ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel disappointed due to the long NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing unreliable diagnoses over video calls.
Usually a person will be given an application form to fill out by themselves and 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 take place.
Symptoms
ADHD may be the reason for your frequent loss of focus, inability to complete tasks at work, or being interrupted by family or friends. This condition can affect up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a major impact on both your personal and professional life. Many people don't realize the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and do not seek help because they aren't sure what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be a challenge.
There isn't a medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health care specialist will draw information from several sources to determine a diagnosis, including symptom checklists and standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well as a comprehensive history of the person's past and present performance, as well as information from others who know them well. Based on the nature of the individual's problems, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed.
Some people suffering from ADHD can also have co-occurring illnesses, like anxiety and depression It is therefore essential for a doctor to rule these out. A healthcare professional will typically examine for the presence of other medical conditions that could lead to similar symptoms, like an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.
Doctors are not experts and are unable to diagnose ADHD, but they may refer you to specialists such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a setting that is clinical and you, your partner, parents or any other relatives to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
The assessment process will be conducted by a skilled psychologist or psychiatrist, who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full history, make detailed notes and discuss your behaviour with you in different settings. This includes at school, at home and at work. You will be asked to provide an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, like an assessment of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD the first step is to consult your GP. They might be able to refer you to an individual specialist, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, who is trained in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to arrange an assessment. I Am Psychiatry will be asked to fill in an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will also need to bring information about your family health history, as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is essential to be forthcoming about your current symptoms to the doctor, since you will be required to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review the medical history of your family members and your medical history, as well as your current symptoms. They will then use this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look at whether your symptoms may be due to other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Based on the circumstances it is possible that you will require additional neuropsychological, psychological, or testing for learning disabilities. This can help rule out other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. Some people who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities that can trigger similar symptoms. Contacting your insurance provider for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also contact a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD and ask for referrals.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD discover it's a relief to finally find out the reason they have been struggling in their lives. It can be difficult to deal the feelings that accompany an diagnosis. It is essential to receive a correct diagnosis from a doctor who has experience treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next steps towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate an healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This may 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 for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it will include an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily life. Prepare to discuss your struggles with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work or with your hobbies, as well as at school. You will have to bring the symptoms you are experiencing and how they have affected your life over time as well as any other mental health issues that you might have experienced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting the assessment believes that you be suffering from ADHD The doctor will determine your ADHD based on the DSM V criteria. They will use the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine if you exhibit at least six traits (symptoms) that have been present in your life for a minimum of 12 months.
The healthcare professional will prepare a report, and then explain the results of your test to you. If they decide that you aren't a candidate for ADHD, they will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that could better explain your issues.
Once you've got a diagnosis it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They can recommend therapy and medications that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD that include cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, especially for adults. It could be the reason you were struggling in the past it can be empowering and inspiring. It's also important to be aware that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be helpful for those who need to learn to tell their own story differently and change the way they judge themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming stigmatized, new services have been popping up on the internet that give individuals the chance to receive an ADHD diagnosis by an email or phone questionnaire. These services can help cut down the amount of time and expense involved in treatment by reducing the time needed to find a psychiatrist, attend an assessment, then schedule an appointment. They also have the advantage of being quicker and easier to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can seem like a maze.
They're not without criticism. In recent months, there's been a flurry of news documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of the BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original concept remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are abused.
Psychiatry is a complex field, and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that are not actually 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 manifests in adults. A thorough assessment will require gathering information from your family and friends, including school reports and a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your doctor will use these results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and develop an overall treatment plan that could include medication or therapy.
It is also advisable to check with your GP to determine whether they're willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you and 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 It's a good idea to verify before spending money for an assessment.
A reliable support system can help you manage ADHD symptoms and improve your life quality. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better future, head over to our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help. You can also schedule a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good solution for you.