ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are making a profit from patients who feel let down by logjammed NHS waiting lists. However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses via video calls.
In most cases, people will be sent a questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by a close family member or partner. It is required to fill out the form prior to an appointment can be made.
Symptoms
ADHD can be the reason behind your frequent key loss and inability to finish tasks at work, or getting interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition can affect up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a major impact on personal and professional life. Many people don't realize that their symptoms are caused by ADHD and do not seek treatment because they don't know what to do. They may attempt to manage themselves but this can be difficult.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD. A certified mental health professional will utilize various sources of data to determine the severity of the condition, such as the symptom list and standardized rating scales. They may also draw information from other people who know the individual, such as their past and current functioning and information from those closest to them. Depending on the severity and nature of the problem and the severity of the problem, additional tests for learning disabilities, psychological, or neuropsychological tests may be carried out.
Some people suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from co-occurring illnesses, like depression and anxiety and depression, so it's crucial for a doctor to rule these out. A healthcare professional will check for other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid disorders or weight increase.
Doctors are not experts and are unable to diagnose ADHD however, they can refer you to a specialist, such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing center, to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a setting that is clinical and you, your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will 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).
The assessment process is conducted by a skilled psychologist or psychiatrist, who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will carry out an extensive background, make detailed notes and discuss your behaviour in various settings with you. This could include at home, at school and in the workplace. You will be asked to provide a rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, including tests of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, the first step is to consult your GP. They might be able refer you to an individual specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the clinician you'll need to complete an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. You will also be asked to supply details regarding your mental health background, including any previous treatment you've received.
It is important that you are honest with your doctor about your symptoms, as the doctor will require an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your personal, family medical history, and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms and concerns. They will then analyze this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms may be due to other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Based on the circumstances, you might require additional mental, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. This will help identify other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. For example, some people with ADHD may also be suffering from other disorders of learning or autism which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. It's here recommended to ask your insurance company for recommendations about experts who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to an adult group in your area with ADHD to ask for recommendations.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD feel it's a relief to finally find out the reason they have been struggling in their lives. However it can be a challenge to deal with the feelings associated with the diagnosis. It is vital to get the correct diagnosis from a doctor who has experience treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next steps towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate a healthcare professional who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. 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 from a regular psychiatric appointment due to the fact that it involves an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they affect you in your everyday life. It is recommended that you are prepared to talk about your problems with hyperactivity and attention in work, relationships, hobbies and school. You'll need to bring along the symptoms you are experiencing and how these have affected your life over time as well as any other mental health issues that you might have experienced.
If the health professional conducting the assessment believes that you have ADHD, he or she will evaluate you based on the DSM V criteria. They will take the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine whether or not you are suffering from at least six characteristics (symptoms) which have been present in your life for at least 12 months.
The healthcare professional will then write an report and then explain to you the results of your evaluation. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that could better explain your problems.
If you've been diagnosed it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They'll be able to recommend therapies and medication that can help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments specifically designed for adults with ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness, acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a wonderful relief, particularly for adults. You may find that it clarifies a lot about why you have had difficulties in the past, and that can be liberating and empowering. It is important to keep in mind that many people suffer from self-stigma following being diagnosed. They can benefit from therapy, specifically narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story in a different way and change the way they judge themselves.
Support
Online services that allow people to receive a quick ADHD diagnosis through a phone or online questionnaire are becoming more popular as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatized. These services can help cut down the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time required to locate a psychiatrist, attend an assessment, then schedule the appointment. These services are also quicker and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze.
However, they are not free of criticism. In recent 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, was named The ADHD Scandal. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however, the original premise was the same: those seeking private ADHD diagnosis are being manipulated by.
The field of psychiatry is a complicated discipline and it's uncommon for people with ADHD to exhibit symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is therefore crucial to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist that specialises in adult ADHD and has a thorough understanding of how it presents in adults. A full assessment involves collecting data from your relatives, friends and school reports. It could also comprise an assessment form prior to your visit. Your therapist will then utilize these findings to determine whether you have ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which could include medication or psychotherapy.
It's also worth contacting your GP before seeking an individual diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. You will only be required 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.
Having the right support system in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help. You can also request an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine if we are the right fit for you.