ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are able to take advantage of patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. But 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 the questionnaire. It is necessary to return this form prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.
Symptoms
ADHD can be the cause of your frequent loss of focus, inability to complete tasks at work, or being interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition can affect as much as 8.4% children and 2.5% adults. It can have a significant impact on both personal and professional lives. But, many don't realize their symptoms are caused by ADHD and don't seek help because they don't know how to do. Often they'll try to self-manage but this can be frustrating and may not be successful.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will employ diverse information to diagnose the condition, including the symptom list and standardized rating scales. They will also use information from other people who are familiar with the individual, such as their past and present functioning and information from those closest to them. Based on the nature of the problems further neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities could be conducted.
Some people with ADHD can also have co-occurring illnesses, like depression and anxiety and depression, so it's crucial for a healthcare professional to rule them out. A healthcare professional will test for any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid disorder or weight increase.
Doctors are not experts and they cannot diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to a specialist, such as a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre, to conduct an assessment. The assessment will take place in a clinical environment and you as well as your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires 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).
The evaluation process will be conducted by a skilled psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take an extensive investigation, record your history and discuss your behavior in different situations with you. This could include at home, at school and in the workplace. You will be asked for a rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, such as 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 may be able to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact experts directly to arrange an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the clinician you'll have to fill in an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. Additionally, you will need to bring information about your family health history, as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is important that you be honest with your physician about your symptoms, as the doctor will require an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review the medical history of your family members and your medical history, and your current symptoms. The doctor will use this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms could be caused by other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Based on the circumstances, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological, or testing for learning disabilities. This can help identify other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. For example, some people with ADHD might also suffer from other disorders of learning or autism which may have similar symptoms as ADHD. Asking your insurance company for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also reach out to an adult group in your area with ADHD to inquire about referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to recognize the reasons they've struggled in their lives. However, it can be difficult to cope with the emotions that accompany being diagnosed. It is important to get a proper diagnosis from an experienced doctor, so that you can take the next steps towards 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 has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist who is experienced in treating people suffering from ADHD. You could 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 due to a structured interview that will assess your symptoms and the way they impact your everyday life. Be prepared to talk about your issues with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You should also provide a list of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues that you've faced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your examination believes that you might have ADHD The doctor will evaluate you based on the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions adult adhd diagnosis and analyze the symptoms you've listed to determine if there are six traits (symptoms). These traits must have been present for at least one year.
The healthcare professional will write an account, and then explain the results of your test to you. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD they will then explain why they think you do not meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that might better explain your issues.
It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor once you have a diagnosis. They can recommend therapy and medications that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a range of treatments specifically designed for adults with ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief, especially for adults. You might find that it explains a lot about the reasons you've 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-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be beneficial for people who struggle to tell their own stories differently and change the way they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have been popping up online that give individuals the opportunity to swiftly receive an ADHD diagnosis by a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time needed to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of getting treatment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler to navigate the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may feel like an endless maze.
They're not without criticism. In recent months there have been many stories and documentaries accusing private clinics of ignoring ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however, the original premise was the same: those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being taken advantage of.
Psychiatry can be a complex field, and it's not common for people suffering from ADHD to exhibit symptoms that aren't ADHD. That's why it's important to make sure you are assessed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD and has a thorough knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A thorough assessment will require collecting information from you as well as your friends and family as well as school reports as well as a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your clinician will use these results to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and develop a holistic plan of treatment that could include medication or therapy.
It's also worth contacting your GP before requesting an individual diagnosis for ADHD to determine if they'll sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should check with your GP before spending money on an assessment.
The right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD and enhance your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better future visit our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can help. You can also schedule a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the best solution for you.