ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel disappointed by the stifling NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.

A questionnaire will be sent to the person and they may also request a family member or partner complete it. The questionnaire must be returned prior to an appointment can be made.

Signs and symptoms

If you find yourself constantly getting lost in your keys, struggle to complete work tasks or find yourself interrupted frequently by family members or friends, private ADHD diagnosis it could be a sign of ADHD. This common condition affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a major impact on personal and professional life. But, many don't know their symptoms are caused by ADHD and don't seek assistance because they aren't sure what to do. They might try to manage their own symptoms but this can be a challenge.

There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will employ diverse information to diagnose the condition, such as the symptom list and standardized rating scales. They may also draw information from other people who know the individual, such as their past and present functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Based on the severity and nature of the individual's problem further psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests may be conducted.

Some people suffering from ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and depression It is therefore essential for a doctor to rule them out. A healthcare professional will look for other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid disorders or weight gain.

They are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to a specialist such as a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. If you visit a private clinic the test will be in a medical setting and involves filling out questionnaires with you, your partner or parents, as well as others 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 psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will take a detailed note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behavior with you in various settings. This could include at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked for a rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, like tests of cognitive function.

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to visit your GP. They can recommend you to a private physician like a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to identify people with ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to complete an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will also be asked to supply details regarding your mental health background, including any previous treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received.

It is essential that you be honest with your clinician about your health issues, as the doctor will require an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family, personal medical history and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms and issues. The doctor will utilize the information to determine if you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms could be caused by other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

Depending on the situation, you might require additional mental testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help to identify other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. Certain people with ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities, that can trigger similar symptoms. Asking your insurance company for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also reach out to a local group of adults with ADHD to request referrals.

Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to recognize the reasons they've had to struggle in their lives. However, it can be difficult to deal with the feelings that accompany the diagnosis. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis from a skilled professional, so that you can move forward in managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.

Treatment

Locating a healthcare professional who has experience 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 with ADHD. Alternatively, you could ask your family doctor to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.

A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a regular psychiatric appointment because it will include an organized interview to evaluate your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily activities. Be prepared to discuss your struggles with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work and hobbies, as well as in school. You'll also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues you've experienced.

If the health professional conducting the assessment believes that you be suffering from ADHD, he or she will determine your ADHD based on the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and analyze the information you've provided to determine if you exhibit six characteristics (symptoms). These characteristics should be present for a minimum of a year.

The healthcare professional will write an assessment report and explain the results of your test to you. If they decide that you aren't a candidate for ADHD they will explain why and suggest a different diagnosis that can better explain your problems.

It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your physician once you've been diagnosed. They can suggest medication and therapy that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are several treatments that are specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness.

It can be a massive relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could be the reason you struggled in the previous, which can be liberating and empower. It's also important to keep in mind that many adults struggle deeply with self-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. These individuals can benefit from therapy, particularly 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 give people the chance to quickly receive an adhd diagnosis private diagnosis via an online or phone questionnaire. These services can reduce the time and cost of treatment by reducing the time required to find a psychiatrist, attend an assessment, then schedule the appointment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler than the NHS referral and assessment process, which can seem like an endless maze.

However, they're not without their critics. In recent months, there have been numerous stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, produced by BBC's Panorama, was called 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 exploited.

Psychiatry is a complex field, and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It is essential to find a psychiatrist who has a thorough understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the field of diagnosis. A complete assessment involves gathering information from your relatives, friends and school reports. It could also include an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your clinician will use these results to determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and create an overall treatment plan that may include medication or therapy.

It is also advisable to check with your GP to determine if they are willing to sign a shared-care contract with you and your psychologist before seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. You'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors won't take this approach, so it's best to confirm this before paying for an assessment.

A good support system can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and enhance your life quality. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help. You can also schedule an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to determine if we are the right choice for you.