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. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.

Usually, a person will be sent an application form to fill out by themselves, but also by someone close to them, such as a family member or partner. It is necessary to return this form before an appointment can be scheduled.

Symptoms

ADHD can be the cause of your frequent key loss, inability to complete tasks at work, or getting 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 major impact on both your personal and professional lives. Many people do not realize that their symptoms are due to ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know what to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves however this can be difficult and may not always be successful.

There is no medical or physical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will employ various sources of data to determine the severity of the condition, including symptom lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They will also use information from people who know the person, such as their previous and current functioning and information from those closest to them. Depending on the severity and nature of the person's issue, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests could be carried out.

It's important that a healthcare professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will check for other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or weight increase.

GPs do not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to an expert. They can refer you to a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. If you visit a private clinic, the assessment will take place in a clinical setting and involves filling out questionnaires with your partner or parents, as well as other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based on diagnostic criteria for ADHD as laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).

A psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the assessment. They will take a detailed account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss with you your behaviour in various settings. This could include at school, at home and at work. You will be asked to provide an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, like a test of cognitive functioning.

Diagnosis

If you suspect 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 psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to set up an appointment. You will be asked to complete an application form prior to your appointment. You will also need to provide information about your family's mental health history and any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.

It is crucial that you be honest with your clinician regarding your symptoms, since they will require an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family, personal medical history and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms and issues. The doctor will use 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 issues such as depression or anxiety.

Based on the circumstances, you may require additional psycho-educational or learning disabilities neuropsychological tests. This will help you rule out other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from other disorders of learning or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. Contacting your insurance provider about professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also contact an adult group in your area with adhd diagnosis uk adults to request recommendations.

Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD feel it's a relief to finally have an explanation for why they've had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a struggle to deal with the feelings associated with a diagnosis. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a qualified clinician, so that you can take the next steps towards managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.

Treatment

Locating a healthcare professional who has experience in treating adults with ADHD is the first step in getting the right diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist with experience treating adults 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 will differ from a typical psychiatric visit 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 discuss your issues with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, work as well as in your hobbies and school. You'll have to bring the symptoms you are experiencing and how they have affected your life over the years as well as any other mental health issues that you might have experienced.

If the healthcare professional who is conducting your evaluation believes that you may have ADHD they will evaluate your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and use the symptoms you have provided to determine if you exhibit six characteristics (symptoms). These traits should have been present for at least a year.

The healthcare professional will then create a report and Private ADHD Diagnosis explain to you the results of your evaluation. If they find that you don't have ADHD, they will say why they think you don't meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that might better explain your problems.

After you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They'll be able to suggest therapies and medication that can help you manage your symptoms. There are many therapies that are designed specifically for adults who have ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.

It can be a massive relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could be that it clarifies a lot about why you have been struggling in the past and that can be empowering and freeing. However, it's equally important to keep in mind that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. They may benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, in order to learn how to tell their story in a different manner and change the way they view themselves.

Support

With mental health issues becoming destigmatised, services have been popping up online that offer individuals the opportunity to swiftly get an ADHD diagnosis by an email or phone questionnaire. These services can reduce 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 benefit of being faster and simpler than the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes appear to be an endless maze.

However, they are not without criticism. In recent months, there's been a spate 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 was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however, the original premise was the same: those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being manipulated by.

Psychiatry is a complex field, and it's not uncommon to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist that specialises in adult ADHD and has a thorough knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves gathering information from you and your friends and family such as school reports as well as a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your clinician will analyze these findings to determine if you suffer from ADHD, and create a holistic plan of treatment that may include medication or therapy.

You should also check with your GP to see if they are willing to sign a shared-care contract with you and with your psychologist before seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription charge for private ADHD diagnosis your medication. Some GPs will refuse to take this approach, so it's best to check before you start paying for an assessment.

A good support system can help you manage ADHD symptoms and improve your life quality. If you're ready for the first step toward a better future, head over to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can assist you. You can also schedule an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to see if we are the right person for you.