ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel disappointed by the stifling NHS waiting lists. However, an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they can also have a family member or partner complete it. It is necessary to return this form before an appointment can take place.
Symptoms
If you are constantly losing your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or are frequently interrupted by family members or friends It could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect 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 are unaware that their symptoms result from ADHD and they don't seek treatment because they don't know what to do. Often they'll try to self-manage however this can be a struggle and may not be successful.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD however a certified mental health professional will make use of information from multiple sources to establish diagnosis, such as symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, aswell as a complete review of the person's history and present functioning, as well as information from others who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests could be performed.
Certain people with ADHD can also have co-occurring illnesses, like anxiety and depression and depression, so it's crucial for a medical professional to rule out these conditions. A healthcare professional will typically look for other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, a thyroid disorder or obesity.
They are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD however, they can refer you to an expert such as a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre, for an assessment. When you go privately, the assessment will be conducted in a clinic and involve filling in questionnaires with your parents or partner and others who know you well. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined 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 full note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behavior with you in different situations. This could include at work, at school, and at home. You will be asked to assess your ADHD symptoms throughout the course of a week and complete tests such as a cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
It is recommended to first speak with your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know may be suffering from ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly yourself to organise an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the therapist you'll need to complete an assessment form regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You will be asked to provide details regarding your medical background, including any previous psychiatric treatments you may have received.
It is crucial to be open about your issues with the doctor, since you will need to give the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your personal, family medical history and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms and problems. They will then utilize this information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms might be due to other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Based on the circumstances it is possible that you will require additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing. This will help you rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from other learning disabilities or autism which may have similar symptoms as ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations on experts who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You may also contact a local group of people with ADHD to inquire about referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved to finally recognize the reasons they've had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a struggle to manage the emotions that accompany the diagnosis. It is crucial to get the correct diagnosis from a professional who has experience treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next steps toward managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Locating a healthcare professional who has experience in working with adults who have ADHD is the first step in getting a proper diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric appointment due to an organized interview that will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is recommended that you are prepared to talk about your problems with attention and hyperactivity in the workplace, in relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You will have to bring a list of symptoms and how they have affected your life over time as well as any other mental health issues that you might have experienced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your examination believes that you might have ADHD, he or she will evaluate you based on the DSM V criteria. They will take the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine whether or not you have at least six traits (symptoms) which 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 assessment. If they find that you don't have ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe you do not meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that might better explain your difficulties.
It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor after you have a diagnosis. They'll be able to suggest medication and therapy that can assist you in managing your adhd adults diagnosis symptoms. There are a variety of therapies specifically designed for adults with ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness, acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
It can be a major relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, especially as an adult. It could be that it provides a lot of information about the reasons you've struggled in the past, and that can be empowering and liberating. It is important to keep in mind that a lot of adults experience self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be beneficial for these individuals to learn to tell their own stories differently and alter the way they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly stigmatized, new services have popped up on the internet that give individuals the chance to get an ADHD diagnosis through 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 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.
However, they aren't without criticism. In the past few months, there has been a spate of reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of knowingly 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 premise remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are abused.
The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. This is why it's crucial to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a comprehensive understanding of how it presents in adults. A full assessment involves collecting information from your relatives, friends and school reports. It may also include an assessment form prior to your visit. Your therapist will then utilize the results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan, which could include medication or psychotherapy.
You should also check with your GP to determine if they are willing to sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist prior to requesting an individual ADHD diagnosis. You will only be required to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors will not do this therefore it's important to verify before spending money for an assessment.
Having the right support system in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD and enhance your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better life go to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can help. You can also request a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right fit for your needs.