ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are able to profit from patients who feel depressed by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were giving unreliable diagnoses over video calls.
In most cases, people will be sent a questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by someone close to them, such as a family member or partner. It is required to fill out this form prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.
Symptoms
ADHD can be the reason for your frequent loss of concentration and inability to finish tasks at work, or being interrupted by your family or friends. This condition can affect as much as 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% adults. It can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional lives. Many people are unaware that their symptoms are caused by ADHD and do not seek treatment because they don't know what to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms however 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 specialist will draw information from a variety of sources to establish an assessment, which may include symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, aswell an extensive history of the person's past and current functioning, and information from others who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problem further psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests may be carried out.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression and depression, so it's crucial for a healthcare professional to rule out these conditions. A healthcare professional will test for other medical disorders which may cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or weight gain.
Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to an expert. They could refer you to a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The assessment will take place in a setting that is clinical and you or your parents, partner or any other relatives to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
adhd uk diagnosis will be carried out by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a detailed note of your history, record it in detail and discuss with you your behaviour in different settings. This will include at school, at work, and at home. You will be asked for the rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, like a test of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
You should first talk to your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know might have ADHD. They can refer you to a private doctor, such as psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to identify people with ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the clinician, you will need to complete an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. You will be asked to provide details about your mental health background, including any previous treatment you've received.
adhd uk diagnosis is crucial that you be honest with your clinician about your health issues, as the doctor will require an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your family medical history, your personal medical history, as well as your current symptoms. They will then use this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also determine if other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, could be causing your symptoms.
Depending on the situation you might require additional psychological testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help to rule out other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. Some people with ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities, which can cause similar symptoms. It's recommended to ask your insurance company for recommendations on experts who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the local support group for people who suffer from ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD discover it's a relief to finally have an explanation for why they've been struggling throughout their lives. However it can be a struggle to manage the emotions that come with being diagnosed. It is vital to get an accurate diagnosis from a professional who has experience in treating ADHD. This will enable you to move on toward managing your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate a healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition and has treated patients in the past. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private evaluation of ADHD differs slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it includes a structured interview that will evaluate your symptoms and the way they affect your daily life. It is recommended that you are prepared to discuss your problems with hyperactivity and attention at the workplace, in relationships, hobbies and school. You'll need to bring along an inventory of your symptoms and how these have affected your life over the years as well as any other mental health issues you might have faced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting the assessment believes that you have ADHD the doctor will evaluate you based on the DSM V criteria. They will look at the list of symptoms you've listed and ask questions to determine if you have at least six characteristics (symptoms) that have been present in your life for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will write an account, and then explain the results of your assessment to you. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD They will explain why they think you do not meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that may better explain your issues.
If you've been diagnosed it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They'll recommend treatments and medications that will aid in managing 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.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, particularly for adults. It could be that it provides a lot of information about the reasons you've had difficulties in the past, and it can be empowering and liberating. But, it's equally important to be aware that many adults struggle deeply with self-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. They may benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story in a different manner and to change how they view themselves.
Support
Online services that allow individuals to get a quick ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online survey are becoming more popular as mental health issues are less stigmatised. These services can cut down on the time and cost of treatment by reducing the time needed to locate a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment and then schedule the appointment. These services are also faster and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze at times.
There are plenty of critics. In recent months, there has been a wave of documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama, was named The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original premise remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.
The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex, and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist that is specialized in adult ADHD and has a comprehensive understanding of how it presents in adults. A thorough assessment will require collecting information from you as well as your family and friends such as school reports as well as an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your clinician will then use these results to determine if you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan that could include psychotherapy or medication.
It's also worth checking with your GP before seeking an individual diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means that you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. You should consult with your GP before spending money on an assessment.
A supportive system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD, and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also request an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine whether we're the right choice for you.