ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers can profit from patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
Usually a person will be sent a questionnaire to complete on their own, as well as by someone close to them, such as a family member or partner. The questionnaire must be returned before an appointment is scheduled.
Symptoms
ADHD may be the cause of your frequent key loss of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or being interrupted by family or friends. This condition can affect up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percentage of adults. It can have a major impact on both your personal and professional lives. However, many people do not realize that the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know how to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be difficult.
There isn't a medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health professional will make use of information from several sources to determine diagnosis, such as symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, as well as a comprehensive background of the person's previous and present performance, as well as information from those who know them well. Depending on the nature of the individual's issues further neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may also be conducted.
Some people with ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety, so it's important for a doctor to rule these out. A healthcare professional will test for any other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid disorder or weight gain.
GPs are not specialists and are unable to diagnose ADHD however, they can refer you to a specialist like a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The assessment will take place in a setting that is clinical and you as well as your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will be asked to fill out questionnaires. 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).
The evaluation process will be carried out by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a detailed note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behaviour with you in various situations. This could include at home, at school and in the workplace. You will be asked to provide the rating of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, including tests of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know may be suffering from ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist like a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly to schedule an assessment. You will be asked to complete an application form prior to your appointment. You should also bring details about your family's mental health history as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is essential to be open about your issues with the physician, as you will need to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your medical history of your family as well as your own medical history, and current symptoms. They will then analyze this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also look into whether other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, might be causing your symptoms.
Based on the circumstances, you may require additional psycho-educational testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help to identify other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. Certain people with ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities that can trigger similar symptoms. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations on specialists who are able to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact an adult group in your area with ADHD to request recommendations.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to understand why they have had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a challenge to manage the emotions associated with the diagnosis. It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis from a clinician who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next steps towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Finding a doctor who has expertise in working with adults who have ADHD is the first step to get an accurate diagnosis. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. Alternately, you can ask your family doctor to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private evaluation of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric visit because it includes a structured interview that will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your everyday life. Prepare to discuss your struggles with hyperactivity and attention at work, in relationships, hobbies, and school. You should also keep a record of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues you've experienced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment believes you might have ADHD they will evaluate you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you have provided to determine if there are six characteristics (symptoms). These characteristics should be present for at least a year.
I Am Psychiatry will prepare a report, and then explain the results of your assessment to you. If they decide that you aren't a candidate for ADHD, they will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that can better explain your difficulties.
If you've been diagnosed it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They'll be able to recommend therapies and medication that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments that are specifically designed for adults who have ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
It can be a huge relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD especially as an adult. It could be the reason you had difficulty in the past and can be empowering and empower. It's also important to remember that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be helpful for these individuals to learn to tell their story differently and alter the way they view themselves.
Support
Online services that permit people to receive a fast ADHD diagnosis by telephone or online questionnaire have emerged as mental health problems are becoming less stigmatised. These services can cut down on the time required to find an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of treatment. These services are also more efficient and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze at times.
They're not without criticism. In recent months, there's been a spate of stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle remained the same: that those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being taken advantage of.
The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not uncommon for patients to exhibit symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It's crucial to find a psychiatrist with a thorough understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the field of diagnosis. A full assessment involves gathering information from your relatives, friends and school reports. It could also include a pre-assessment form. Your clinician will then use these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan that could include psychotherapy or medication.
It's also worth talking to your GP prior to seeking an individual diagnosis for ADHD and to determine if they'll sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. You will only be required to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors will not do this It's a good idea to verify before spending money for an assessment.
A supportive system in place can help you deal with 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 an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to determine if we are the right choice for you.