ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down due to the long NHS waiting lists. But an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
A questionnaire will be sent to the person and they can also request an adult family member or partner complete the questionnaire. It is essential to complete the form prior to an appointment can be scheduled.
Symptoms
ADHD could be the reason behind your frequent loss of focus and inability to finish tasks at work, or be interrupted by 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 both your personal and professional life. However, many people don't realize their symptoms are due to ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be a challenge.
There isn't a physical or medical test for ADHD however a certified mental health care professional will use information from a variety of sources to determine diagnosis, such as the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well an extensive background of the person's previous and present functioning, as well as information from others who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the nature of the person's problems further neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may also be conducted.
It's important to have a doctor determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically check for the presence of other medical disorders that can lead to similar symptoms, for example, an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.
The GP does not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They may refer you to an Priory hospital, or a wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. If you visit a private clinic the test will take place in a medical setting and involves filling out questionnaires with you, your partner or parents, as well as others who know you well. These questionnaires 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 experienced in 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 situations. This will include at work, at school and at home. You will be asked to provide a rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, such as a test of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
If you think that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to consult your GP. They may be able to refer you to an individual specialist, such as psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire before your appointment. You will also be asked to provide details regarding your mental health history, including any previous psychiatric treatments you may have received.
It is important to be honest about your symptoms with the doctor, since you will be required to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family medical history as well as your own medical history, and current symptoms. The doctor will analyze the information to determine if you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look at whether your symptoms could be due to other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Depending on the situation you may require additional psychological or learning disabilities neuropsychological testing. This can help rule out other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. Some people who suffer from ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities, that can trigger similar symptoms. Asking 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 people who suffer from ADHD and request referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel it's an exhilarating feeling to finally find out the reason they've had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a challenge to deal with the feelings associated adult adhd diagnosis with being diagnosed. It is essential to receive a correct diagnosis from a professional who is experienced in treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next step towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Locating a healthcare professional who has experience in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step towards getting the right diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is familiar with the disorder and has treated patients in the past. Alternately, you can request your family physician to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private evaluation of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric appointment due to an organized interview that will assess your symptoms and the way they impact your everyday life. Come prepared to discuss your difficulties with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work and hobbies, as well as in school. You will also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues that you've faced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your examination believes that you might be suffering from ADHD, he or she will assess you according to the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you've listed to determine if you exhibit six traits (symptoms). These characteristics must be present for at least one year.
The healthcare professional will write an account and inform you the results of your evaluation. If they find that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe that you do not meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that might better explain your issues.
After you've been diagnosed it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They can suggest medication and therapy 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 massive relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD especially as an adult. It could be the reason you had difficulty in the past and can be empowering and inspiring. It is important to remember that a lot of adults experience self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be beneficial for people who struggle to tell their story differently and alter the way they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have popped up online that give people the chance to quickly obtain an ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can cut down on the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time it takes to find a psychiatrist wait for an assessment, and then schedule an appointment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can feel like an endless maze.
However, they aren't free of criticism. In recent months, there have been numerous stories and documentaries accusing private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original concept remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are abused.
Psychiatry is a complex discipline and it's uncommon for people with ADHD to exhibit symptoms that aren't ADHD. It's crucial to find a psychiatrist who has a thorough understanding of adult ADHD and who is an expert in the field of diagnosis. A complete assessment involves collecting data from your relatives, friends and school reports. It could also comprise an assessment form prior to your visit. Your therapist will then utilize these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan, which may include medication or psychotherapy.
It is also advisable to check with your GP to determine if they are willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you as well as your psychologist prior to seeking an individual ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors won't take this approach therefore it's important to check before you start spending money for an assessment.
A supportive system in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD and enhance your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can help. You can also request a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good fit for your needs.