ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel let down by the stifling NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were giving unreliable diagnoses over video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person and they may also request the partner or family member complete the questionnaire. It must be returned prior to an appointment can be scheduled.
Symptoms
ADHD can be the reason for your frequent loss of focus and inability to finish tasks at work, or be interrupted by your family or friends. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a huge impact on both your personal and professional life. Many people do not realize that their symptoms are caused by ADHD and don't seek assistance because they don't know how to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms however this can be a struggle and might not be effective.
There isn't a medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health professional will use information from a variety of sources to make an assessment, which may include symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, as well an extensive history of the person's past and present functioning, as well as information from people who are familiar with their condition. Based on the nature of the issues, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be conducted.
Some people with ADHD can also have co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and depression, so it's important for a medical professional to rule them out. A healthcare professional will test for other medical disorders which may cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid disorders or weight gain.
The GP does not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to an expert. They could refer you to a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The assessment will take place in a setting that is clinical and you as well as your partner, parents, or other people close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questions 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).
A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will take a thorough background, make detailed notes and discuss your behaviour in various environments with you. This could include at work, at school and at home. You will be asked to evaluate your ADHD symptoms over the time of a week, and take tests like a cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. They might refer you to a private physician, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact experts directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire before your appointment. You will be asked to provide information about your mental health history, including any previous treatment you've received.
It is important to be forthcoming about your issues with the clinician, as you will need to provide complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family medical history as well as your own medical history, and current symptoms. They will then use this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also look into whether other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, could be the cause of your symptoms.
Based on your specific situation, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing. This will help determine other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. Certain people with ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities that can trigger similar symptoms. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations on professionals who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to an adult group in your area with ADHD to inquire about referrals.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an exhilarating feeling to finally find out the reason they have been struggling in their lives. It isn't easy to face the feelings that accompany an diagnosis. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a skilled professional, so that you can take the next steps towards managing your ADHD and making the most of your life.
Treatment
The first step to getting a diagnosis is to find an expert in healthcare who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist who has experience treating people suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment of ADHD differs slightly from a typical psychiatric consultation because it is a structured interview that will examine your symptoms and the way they affect your daily life. It is important to be prepared to talk about your issues with hyperactivity and attention in the workplace, in 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, along with any other mental health issues you've experienced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your evaluation believes that you may have ADHD, they will assess your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will take the list of symptoms that you've given 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 12 months.
The healthcare professional will write an assessment report and explain the results of your test to you. If they determine that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD They will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that can better explain your issues.
It is essential to discuss the options for treatment with your physician once you have a diagnosis. They'll be able to suggest therapies and medication that can help you manage your symptoms. There are several therapies that are designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
It can be a major relief to be diagnosed of ADHD, especially as an adult. You may find that it clarifies a lot about why you have struggled in the past, and it can be empowering and freeing. But, it's equally important to keep in mind that many adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. These individuals may benefit from therapy, specifically narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story differently and to change how they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming destigmatised, services have emerged online that give individuals the chance to obtain an ADHD diagnosis via a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time it takes to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of treatment. They also have the advantage of being quicker and easier to navigate the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may seem like a maze.
However, they aren't without their critics. In recent months there have been many stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of ignoring ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original concept remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being abused.
Psychiatry is a complex field, and it's not uncommon to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to ensure that you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is an expert in adult ADHD, and has a deep understanding of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves collecting data from your family, friends and school reports. It could also include an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your clinician will then use these results to determine if you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan, which could include psychotherapy or medication.
It is also advisable to check with your GP to determine if they are willing to sign a shared care agreement with you as well as your psychologist prior to seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. You'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors will not take this approach It's a good idea to check before you start paying for an assessment.
The right support system can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help you. You can also request a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good choice for your needs.