ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers can profit from patients who feel depressed by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering incorrect diagnoses through video calls.
Usually a person will be sent an application form to fill out by themselves and also by an immediate family member or partner. The questionnaire must be returned before an appointment can be scheduled.
Symptoms
If you are constantly losing your keys, find it difficult to finish work or are constantly interrupted by family or friends, it could be a sign of ADHD. This common condition affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a huge impact on your professional and personal life. But, many don't know their symptoms are due to ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know how to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves, but this can be frustrating and may not be effective.
There isn't a physical or medical test for ADHD but a trained mental health care professional will make use of information from a variety of sources to establish a diagnosis, including the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well as a comprehensive history of the person's past and present functioning, as well as information from others who are familiar with them. Depending on the severity and nature of the person's issue and the severity of the problem, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests could be carried out.
It is essential that a healthcare professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically check for the presence of other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as the thyroid disorder or obesity.
They are not specialists and are unable to diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to an expert such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The assessment will take place in a clinical environment and you, your partner, parents or any other relatives to you will be asked to fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will take an extensive investigation, record your history and discuss your behaviour in different settings with you. This will include at home, at school and in the workplace. You will be asked for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, including a test of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know might be suffering from ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist like psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact experts directly to schedule an assessment. You will be asked to complete an application form prior to your appointment. You will also be asked to provide details regarding your medical background, including any previous treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received.
It is essential to be forthcoming about your current symptoms to the clinician, as you will need to give the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your personal, family medical history and psychiatric history and also your current symptoms and issues. The doctor will utilize this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look at whether your symptoms could be caused by other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Based on your specific situation it is possible that you will require additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This can help to determine other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. Some people with ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities that can trigger similar symptoms. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations on professionals who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact a local group of adults with ADHD to request referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved to finally recognize the reasons they've had to struggle in 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 doctor, so that you can take the next steps in managing your ADHD and getting the most enjoyment from your life.
Treatment
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate an expert in healthcare who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about 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 assessment for ADHD will differ from a regular psychiatric appointment because it will include an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily activities. adult adhd diagnosis uk should come prepared to discuss your issues with hyperactivity and attention in the workplace, in relationships, hobbies and school. You will have to bring an inventory of your symptoms and how these have affected your life over the years as well as any other mental health issues that you may have had.
If the healthcare professional conducting your examination believes that you might be suffering from ADHD the doctor 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 exhibit at least six signs (symptoms) which have been present throughout your life for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will write an report and then explain to you the results of their assessment. If they decide that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD They will explain why and suggest a different diagnosis that can better explain your problems.
If you've been diagnosed it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They'll be able to recommend treatments and medications that will help you manage your symptoms. There are many treatments that are specifically designed for adults who have ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
It can be a major relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could be the reason you were struggling in the past, which can be liberating and empowering. It is important to keep in mind 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 story differently and alter the way they view themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming stigmatized, new services have popped up online that give individuals the chance to obtain an ADHD diagnosis via a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can help cut down the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time required 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 procedure, which may feel like an endless maze.
They're not without criticism. In the past few months, there has been a wave of stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, produced by BBC's Panorama and titled The ADHD Scandal. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however, the original premise remained the same: that people who seek a private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by.
The field of psychiatry is a complicated field and it is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have 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 presents in adults. A thorough assessment requires collecting data from your family, friends and school reports. It could also include an assessment form prior to your visit. Your clinician will analyze these findings to determine if you suffer from ADHD, and create an entire treatment plan which could include therapy or medication.
It's also worth talking to your GP before requesting a private diagnosis for ADHD and to determine if they will agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to take this approach therefore it's important to check before you start spending money for an assessment.
The right support system in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better life, head over to our ADHD treatment page to learn more about the ways we can assist. You can also book a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the best fit for your needs.