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. However, an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
Usually a person will be sent an application form to fill out by themselves, but also by someone close to them, such as a family member or partner. It is required to fill out the form prior to an appointment can be scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
If you find yourself constantly losing your keys, find it difficult to finish tasks at work or find yourself interrupted frequently by family or friends, it could be a sign of ADHD. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a major impact on your professional and personal life. But, many don't realize their symptoms are due to ADHD and don't seek help because they don't know what to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms, but this can be difficult and may not always be effective.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will utilize a variety of data to determine the severity of the condition, including the symptom list and standardized rating scales. They may also draw information from people who are familiar with the person, such as their past and current functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Based on the nature of the person's problems further neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may also be conducted.
It is crucial that a medical professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will test for any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid disorders or weight increase.
Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to an expert. They may refer you to a Priory hospital or a wellbeing center for an assessment. When you go privately for an assessment, it will be in a clinic 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 laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
The assessment process is performed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will carry out an extensive background, make detailed notes and discuss your behaviour 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 believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to visit your GP. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist like psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly yourself to organise an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the therapist you'll need to complete an assessment form regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You will also need to provide information about your family's health history, as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.
It is crucial to be honest about your symptoms with the physician, as you will need to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your family, personal medical history, and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms and issues. They will then analyze this information to determine if you have 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.
Depending on your situation depending on your situation, you may require additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This can help identify other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities which can cause similar symptoms. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations about experts who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also reach out to a local group of adults with ADHD to request referrals.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD find that it is an exhilarating feeling to finally understand the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. It isn't easy to face the emotions that accompany an diagnosis. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from an experienced professional, so that you can take the next steps in managing your ADHD and getting the most enjoyment from your life.
Treatment
The first step to getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an healthcare professional who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and has treated other patients in the past. Alternatively, you could ask your family doctor to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment for ADHD is different from a regular psychiatric appointment due to the fact that it involves an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily life. Come prepared to discuss your struggles with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work or with your hobbies, as well as at school. You'll also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues you've had.
If the health professional conducting the assessment believes that you be suffering from ADHD, he or she will assess you according to the DSM V criteria. They will use the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine whether or not you have at least six signs (symptoms) which have been present throughout your life for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will then create an report and then explain to you the results of your evaluation. If they find that you don't have ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe that you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that may better explain your difficulties.
It is important to discuss treatment options with your physician once you have a diagnosis. They'll recommend therapies and medication that can help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments specifically designed for adults with ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness, acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, particularly for adults. It could be that it provides a lot of information about why you have had difficulties in the past, and that can be empowering and freeing. It's important to remember that a lot of adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. These individuals may benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story differently and to change the way they view themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have been popping up online that give individuals the chance to get an ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can help cut down the time and cost of treatment by reducing the time required to find a psychiatrist, attend an assessment, then schedule an appointment. They also have the benefit of being faster and simpler to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can seem like an endless maze.
However, they're not without their critics. In recent months, there has been a spate of documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of the BBC Panorama documentary. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle remained the same: that those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by.
The field of psychiatry is complex, and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. It's crucial to find a psychiatrist with an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is an expert in the field of diagnosis. A thorough assessment requires collecting data from your friends, family members and school reports. It may also include an assessment form prior to your visit. Your doctor 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 whether they're willing to sign a shared-care contract with you as well as your psychologist before seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. You should consult with your physician prior to spending money on an assessment.
A reliable support system can help you manage ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better future, head over to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about the ways we can assist. You here can also schedule a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good choice for your needs.