ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel disappointed by the stifling NHS waiting lists. 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 may also request the partner or family member complete the questionnaire. The questionnaire must be returned before an appointment can be made.
Symptoms
ADHD can be the reason behind your frequent loss of focus and inability to finish tasks at work, or getting interrupted by your loved ones or family. 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 are unaware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they don't seek treatment because they don't know how to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves however this can be difficult and may not always be effective.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health professional will make use of information from multiple sources to establish a diagnosis, including the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, aswell as a complete background of the person's previous and present performance, as well as information from those who are familiar with them. Depending on the nature of the person's issues, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be conducted.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring conditions, such as depression and anxiety It is therefore essential for a doctor to rule out these conditions. A healthcare professional will test for any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid disorders or weight increase.
GPs are not specialists and they cannot diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to an expert like a Priory hospital or wellbeing center for an assessment. When you go privately, the assessment will be in a clinical setting and involves filling out questionnaires with your parents or partners, and others who know you well. 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).
A psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take a full account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss with you your behaviour in various environments. This includes at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, like an assessment of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know might be suffering from ADHD. They might recommend you to a private physician such as a psychologist or psychiatrist who is certified to diagnose 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 will also be asked to provide information about your medical past, including any prior treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received.
It is crucial to be open about your current symptoms to the clinician, as you will need to provide a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your personal, family, and psychiatric medical history, as well as your current symptoms and problems. They will then analyze this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look at whether your symptoms may be caused by other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Depending on the situation you may require additional psychological testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This will help determine other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. Some people with ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities which can cause similar symptoms. It is recommended to ask your insurance provider for recommendations of specialists who are able to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You may also contact a local group of people with ADHD to request referrals.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD find that click here it is an immense relief to find out the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. However it can be a challenge to cope with the emotions that come with being diagnosed. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis from a qualified professional, so that you can move forward in managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.
Treatment
The first step to get a diagnosis is to find an healthcare professional who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating people suffering from ADHD. You could also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment of ADHD differs from a typical psychiatric consultation because it is an interview with a plan to examine your symptoms and the way they affect your daily life. You should come prepared to talk about your problems with attention and hyperactivity in work, relationships as well as in your hobbies and school. You will be required to bring a list of symptoms and how they have affected your life over the years, as well any other mental health issues you may have had.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you may be suffering from ADHD they will evaluate you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will take the list of symptoms you've listed and ask questions to determine whether or not you exhibit at least six traits (symptoms) which have been present throughout your life for at least 12 months.
The healthcare professional will write a report, and then discuss the findings of your examination to you. If they find that you don't have ADHD They will explain why they think you don't meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that could better explain your problems.
It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor once you have a diagnosis. They'll be able to recommend treatments and medications that will help you manage your symptoms. There are a range of therapies specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness, acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
It can be a major relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could be that it clarifies a lot about the reasons you've had difficulties in the past, and that can be empowering and freeing. However, it's equally important to keep in mind that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be beneficial for these individuals to learn to tell their own story differently and change the ways they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly disseminated, a variety of services have been popping up online that give people the chance to quickly obtain an ADHD diagnosis via an email or phone questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time it takes to locate an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of getting treatment. They also have the advantage of being more efficient and less time-consuming than navigating the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes seem like a maze.
However, they aren't free of criticism. In recent months, there were numerous reports and documentaries accusing private clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama, was named The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original angle remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being abused.
The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not uncommon for patients to exhibit symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It is therefore crucial to ensure you're assessed by a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD and has a thorough understanding of how it presents in adults. A complete assessment involves collecting information from you as well as your family and friends as well as school reports and a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your clinician will use these results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and develop a holistic plan of treatment that may include medication or therapy.
It's also worth checking with your GP before seeking an individual diagnosis for ADHD to determine if they will agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. You'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors will not do this therefore it's important to check before you start paying for an assessment.
The right support system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can help. You can also book an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to determine if we are the right fit for you.