ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel let down by logjammed NHS waiting lists. However, an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses through video calls.
Usually a person is given an application form to fill out by themselves, but also by an immediate family member or partner. It is required to fill out the form prior to an appointment can be scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can be the cause of your frequent key loss, inability to complete tasks at work, or be interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a major impact on your professional and personal life. Many people don't know their symptoms are due to ADHD and don't seek help because they aren't sure what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be a challenge.
There isn't a medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health professional will use information from several sources to determine a diagnosis, including symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, aswell an extensive history of the person's past and present performance, as well as information from others who know them well. Depending on Iam Psychiatry and severity of the person's issue further psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests could be conducted.
It is essential that a medical professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will look for other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or weight increase.
They are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD However, they may refer you to an expert, such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The assessment will be done in a setting that is clinical and you, your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questions 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).
A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the assessment. They will carry out an exhaustive investigation, record your history and discuss your behaviour in different situations with you. This will include at school, at work and at home. You will be asked to rate your ADHD symptoms throughout the time of a week, and take tests, such as an assessment of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
You should first talk to your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know could be suffering from ADHD. They might be able to refer you to a private specialist like psychologists or psychiatrists, who is trained in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly yourself to organise an assessment. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire before your appointment. You will also need to bring details about your family's mental health history and any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.
It is important to be honest with your doctor regarding your symptoms, since the doctor will require an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your personal, family, and psychiatric medical history along with your current symptoms and issues. They will then utilize 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 like depression or anxiety, could be the cause of your symptoms.
Depending on your situation depending on your situation, you may require additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing. This will help determine other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. For example, some people with ADHD might also suffer from other learning disabilities or autism, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. Inquiring with your insurance company about professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also call an organization that offers support for adults suffering from ADHD and ask for referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are relieved to recognize the reasons they've had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a struggle to deal with the feelings that come with being diagnosed. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a skilled doctor to move forward in managing your ADHD and making the most of your life.
Treatment
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an expert in healthcare who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated other patients in the past. Alternately, you can request your family physician to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric appointment due to a structured interview that will examine your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. You should come prepared to discuss your issues with attention and hyperactivity in the workplace, in relationships as well as in your hobbies and school. You'll need to bring along a list of symptoms and how these have affected your life throughout the years and any other mental health issues you might have experienced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your examination believes that you might have ADHD the doctor will determine your ADHD based on the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you have provided to determine if you exhibit six traits (symptoms). These characteristics should be present for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will write an assessment report and present the results of your test to you. If they decide that you aren't a candidate for ADHD, they will explain why and suggest a different diagnosis that can better explain your issues.
Once you've got a diagnosis it's important to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They can suggest therapy and medication to aid in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.
It can be a huge relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD, especially as an adult. You may find that it clarifies a lot about the reasons you've struggled in the past, and that can be empowering and freeing. But, it's equally important to remember that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. They might benefit from therapy, specifically narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story in a different way and to change the way they perceive themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming disseminated, a variety of services have been popping up online that give individuals the chance to get an ADHD diagnosis via an email or phone questionnaire. These services can help cut down the amount of time and expense involved in treatment by reducing the time required to find a psychiatrist wait for an assessment, and then schedule an appointment. They also have the advantage of being quicker and easier to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes seem like a maze.
However, they are not without criticism. In the past few months, there has been a wave of stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama was titled The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original concept remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are abused.
The field of psychiatry is complex, and it's not uncommon for patients to exhibit symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. This is why it's crucial to ensure you're assessed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a comprehensive knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves collecting information from your family, friends and school reports. It could also include an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your therapist will then utilize the results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and formulate a holistic treatment plan that could include medication or psychotherapy.
It's also worth talking to your GP before seeking an individual diagnosis for ADHD to determine if they will sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means that you'll only need 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.
The right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD 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 can also schedule an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine whether we're the best fit for you.
