ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are able to benefit patients who feel depressed by the NHS waiting list. But an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses via video calls.
In most cases, people is given a questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by a close family member or partner. It must be returned before an appointment can be made.
Symptoms
If you are constantly getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or are frequently interrupted by friends or family members, it could be a sign of ADHD. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a significant impact on your professional and personal life. Many people don't know their symptoms are due to ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know what to do. Often they'll try to self-manage however this can be difficult and may not be effective.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care professional will use information from multiple sources to make a diagnosis, including symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales, aswell as a complete background of the person's previous and present performance, as well as information from people who know them well. Based on the nature of the individual's problems, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be conducted.
Some people with ADHD can also have co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and depression and depression, so it's crucial for a doctor to rule these out. A healthcare professional will usually check for the presence of other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or obesity.
The GP does not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They could refer you to a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. When you go privately, the assessment will be in a clinic and will involve filling out questionnaires with your parents or partner and other people who know you well. These questions are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take an extensive background, make detailed notes and discuss your behaviour in various settings with you. This will include at home, at school and in the workplace. You will be asked to rate your ADHD symptoms throughout the course of a week and take tests like an assessment of cognitive function.
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 to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologists or psychiatrists, who is trained in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill in an application form prior to your appointment. Additionally, you will need to bring information about your family health history, as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is important to be honest about your issues with the clinician, as you will need to give a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review the medical history of your family members as well as your own medical history, and current symptoms. The doctor will analyze this information to determine whether you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, could be causing your symptoms.
Depending on the situation you might require additional mental, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. This will help you rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. Some people who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities which could cause similar symptoms. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations on specialists who are able to diagnose adults with ADHD. You may also contact an adult group in your area with ADHD to ask for referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved to finally recognize the reasons they've struggled in their lives. It isn't easy to manage the emotions that come with the diagnosis. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a skilled professional to take the next steps towards managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.
Treatment
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to find an expert in healthcare who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition and has treated patients in the past. Alternately, you can ask your family doctor to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment of ADHD differs from a typical psychiatric consultation because it is an interview with a plan to evaluate your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. Be prepared to discuss your struggles with attention and hyperactivity at work, in relationships or with here your hobbies, as well as at school. You will be required to bring the symptoms you are experiencing and how they have affected your life over the years as well as any other mental health issues that you might have faced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting the assessment believes that you be suffering from ADHD, he or she will determine your ADHD based on the DSM V criteria. They will look at the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine if you have at least six signs (symptoms) that have been present in your life for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will prepare an assessment report and discuss the findings of your test to you. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that may better explain your issues.
It is essential to discuss treatment options with your doctor once you've been diagnosed. They'll recommend medication and therapy that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are many therapies specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief, particularly for adults. It could be the reason you were struggling in the past and can be empowering and empower. However, it's equally important to be aware that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their own story differently and change 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 chance to get an ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can save the time required to find an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of getting treatment. They also have the benefit of being faster and simpler than the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes seem like a maze.
They're not without criticism. In recent months, there's been a flurry of news stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing 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 concept remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are abused.
The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist who has an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is an expert in the field of diagnosis. A complete assessment involves gathering information from your friends and family, including school reports and an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your doctor will use these results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and then develop an entire treatment plan which could include therapy or medication.
You should also check with your GP to determine whether they're willing sign a shared-care contract with you as well as your psychologist prior to seeking the private ADHD diagnosis. You will only be required to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors won't do this, so it's best to check before you start spending money for an assessment.
A supportive system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD, and enhance your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can help. You can also request an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good choice for your needs.