ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private healthcare providers are making a profit from patients who feel let down due to the long NHS waiting lists. But a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses through video calls.

A questionnaire will be sent to the person and they may also request an adult family member or partner complete the questionnaire. It is essential to complete this form before an appointment can be made.

Signs and symptoms

ADHD can be the cause of your frequent key loss of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or being interrupted by family or friends. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a huge impact on your professional and personal life. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and don't seek treatment because they don't know what to do. Often they'll try to self-manage however this can be frustrating and may not always be effective.

There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A certified mental health professional will use a variety of data to determine the severity of the condition, including symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They will also use information from other people who know the person, such as their previous and current functioning and information from those closest to them. Depending on the nature of the person's issues, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could also be conducted.

It is essential that a medical professional rule out co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in a few people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically look for other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid disorder or obesity.

GPs do not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to an expert. They could refer you to a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. When you go privately the test will be in a medical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with you, your partner or parents, as well as other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based upon 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).

A psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take an exhaustive investigation, record your history and discuss your behavior in various situations with you. This includes at school, at work and at home. You will be asked to provide an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, such as tests 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 can recommend you to a private doctor, such as psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to diagnose adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire before your appointment. You will also be asked to supply information about your mental health history, including any previous treatment you've received.

It is essential to be forthcoming about your issues with the doctor, since you will be required to provide complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your family medical history and your medical history, and current symptoms. The doctor will analyze this information to determine whether you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms might be caused by other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

Based on the circumstances, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This will help identify other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, some individuals with ADHD can also have other disabilities, such as autism or learning disabilities which may have similar symptoms as ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations about professionals who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call the local support group for adults with ADHD and request recommendations.

Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD find that it is an exhilarating feeling to finally have an explanation for why they've had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a challenge to manage the emotions that accompany the diagnosis. It is vital to get a correct diagnosis from a clinician who has experience in treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next steps to manage your ADHD.

Treatment

The first step to getting a diagnosis is to find an healthcare professional who is experienced in working with adults more info with ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist with experience treating people suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.

A private assessment for ADHD is different from a routine psychiatric appointment due to the fact that it involves an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily life. It is important to be prepared to talk about your problems with hyperactivity and attention at your relationships, work or hobbies, as well as school. You will also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues you've experienced.

If the health professional conducting your assessment believes you may be suffering from ADHD, he or she will determine your ADHD based on the DSM V criteria. They will use the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine whether or not you exhibit at least six signs (symptoms) that have been present throughout your life for at least a year.

The healthcare professional will prepare an account, and then discuss the findings of your test to you. If they decide that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD they will explain why and suggest a different diagnosis that could better explain your difficulties.

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 with ADHD that include cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a wonderful relief, particularly for adults. It could be that it provides a lot of information about the reasons you've been struggling in the past and it can be empowering and freeing. But, it's equally important to remember that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be helpful for those who need to learn to tell their story differently and change the ways they judge themselves.

Support

With mental health issues becoming disseminated, a variety of services have been popping up online that offer individuals the chance to obtain an ADHD diagnosis via a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can reduce the time and cost of treatment by reducing the time needed to find a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment, and then schedule an appointment. They also have the benefit of being faster and simpler than navigating the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may feel like a maze.

They are not without critics. In recent months, there has been a wave of reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama and titled The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original premise remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being abused.

The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. It's crucial to find a psychiatrist who has an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the diagnosis. A full assessment involves gathering information from your relatives, friends and school reports. It may also include a pre-assessment form. Your therapist will then utilize these findings to determine whether you have ADHD and formulate a holistic treatment plan that could include medication or psychotherapy.

You should also consult your GP to see whether they're willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist prior to requesting an individual ADHD diagnosis. This means that you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. Some doctors won't do this, so it's best to verify before paying for an assessment.

The right support system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD, and enhance your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also book a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right solution for you.