ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are making a profit from patients who feel disappointed due to the long NHS waiting lists. But a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses via video calls.
Usually, a person will be given an assessment questionnaire to complete on their own, as well as by an immediate family member or partner. It is essential to complete this form before an appointment can be made.
Signs and symptoms
If you keep losing your keys, find it difficult to complete work tasks or are frequently 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 profound impact on both your personal and professional lives. Many people are unaware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and don't seek treatment because they don't know how to do. Often they'll try to self-manage but this can be difficult and may not always be effective.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care professional will use information from multiple sources to determine diagnosis, such as symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales, as well an extensive background of the person's previous and present performance, as well as information from those who are familiar with them. Depending on the severity and nature of the person's issue, additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests may be carried out.
It's important that a healthcare professional rule out co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will usually examine for the presence of other medical disorders that can lead to similar symptoms, like the thyroid disorder or obesity.
GPs do not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They may refer you to 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 relatives to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on diagnostic criteria for ADHD as laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the assessment. They will carry out a thorough investigation, record your history and discuss your behavior in various settings with you. This will include at school, at home and at work. You will be asked to provide a rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, like an assessment of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know may have ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist like a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the therapist you'll have to fill in a questionnaire about the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You will also be asked to supply information about your medical background, including any previous treatment you've received.
It is essential that you be honest with your doctor regarding your symptoms, since he or she will need a complete history to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family medical history as well as your own medical history, and current symptoms. The doctor will use this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms could be caused by other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Based on the circumstances, you might require additional psychological testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing. This can help to determine other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, some individuals with ADHD might also suffer from other learning disabilities or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. It's recommended to ask your website insurance company for recommendations on specialists who are able to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the local support group for adults suffering from ADHD and request referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are relieved to understand why they have struggled in their lives. However it can be a struggle to deal with the feelings that accompany being diagnosed. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a doctor who is experienced in treating ADHD. This will allow you to move on towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Locating a healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step to get the right diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition and has treated others in the past. Alternatively, you could request your family physician to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it will involve a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily activities. Come prepared to discuss your difficulties with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You will need to bring along 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 might have experienced.
If the health professional conducting your examination believes that you might be suffering from ADHD the doctor will determine your ADHD based on the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and use the symptoms you have provided to determine if there are six traits (symptoms). These traits must have been present for a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will write an account, and then discuss the findings of your assessment to you. If they determine that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD, they will explain the reasons why and suggest a different diagnosis that can better explain your difficulties.
It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor after you've been diagnosed. They will be able to suggest medication and therapy that may aid in managing your symptoms. There are a range of treatments specifically designed for adults with ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
It can be a major relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It may explain why you struggled in the previous it can be empowering and empower. It's important to remember that a lot of adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. They might benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different manner and to change the way they view themselves.
Support
Online services that permit people to get a quick ADHD diagnosis through a phone or online questionnaire have emerged as mental health issues are less stigmatised. These services can cut down on 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 easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze at times.
However, they aren't without their critics. In recent months, there have been numerous stories and documentaries accusing private clinics of ignoring ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of a BBC Panorama documentary. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however, the original premise was the same: people who seek a private ADHD diagnosis are being taken advantage of.
The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not unusual to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. This is why it's crucial to ensure you're assessed by a psychiatrist who is an expert in adult ADHD, and has a comprehensive understanding of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment will involve collecting information from you as well as your friends and family such as school reports and an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your physician will use these results to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and develop an overall treatment plan that could include therapy or medication.
It is also advisable to check with your GP to see if they are willing to sign a shared-care contract with you and your psychologist prior to seeking an individual ADHD diagnosis. You'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should consult with your GP before spending money on an assessment.
Having the right support system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD and enhance your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better future, head over to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about the ways we can assist. 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.