ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel disappointed due to the long NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing unreliable diagnoses over video calls.
Usually, a person will be given a questionnaire to complete on their own, as well as by an immediate family member or partner. The questionnaire must be returned prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
If you are constantly losing your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or find yourself interrupted frequently by family or friends this could be a sign of ADHD. This common condition affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a huge impact on your professional and personal life. Many people don't realize that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know how to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be difficult.
There isn't a medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care professional will use information from a variety of sources to make diagnosis, such as symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales, aswell an extensive background of the person's previous and present performance, as well as information from those who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the nature of the individual's issues, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be conducted.
Some people suffering from ADHD can also have co-occurring conditions, such as depression and anxiety and depression, so it's crucial for a doctor to rule out these conditions. A healthcare professional will usually check for the presence of other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.
Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to an expert. They may refer you to a Priory hospital or a wellbeing center for an assessment. The assessment will be done in a clinical environment and you or your parents, partner, or other people close to you will complete questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD that are laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in its 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 take a detailed history, make detailed notes and discuss with you your behaviour in various settings. This could include at school, at home and at work. You will be asked to provide an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, including a test of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know could have ADHD. They might be able to refer you to an individual specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to schedule an assessment. Before you attend your appointment with the therapist, you will need to complete an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You should also bring details about your family's health history, as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is crucial that you be honest with your physician regarding your symptoms, since the doctor will require an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your medical history of your family, your personal medical history, as well as your current symptoms. They will then utilize this information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms might be due to other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Depending on the situation, you might require additional psychological testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help to determine other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, some individuals with ADHD may also be suffering from other disabilities, such as autism or learning disabilities, which can have similar symptoms as ADHD. Contacting your insurance provider about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also call the local support group for people who suffer from ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are relieved to understand why they have had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a challenge to cope with the emotions that come with being diagnosed. It is important to get a proper diagnosis from a qualified doctor, so that you can take the next steps in managing your ADHD and getting the most enjoyment from your life.
Treatment
Finding a healthcare professional with experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step to get the right diagnosis. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the disorder and has treated other patients in the past. Alternatively, you could request your family physician to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment of ADHD differs from a typical psychiatric consultation because it is a structured interview that will examine your symptoms and the way they impact your everyday life. It is recommended that you are prepared to discuss your problems with hyperactivity and attention in the workplace, in relationships as well as in your hobbies and school. You'll be required to bring the symptoms you are experiencing and how they have affected your life throughout the years, as well any other mental health issues that you might have faced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment thinks here you might have ADHD, they will assess your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will look at the list of symptoms you've listed and ask questions to determine if you are suffering from at least six signs (symptoms) which have been present throughout your life for at least 12 months.
The healthcare professional will prepare a report, and then explain the results of your examination to you. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that may better explain your issues.
It is essential to discuss treatment options with your doctor after you've been diagnosed. They'll be able to recommend therapies and medication that can help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies that are designed specifically for adults who have ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
It can be a major relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD especially as an adult. It may explain why you had difficulty in the past, which can be liberating and inspiring. It's also important to remember that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Individuals with these issues can benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story differently and to change the way they view themselves.
Support
Online services that allow people to receive a fast ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online survey have been gaining popularity as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatized. These services can help cut down the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time required to locate a psychiatrist, attend an assessment, then schedule the appointment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes feel like an endless maze.
There are plenty of critics. In recent months, there has been a wave of documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama, was titled The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original concept remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.
Psychiatry is a complex field and it's not unusual for people to present with symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist that is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a comprehensive understanding of how it presents in adults. A full assessment involves gathering information from your relatives, friends and school reports. It could also include a pre-assessment form. Your doctor will then use these results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and formulate a holistic treatment plan, which could include psychotherapy or medication.
You should also consult your GP to determine if they are willing to sign a shared care agreement with you as well as your psychologist prior to seeking the private ADHD diagnosis. You will only be required to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to take this approach, so it's best to confirm this before paying for an assessment.
The right support system can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can assist you. You can also book a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine whether we're the best fit for you.