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. But an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.

A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they can also request a family member or partner complete it. This will need to be returned prior to when an appointment can be made.

Signs and symptoms

If you are constantly getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or are constantly interrupted by friends or family members, it could be a sign of ADHD. This common condition 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 are unaware that their symptoms are caused by ADHD and they do not seek treatment because they don't know how to do. They may attempt to manage themselves but this can be frustrating.

There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will employ diverse information to diagnose the condition, including symptom lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They also make use of information from other people who are familiar with the person, including their past and current functioning as well as information from people closest to them. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests may be performed.

It is crucial to have a doctor determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will usually look for other medical conditions that could lead to similar symptoms, for example, a thyroid disorder or obesity.

GPs are not specialists and are unable to diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to a specialist like a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. If you visit a private clinic for an assessment, it will take place in a clinical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with yourself, your parents or partner and others who know you well. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).

A psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will carry out an exhaustive background, make detailed notes and discuss your behaviour in different environments with you. This includes at school, at work and at home. You will be asked to assess your ADHD symptoms throughout the time of a week, and complete tests such as the cognitive function test.

Diagnosis

You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know might be suffering from ADHD. They might be able to refer you to an individual specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire before your appointment. You will also be asked to provide details regarding your mental health history, including any previous treatment you've received.

It is important to be forthcoming about your current symptoms to the physician, as you will need to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your personal, family medical history and psychiatric history and also your current symptoms and problems. They will then analyze this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also determine whether your symptoms could be caused by other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

Depending on the situation you might require additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. This can help rule out other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some individuals with ADHD might also suffer from other disabilities, such as autism or learning disabilities that can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. It's recommended to ask your insurance provider for recommendations on experts who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact an adult group in your area with ADHD here to inquire about referrals.

Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an exhilarating feeling to finally have an explanation for why they've had to struggle in their lives. However, it can be difficult to deal with the feelings associated with a diagnosis. It is essential to receive a proper diagnosis from a skilled clinician to take the next steps in managing your ADHD and making the most of your life.

Treatment

The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate a healthcare professional who has experience working with adults with ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist with experience treating people suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you to 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 organized interview to evaluate your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily life. Come prepared to discuss your struggles with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You should also keep a record of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues you've had.

If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment believes you may have ADHD The doctor will assess you according to the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and use the information you've provided to determine if you exhibit six characteristics (symptoms). These characteristics should have been present for a minimum of a year.

The healthcare professional will then prepare a report and explain to you the results of their assessment. If they determine that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD they will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that can better explain your issues.

It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your physician once you've been diagnosed. They can recommend therapy and medications that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are many therapies specifically designed 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 especially as an adult. It may explain why you were struggling in the past it can be empowering and empowering. It is important to keep in mind that a lot of people suffer from self-stigma following being diagnosed. Individuals with these issues may benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different way and to change the way they judge themselves.

Support

With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have emerged online that give people the chance to quickly get an ADHD diagnosis by an email or phone questionnaire. These services can help cut down the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time needed to locate 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 process, which can seem like an endless maze.

However, they're not without criticism. In recent months, there's been a wave of stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, produced by BBC's Panorama and named 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 exploited.

The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not uncommon for patients to exhibit symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist with an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is an expert in the field of diagnosis. A complete assessment involves collecting information from your family, friends and school reports. It could also include a pre-assessment form. Your doctor will use these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and then develop a holistic plan of treatment which could include therapy or medication.

You should also consult your GP to determine whether they're willing to sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist prior to seeking an individual ADHD diagnosis. This means that you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors will not do this It's a good idea to check before you start spending money for an assessment.

Having the right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD, and enhance your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step toward a better future go to our ADHD treatment page to learn more about the ways we can assist. You can also schedule a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good choice for your needs.