ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down by logjammed NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing incorrect diagnoses through video calls.
A questionnaire will be given to the person and they can also have a family member or partner complete the questionnaire. It is required to fill out this form before an appointment can be made.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD could be the cause of your frequent loss of concentration of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or be interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition can affect up to 8.4% children and 2.5% adults. It can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional lives. However, many people don't realize their symptoms are caused by ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know how to do. They might try to manage their own symptoms but this can be a challenge.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health care specialist will draw information from several sources to make diagnosis, such as the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, as well as a comprehensive history of the person's past and present functioning, as well as information from those who know them well. Based on the nature and severity of the individual's problem, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests may be performed.
It's important to have a doctor check for co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically check for the presence of other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid disorder or obesity.
GPs are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD However, they can refer you to an expert like a Priory hospital or wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a clinic and you or your parents, partner or any other family members close to you will complete questionnaires. These questionnaires are based upon 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 evaluation process will be performed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. comorbidities will take an exhaustive background, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior in various situations with you. This could include at work, at school as well as at home. You will be asked for a rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, including an assessment of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD the first step is to see your GP. They might be able refer you to a private specialist like a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also contact experts directly to arrange an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the therapist, you will need to complete an assessment form regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You will also need to bring information about your family mental health history as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is essential to be honest with your clinician regarding your symptoms, since they will require a complete history to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family, personal medical history and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms and problems. They will then analyze this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also determine whether your symptoms could be caused by other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Depending on the situation you might require additional psychological or learning disabilities neuropsychological tests. This can help to identify other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD can also have other disorders of learning or autism, which can have similar symptoms as ADHD. Inquiring with your insurance company about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also contact an adult group in your area with ADHD to ask for recommendations.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved to finally realize the reason they've had to struggle in their lives. It isn't easy to manage the feelings that accompany an diagnosis. It is crucial to get the correct diagnosis from a clinician who has experience in treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next step towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step to getting a diagnosis is to find an healthcare professional who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated other patients in the past. Alternatively, you could ask your family doctor to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment of ADHD differs slightly from a typical psychiatric consultation because it is an interview with a plan to examine your symptoms and the way they impact your everyday life. It is important to be prepared to discuss your issues with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, work as well as in your hobbies and school. You'll have to bring an inventory of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time and any other mental health issues you may have had.
If the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation believes that you may be suffering from ADHD they will evaluate you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and use the information you've provided to determine if you have six characteristics (symptoms). These traits must be present for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will create an account and inform you the outcome of your 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 might better explain your difficulties.
Once you've got a diagnosis it's important to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They'll be able to recommend medication and therapy that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a range of therapies specifically designed for adults with ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness, mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.
It can be a major relief to be diagnosed of ADHD, especially as an adult. It could be that it clarifies a lot about why you have struggled in the past, and that can be empowering and liberating. It's important to remember that a lot of people suffer from self-stigma following being diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be helpful for people who struggle to tell their own stories differently and alter the way they view themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming disseminated, a variety of services have emerged on the internet that give individuals the opportunity to swiftly receive an ADHD diagnosis by an online or phone questionnaire. These services can cut down on the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time it takes to find a psychiatrist wait for an assessment, and then schedule an appointment. They also have the benefit of being more efficient and less time-consuming than navigating the NHS referral and assessment process, which can feel like a maze.
However, they aren't free of criticism. In recent months there have been many stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of a BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original concept remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being abused.
The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not unusual for people to present with symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It is essential to find a psychiatrist with an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the diagnosis. A thorough assessment will require collecting information from you as well as your friends and family such as school reports and an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your clinician will analyze these findings to determine if you suffer from ADHD and develop an overall treatment plan that could include medication or therapy.
It's also worth contacting your GP prior to seeking an official diagnosis for ADHD and to determine if they'll sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. You will only be required to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should check with your physician prior to spending money on an assessment.
Having 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 to learn more about how we can help you. You can also request a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to see if we are the right fit for you.