ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down due to the long NHS waiting lists. But an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses via video calls.
A questionnaire will be given to the person and they may also request an adult family member or partner complete the questionnaire. The questionnaire must be returned prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.
Symptoms
ADHD could be the reason behind your frequent key loss of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or getting interrupted by family or friends. This condition can affect as much as 8.4% children and 2.5 percent adults. It can have a significant impact on your personal and professional lives. Many people don't realize that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know what to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms, but this can be frustrating and may not be successful.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A certified mental health professional will employ a variety of information to diagnose the condition, including symptom lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They may also draw information from other people who are familiar with the person, including their past and current functioning as well as information from people closest to them. Based on the severity and nature of the problem, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests may be performed.
It is essential that a medical professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically examine for the presence of other medical conditions that may lead to similar symptoms, such as an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.
Doctors are not experts and are unable to diagnose ADHD However, they may refer you to a specialist like a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre 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 complete 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).
The assessment process will be performed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in different settings. This could include at work, at school, and at home. You will be asked to provide an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, like a test of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to consult your GP. They might refer you to a private doctor such as psychiatrist or psychologist who is certified to diagnose people with ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to arrange an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the therapist, you will need to fill in a questionnaire about the symptoms you've been experiencing. You will be asked to provide details about your mental health past, including any prior treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received.
It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about your symptoms, as the doctor will require a complete history to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine the medical history of your family members as well as your own medical history, and current symptoms. They will then utilize this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine if other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, might be causing your symptoms.
Depending on the situation you might require additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. This will help identify other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, some individuals who suffer from ADHD can also have other disorders of learning or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. It is recommended to ask your insurance company for recommendations of specialists who are able to diagnose adults with ADHD. You may also contact a local group of adults with ADHD to ask for referrals.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD discover it's a relief to finally find out the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. It isn't easy to face the feelings that accompany the diagnosis. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a skilled professional to take the next steps in managing your ADHD and getting the most enjoyment from your life.
Treatment
Locating a healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and has treated others in the past. You could also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a typical psychiatric visit because it will include an organized interview to evaluate your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily life. Come prepared to talk about your issues with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You will be required to bring an inventory of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over the years and any other mental health issues you may have had.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you may have ADHD the doctor will assess you according to the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and use the information you've provided to determine if you have six characteristics (symptoms). These characteristics must have been present for a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will create a report and explain to you the outcome of your evaluation. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD, they will say why they think you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that might better explain your problems.
Once you've got a diagnosis it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They will be able to suggest medication and therapy that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments that are specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
It can be a major relief to be diagnosed of ADHD, especially as an adult. It may explain why you were struggling in the past it can be empowering and inspiring. However, it's equally important to be aware that many adults struggle with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be beneficial for these individuals to learn to tell their own stories differently and change the way they view themselves.
Support
Online services that allow individuals to receive a quick ADHD diagnosis via a phone or online questionnaire have been gaining popularity 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 needed to locate a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment, and then schedule an appointment. They also have the benefit of being quicker and easier than navigating the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may appear to be an endless maze.
However, they're not without criticism. In website recent months, there's been a flurry of news documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, produced by BBC's Panorama and named The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original angle remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are being abused.
The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not unusual for patients to exhibit symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist with a thorough understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the field of diagnosis. A thorough assessment requires collecting data from your family, friends and school reports. It may also include an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your clinician will then use the results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan, which could include medication or psychotherapy.
It's also worth checking with your GP prior to seeking an official diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will sign a shared care contract with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. Some doctors will not take this approach, so it's best to confirm this before spending money on an assessment.
The right support system can aid you in managing ADHD symptoms and improve your life quality. If you're ready to take the first step towards a better future visit our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can help. You can also schedule an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine whether we're the best fit for you.