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. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing incorrect diagnoses through video calls.
Usually, a person is given an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by a close family member or partner. It is essential to complete the form prior to an appointment can be made.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can be the reason for your frequent key loss of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or getting interrupted by your family or friends. This common condition affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a major impact on personal and professional life. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms result from ADHD and they don't seek treatment 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 isn't a physical or medical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care professional will make use of information from several sources to make an assessment, which may include the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, as well an extensive background of the person's previous and current functioning, and information from people who know them well. Depending on the nature of the person's issues, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be conducted.
It is essential that a healthcare professional check for co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will usually examine for the presence of other medical conditions that may lead to similar symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or obesity.
Doctors are not experts and are unable to diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to an expert, such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The assessment will take place in a clinical environment and you, your partner, parents, or other people close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questions 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 psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the assessment. They will take an exhaustive background, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior in various situations with you. This includes at home, at school and at work. You will be asked to evaluate your ADHD symptoms over the course of a week and complete tests such as a cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
It is recommended to first speak with your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know may have ADHD. They might be able refer you to a private specialist like psychologists or psychiatrists, who is trained in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to set up an appointment. You will be asked to fill in an assessment form prior to your appointment. adhd uk diagnosis will also be asked to provide details regarding your mental health background, including any previous psychiatric treatments you may have received.
It is important to be honest about your current symptoms to the physician, as you will need to give complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family, personal, and psychiatric medical history, as well as your current symptoms and problems. They will then utilize this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms could be due to other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Based on the circumstances, you may need additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. This can help to rule out other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. Certain people with ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities, which can cause similar symptoms. It's recommended to ask your insurance provider for recommendations of professionals who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call a local support group for adults with ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD feel it's an exhilarating feeling to finally find out the reason they have been struggling in their lives. It can be difficult to deal the feelings that accompany the diagnosis. It is crucial to get a proper diagnosis from a qualified doctor, so that you can move forward in managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.
Treatment
The first step to getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an healthcare professional who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a typical psychiatric visit because it will involve an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily activities. Be prepared to discuss your difficulties with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work or with your hobbies, as well as at school. You should also provide a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues you've had.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you may have ADHD they will evaluate your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will look at the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine whether or not you have at least six signs (symptoms) that 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 test to you. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe that you do not meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that might better explain your difficulties.
It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your physician once you have a diagnosis. They will be able to suggest therapy and medication to aid in managing your symptoms. There are several treatments 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 receive a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could be that it clarifies a lot about the reasons you've been struggling in the past and it can be empowering and freeing. It is important to remember, however, that many adults experience self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their story differently and change the ways they judge themselves.
Support
Online services that permit people to get a quick ADHD diagnosis through a telephone or online questionnaire have emerged as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatised. These services can save the time it takes to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of treatment. These services are also more efficient and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can feel like a maze at times.
They're not without criticism. In the last few months, there have been many stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of ignoring ADHD. One such documentary, produced by BBC's Panorama, was named The ADHD Scandal. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, but the original angle remained the same: that those seeking private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by.
Psychiatry is a complex field and it's not unusual to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to make sure you are assessed by a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD, and has a comprehensive understanding of how it presents in adults. A full assessment will involve collecting information from you as well as your family and friends, including school reports as well as an assessment questionnaire. Your therapist will then utilize these results to determine if you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan that could include medication or psychotherapy.
It is also advisable to check with your GP to determine whether they're willing sign a shared care agreement with you and with your psychologist prior to seeking the private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to take this approach, so it's best to verify before spending money on an assessment.
Having the right support system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD, and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can help you. You can also request an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good fit for your needs.