ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down by the stifling NHS waiting lists. But an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses through video calls.
A questionnaire will be given to the person and they can also request a family member or partner complete the questionnaire. It is necessary to return this form prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD could be the cause of your frequent loss of concentration, inability to complete tasks at work, or getting 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 major impact on personal and professional life. However, many people don't know their symptoms are caused by ADHD and don't seek help because they don't know how to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves however this can be a struggle and may not always be effective.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care professional will make use of information from a variety of sources to make diagnosis, such as symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales, as well as a complete 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 further psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests could be performed.
Some people with ADHD can also have co-occurring illnesses, like anxiety and depression, so it's important for a healthcare professional to rule these out. A healthcare professional will typically look for other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid disorder or obesity.
Doctors are not experts and are unable to diagnose ADHD however, they may refer you to a specialist like a Priory hospital or wellbeing center for an assessment. The assessment will take place in a setting that is clinical and you, your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will be asked to 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 is performed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take an extensive investigation, record your history and discuss your behaviour in different environments with you. This could include at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked to evaluate your ADHD symptoms over the time of a week, and take tests like the cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
You should first talk to your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know might have ADHD. They may refer you to a private physician like a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to identify people with ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly yourself to organise an assessment. Before you attend your appointment with the doctor you'll need to fill in a questionnaire about the symptoms you've been experiencing. You will also be asked to supply information about your mental health history, including any previous psychiatric treatments you may have received.
It is important to be honest about your symptoms with the physician, as you will need to provide a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over the medical history of your family members as well as your own medical history, and current symptoms. They will then utilize this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also determine whether your symptoms might be due to other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Depending on the situation you might require additional psycho-educational or learning disabilities neuropsychological testing. This can help to rule out other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. Some people who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities which could cause similar symptoms. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations on professionals who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to an adult group in your area with ADHD to request recommendations.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD find that it is an exhilarating feeling to finally find out the reason they've had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a struggle to cope with the emotions associated with being diagnosed. It is vital to get the correct 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 to getting a diagnosis is to find a healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition and has treated other patients in the past. You can also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private evaluation of ADHD differs slightly from a typical psychiatric consultation because it includes an organized interview that will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is important to be prepared to discuss your issues with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, work, hobbies and school. You'll also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life over time, along with any other mental health issues you've experienced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation believes that you may have ADHD, they will assess your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and use the information you've provided to determine if you have six characteristics (symptoms). These traits should have been present for a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will prepare a report, and then explain the results of your examination to you. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you do not meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that could better explain your problems.
It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor once you've been diagnosed. They'll be able to recommend medication and therapy that can help you manage your symptoms. There are several therapies specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. adhd diagnosis in adult include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
It can be a major relief to be diagnosed of ADHD particularly as an adult. You might find that it explains a lot about why you have struggled in the past, and it can be empowering and liberating. However, it's equally important to be aware that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be helpful for these individuals to learn to tell their own stories differently and change the ways they judge themselves.
Support
Online services that permit people to receive a quick ADHD diagnosis by phone or online questionnaire are becoming more popular as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatized. These services can save the time it takes to locate an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of getting treatment. They also have the benefit of being more efficient and less time-consuming to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes seem like a maze.
There are plenty of critics. In recent months, there has been a flurry of news stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama and called The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original concept remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are being abused.
The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex, and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. This is why it's crucial to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist that is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a deep understanding of how it presents in adults. A thorough assessment will require collecting information from you as well as your friends and family, including school reports and an assessment questionnaire. Your doctor will use these results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and develop a holistic plan of treatment that could include medication or therapy.
It's also worth talking to your GP before requesting a private diagnosis for ADHD to determine if they'll sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. You'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors will not do this therefore it's important to confirm this before spending money on an assessment.
Having 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 for more information about how we can assist you. You can also schedule a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right fit for your needs.