ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are making a profit from patients who feel let down by logjammed NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were giving incorrect diagnoses through video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person and they can also have a family member or partner complete the questionnaire. The questionnaire must be returned prior to when an appointment can be made.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD could be the cause of your frequent loss of focus of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or be interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional life. But, many don't know their symptoms are due to ADHD and don't seek assistance because they aren't sure what to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves however this can be difficult and may not be effective.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD. A certified mental health professional will use diverse sources to diagnose the condition, including symptom lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They also make use of information from people who are familiar with the person, including their previous and current functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Depending on the severity and nature of the person's issue and the severity of the problem, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing may be performed.
It is crucial that a medical professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will usually examine for the presence of other medical conditions that could lead to similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid disorder or obesity.
GPs are not specialists and they cannot diagnose ADHD however, they can refer you to an expert such as a Priory hospital or a 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 any other relatives to you will be asked to fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires 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).
The assessment process is carried out by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a thorough background, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior in different situations with you. This includes at work, at school and at home. You will be asked to provide the rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, like an assessment of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. They might recommend you to a private physician, such as psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to diagnose adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to schedule an assessment. You will be asked to fill in an application form prior to your appointment. Additionally, you will need to provide information about your family's mental health history and any previous psychiatric treatment you have received.
I Am Psychiatry is important that you be honest with your physician about your symptoms, as they will require a complete history to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your personal, family, and psychiatric medical history along with your current symptoms and problems. 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, might be causing your symptoms.
Based on the circumstances depending on your situation, you may require additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing. This can help rule out other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some individuals with ADHD might also suffer from other learning disabilities or autism, which can have similar symptoms as ADHD. Inquiring with your insurance company about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also reach out to a local group of adults with ADHD to request referrals.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD feel it's a relief to finally have an explanation for why they have been struggling in their lives. It isn't easy to manage the feelings that accompany a diagnosis. It is important to get a proper diagnosis from a skilled clinician, so that you can take the next steps in managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.
Treatment
The first step to getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an expert in healthcare who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist 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 slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it includes an organized interview that will assess your symptoms and how they impact your everyday life. It is recommended that you are prepared to discuss your problems with hyperactivity and attention at work, relationships, hobbies and school. You will be required to bring an inventory of your symptoms and how these have affected your life over the years and any other mental health issues that you might have experienced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your evaluation believes that you may have ADHD, they will assess you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will look at the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine if you are suffering from at least six traits (symptoms) that have been present throughout your life for a minimum of 12 months.
The healthcare professional will then prepare a report and explain to you the results of their assessment. If they find that you don't have ADHD They will explain the reasons why they believe that you don't meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that could better explain your difficulties.
If you've been diagnosed, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They can suggest medication and therapy that may assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a range of treatments specifically designed for adults with ADHD that include cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) as well as mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.
It can be a huge relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, especially as an adult. It could explain why you had difficulty in the past and can be empowering and empower. However, it's equally important to keep in mind that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma after being diagnosed. These individuals might benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story in a different way 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 are becoming more popular as mental health problems are becoming less stigmatized. These services can cut down on the time required to find an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of treatment. These services are also more efficient and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze at times.
However, they aren't without criticism. In recent months there have been numerous stories and documentaries accusing private clinics of overdiagnosing 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. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are being abused.
The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD and has a deep knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment involves gathering information from your relatives, friends and school reports. It could also comprise an assessment form prior to your visit. Your clinician will analyze these findings to determine if you suffer from ADHD, and create an entire treatment plan which could include medication or therapy.
You should also check with your GP to determine if they are willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you and with your psychologist before seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. You'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. It is recommended to consult your doctor before you spend money on an assessment.
A reliable support system can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and enhance your life quality. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help you. You can also schedule an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to determine whether we're the right choice for you.