ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down by logjammed NHS waiting lists. However, an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are handing out inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.

Usually a person 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 the form prior to an appointment can take place.

Symptoms

ADHD could be the reason for your frequent loss of concentration of focus, inability to finish your 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 huge impact on your professional and personal life. Many people don't realize 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 might not be successful.

There is no medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health professional will use information from several sources to determine diagnosis, such as the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well an extensive history of the person's past and present functioning, as well as information from people who are familiar with them. Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problem and the severity of the problem, additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests could be conducted.

Certain people with ADHD might also be suffering from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety, so it's important for a doctor to rule these out. A healthcare professional will look for other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid disorders or weight increase.

GPs are not specialists and are unable to diagnose ADHD however, they may refer you to an expert like a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre, for an assessment. The assessment will be done in a setting that is clinical and you, your partner, parents, or other people close to you will be asked to fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).

A psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will take a full note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behavior with you in different settings. This includes at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked to provide a rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, including an assessment of cognitive function.

Diagnosis

If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to see your GP. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologists or psychiatrists who is skilled in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill out an application form prior to your appointment. You will also be asked to supply details about your medical past, including any prior treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received.

It is essential that you be honest with your doctor about your symptoms, as they will require an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your family, personal medical history, and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms and issues. The doctor will analyze this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms might be caused by other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

Based on your specific situation depending on your situation, you may require additional neuropsychological, psychological, or testing for learning disabilities. This can help rule out other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities, which can cause similar symptoms. Asking your insurance company about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also call an organization that offers support for adults with ADHD and request recommendations.

Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved to finally recognize the reasons they've been unable to live their lives. However, it can be difficult to cope with the emotions that accompany a diagnosis. It is essential to receive a proper diagnosis from a skilled professional to move forward in managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.

Treatment

The first step to getting a diagnosis is to find a healthcare professional who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Alternatively, you could request your family physician to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.

A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a regular psychiatric appointment due to the fact that it involves a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily activities. Be prepared to talk about your issues with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work and hobbies, as well as in school. You will be required to bring a list of symptoms and how they have affected your life over time as well as any other mental health issues you might have faced.

If the healthcare professional who is conducting your evaluation believes that you might have ADHD they will evaluate you 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 characteristics (symptoms) which have been present throughout your life for at least a year.

The healthcare get more info professional will write an assessment report and discuss the findings of your test to you. If they decide that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD They will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that can better explain your problems.

If you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They'll recommend therapies and medication that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are several therapies specifically designed for adults who have ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a wonderful relief, especially for adults. It could be that it explains a lot about the reasons why you've had difficulties in the past, and that can be empowering and freeing. However, it's equally important to be aware that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be beneficial for these individuals to learn to tell their story differently and change the ways they view themselves.

Support

With mental health issues becoming destigmatised, services have popped up on the internet that give people the chance to quickly obtain an ADHD diagnosis by an online or phone questionnaire. These services can help cut down the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time it takes to locate a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment, and then schedule the appointment. They also have the advantage of being quicker and easier than navigating the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may appear to be a maze.

However, they aren't without their critics. In the past few months, there has been a wave of reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however, the original premise remained the same: that those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by.

Psychiatry can be a complex discipline and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist who has an understanding of the adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the field of diagnosis. A complete assessment involves collecting information from your relatives, friends and school reports. It could also comprise an assessment form prior to your visit. Your therapist will then utilize the results to determine if you have ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which could include medication or psychotherapy.

It's also worth checking with your GP prior to seeking an individual diagnosis for ADHD and to determine if they will sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. 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 control the symptoms of ADHD, and improve your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better life go to our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also schedule an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to see whether we're the right fit for you.