ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel let down due to the long NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering incorrect diagnoses through video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they can also request a family member or partner complete the questionnaire. It is necessary to return this form before an appointment can take place.
Symptoms
ADHD can be the cause of your frequent loss of concentration, inability to complete tasks at work, or be interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition can affect as much as 8.4% children and 2.5% adults. It can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional lives. However, many people do not realize that their symptoms are caused by ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know how to do. They may attempt to manage themselves but this can be frustrating.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD but a trained mental health care professional will use information from a variety of sources to establish an assessment, which may include symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, as well an extensive review of the person's history and current functioning, and information from others who know them well. Depending on the nature of the issues and the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may also be conducted.
It is crucial that a medical professional check for co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will look for any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid disorder or weight gain.
Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to a specialist. They could refer you to a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The assessment will take place in a setting that is clinical and you or your parents, partner or any other family members close to you will fill out 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).
A psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will take a thorough history, make detailed notes and discuss with you your behaviour in various environments. This could include at work, at school as well as at home. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will be asked for the rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, like a test 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 refer you to a private physician such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who is certified to diagnose adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly to arrange an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the clinician you'll need to complete an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. You will be asked to provide information about your mental health history, including any previous psychiatric treatments you may have received.
It is crucial to be forthcoming about your current symptoms to the physician, as you will need to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family, personal medical history and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will utilize this information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look into whether other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, could be causing your symptoms.
Based on your specific situation, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing. This can help rule out other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some individuals with ADHD may also be suffering from other disorders of learning or autism which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. Contacting your insurance provider about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also call the local support group for adults with ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD find that it is an exhilarating feeling to finally have an explanation for why they have been struggling in their lives. However it can be a challenge to deal with the feelings that come with a diagnosis. It is vital to get the correct diagnosis from a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next step to manage your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step to getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an expert in healthcare who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is familiar with the disorder and has treated others in the past. You could also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private evaluation of ADHD differs slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it includes an interview with a plan to examine your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. It is recommended that you are prepared to discuss your issues with attention and hyperactivity in work, relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You will also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, and any other mental health issues that you've faced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment thinks you may have ADHD They will test you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will look at the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine if you exhibit at least six characteristics (symptoms) that have been present in your life for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will then write an account and inform you the results of your evaluation. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that might better explain your problems.
After you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They can suggest therapy and medication that may assist you in managing your symptoms. There are many therapies that are designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, especially for adults. It could explain why you struggled in the previous and can be empowering and inspiring. However, it's equally important to keep in mind that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. Individuals with these issues may benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, in order to learn how to tell their story in a different way and to change how they view themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly stigmatized, new services have been popping up online that offer individuals the opportunity to swiftly receive an ADHD diagnosis via a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can cut down on the amount of time and expense involved in treatment by reducing the time required to locate a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment and then schedule the appointment. These services are also quicker and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can feel like a maze at times.
They are not without critics. In the past few months, there has been a spate of documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama was titled The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original premise remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are abused.
Psychiatry is a complex field, and it's not common for people suffering from ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is essential to find a psychiatrist who has a thorough understanding of adult ADHD and who is an expert in the diagnosis. A thorough assessment requires gathering information from your family, friends and school reports. It could also comprise an assessment form prior to your visit. Your doctor will then use these findings to determine whether you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan that could include medication or psychotherapy.
You should also check with your GP to see whether they're willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you and with your psychologist prior to requesting an individual ADHD diagnosis. This means that you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to take this approach, so it's best to confirm this before spending money on 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 assist you. You can also schedule a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the best solution for you.