule a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the best choice for your needs.