ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are able to benefit patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. But a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses through video calls.
In most cases, people will be sent a questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also 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 find yourself constantly getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish work or are constantly interrupted by family or friends It could be an indication of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a huge impact on your professional and personal life. Many people don't realize the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know what to do. They might try to manage their own symptoms but this can be difficult.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health professional will make use of information from a variety of sources to establish an assessment, which may include the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, as well as a comprehensive background of the person's previous and current functioning, and information from people who are familiar with them. Based on the nature of the issues and the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring conditions, such as depression and anxiety It is therefore essential for a doctor to rule these out. A healthcare professional will test for other medical disorders which can cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid disorder or weight gain.
The GP does not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to an expert. They may refer you to a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. If you visit a private clinic, the assessment will take place in a clinic and will involve filling out questionnaires with yourself, your parents or partner and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based upon 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).
The evaluation process will be performed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a thorough note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behaviour with you in different situations. This will include at work, at school, and at home. You will be asked to assess your ADHD symptoms over the course of a week and take tests like the cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know might be suffering from ADHD. They might be able to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly to arrange an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the therapist you'll have to fill in a questionnaire about the symptoms you've been experiencing. You will also need to bring information about your family health history, as well as any previous psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is crucial to be forthcoming about your issues with the physician, as you will be required to provide a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine the medical history of your family members as well as your own medical history, and your current symptoms. The doctor will use this information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine if other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, could be causing your symptoms.
Based on the circumstances, you might require additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. This will help determine other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD might also suffer from other learning disabilities or autism, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations on specialists who are able to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact a local support group for people who suffer from ADHD and ask for referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel it's a relief to finally understand the reason they have been struggling in their lives. However it can be a struggle to deal with the feelings that come with the diagnosis. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a clinician who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to move on towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an healthcare professional who is skilled in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is familiar with the disorder and has treated patients in the past. You could also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a regular psychiatric appointment because it will include an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily life. It is recommended that you are prepared to talk about your problems with hyperactivity and attention at your relationships, work as well as in your hobbies and school. You'll be required to bring an inventory of your symptoms and how these have affected your life throughout the years, as well any other mental health issues you might have faced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment thinks you might have ADHD They will test your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you have provided to determine if you exhibit six characteristics (symptoms). These traits must be present for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will 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 why they think you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that may better explain your problems.
If you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They'll be able to recommend medication and therapy that can help you manage your symptoms. There are many therapies specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as acceptance and mindfulness therapy.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a wonderful relief, particularly for adults. It could be that it provides a lot of information about why you have struggled in the past, and that can be liberating and empowering. It's also important to be aware that many adults struggle with self-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be beneficial for people who struggle to tell their own story differently and alter the way they perceive themselves.
Support
Online services that allow individuals to get a quick ADHD diagnosis through a phone or online questionnaire have been gaining popularity as mental health issues are less stigmatised. These services can cut down on the time needed to locate an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of treatment. They also have the advantage of being quicker and easier than the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may feel like an endless maze.
They're not without criticism. In recent months there were numerous reports and documentaries claiming private clinics of ignoring ADHD. One such documentary, produced by BBC's Panorama, was named The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original angle remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being abused.
The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not unusual to see people suffer from symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. This is why it's crucial to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a deep knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves gathering information from your family and friends such as school reports and an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your physician will analyze these findings to determine if you suffer from ADHD and then develop a holistic plan of treatment which could include therapy or medication.
It's also worth contacting your GP before requesting a private diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. adhd diagnosis uk adults means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. You should consult with your physician prior to spending money for an assessment.
A good support system can aid you in managing ADHD symptoms and improve your life quality. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better life visit our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can help. You can also request a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to determine whether we're the best choice for you.