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. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they can also have the partner or family member complete the questionnaire. It is necessary to return the form prior to an appointment can be made.
Signs and symptoms
If you find yourself constantly getting lost in your keys, struggle to complete work tasks or are constantly interrupted by friends or family members this could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4% children and 2.5 percentage of adults. It can have a profound impact on your personal and professional lives. Many people don't realize 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, but this can be a struggle and might not be successful.
There isn't a medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care professional will use information from several sources to establish an assessment, which may include symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, aswell as a complete review of the person's history and present performance, as well as information from those who are familiar with their condition. Based on the nature of the issues and the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may also be conducted.
Certain people with ADHD can also have co-occurring illnesses, like anxiety and depression, so it's important for a doctor to rule these out. A healthcare professional will usually look for other medical conditions that may lead to similar symptoms, such as a thyroid disorder or obesity.
The GP does not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They may refer you to a Priory hospital or wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. If you visit a private clinic the test will take place in a clinical setting and involve filling in questionnaires with yourself, your parents or partner and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience diagnosing ADHD will conduct the assessment. They will take a thorough note of your history, record it in detail and discuss with you your behaviour in different settings. This will include at home, at school and at work. You will be asked to assess your ADHD symptoms throughout the time of a week, and complete tests such as a cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. They may refer you to a private physician such as psychiatrist or psychologist who is certified to diagnose adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly to schedule an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the therapist you'll need to fill in an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. You will also be asked to supply details about your mental health background, including any previous psychiatric treatments you may have received.
It is essential to be honest about your issues with the physician, as you will need to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine the medical history of your family members, your personal medical history, and your current symptoms. The doctor will analyze the information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms could be due to other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Depending on the situation, you might require additional mental or learning disabilities neuropsychological testing. This will help rule out other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. Some people who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities which can cause similar symptoms. Contacting your insurance provider about professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also reach out to a local group of people with ADHD to request referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to understand why they have struggled in their lives. However it can be a struggle to manage the emotions that come with the diagnosis. It is essential to receive a proper diagnosis from a skilled clinician to move forward in managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.
Treatment
Finding a healthcare professional with experience in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist who is experienced in treating people suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your family physician 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 an organized interview that will evaluate your symptoms and the way they impact your everyday life. Come prepared to discuss your difficulties with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You will also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time, and any other mental health issues that you've faced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment thinks you may have ADHD They will test your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will use the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine if you exhibit at least six characteristics (symptoms) that have been present in your life for a minimum of 12 months.
The healthcare professional will write an report and then explain to you the outcome of your evaluation. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe that you don't meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that may better explain your difficulties.
If you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They will be able to suggest medication and therapy that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are how to get an adhd diagnosis uk that are specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
It can be a major relief to be diagnosed of ADHD especially as an adult. It could be that it clarifies a lot about the reasons why you've been struggling 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. Individuals with these issues might benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story differently and to change how they perceive themselves.
Support
Online services that allow individuals to get a quick ADHD diagnosis by phone or online questionnaire have emerged as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatised. These services can save the time required to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of seeking treatment. They also have the benefit of being faster and simpler to navigate the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may feel like a maze.
They're not without criticism. In recent months there have been many stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama, was named The ADHD Scandal. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, but the original angle was the same: those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being manipulated by.
The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not unusual to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. This is why it's crucial to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD and has a thorough understanding 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 then use these findings to determine whether you have ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that could include psychotherapy or medication.
You should also consult your GP to determine whether they're willing to sign a shared-care contract with you and with your psychologist prior to requesting the private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. Some doctors won't do this therefore it's important to confirm this before paying for an assessment.
A reliable support system can help you manage ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also schedule a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the best fit for your needs.