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 some clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
In most cases, people will be given a questionnaire to complete by themselves and also by someone close to them, such as a family member or partner. It is required to fill out this form prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
If you find yourself constantly losing your keys, find it difficult to complete work tasks or find yourself interrupted frequently by family members or friends, it could be an indication of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4% children and 2.5 percentage of adults. It can have a major impact on both your personal and professional lives. But, many do not realize that their symptoms are caused by ADHD and do not seek help because they aren't sure what to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms but this can be difficult and might not be effective.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A trained mental health professional will utilize a variety of sources to diagnose the condition, including the symptom list and standardized rating scales. They also make use of information from people who are familiar with the person, including their past and current functioning and information from those closest to them. Depending on the severity and nature of the problem further psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests may be conducted.
Certain people with ADHD can also have co-occurring illnesses, like depression and anxiety and depression, so it's crucial for a medical professional to rule out these conditions. A healthcare professional will test for other medical disorders which could cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid disorders or weight increase.
Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to a specialist. I Am Psychiatry can refer you to a Priory hospital, or a wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. The assessment will take place in a setting that is clinical and you as well as your partner, parents, or other people close to you will be asked to fill out questionnaires. These questions are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the assessment. They will take a thorough history, take detailed notes and discuss your behavior in different situations with you. This includes at school, at home and at work. You will be asked to evaluate your ADHD symptoms over the course of a week. You will also be asked to take tests, such as the cognitive function test.
Diagnosis
You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know could have ADHD. They might be able refer you to a private specialist like psychologists or psychiatrists, who is trained in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact experts directly to set up an appointment. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire before your appointment. You will also need to provide information about your family's mental health history and any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is essential that you be honest with your doctor regarding your symptoms, since the doctor will require an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your medical history of your family as well as your own medical history, and your current symptoms. The doctor will analyze the information to determine if you suffer from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, could be the cause of your symptoms.
Based on the circumstances depending on your situation, you may require additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disabilities testing. This will help you rule out other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities, that can trigger similar symptoms. Asking your insurance company about professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also reach out to a local group of adults with ADHD to ask for referrals.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD feel it's an exhilarating feeling to finally have an explanation for why they have been struggling in their lives. However it can be a challenge to cope with the emotions that accompany the diagnosis. It is crucial to get the correct diagnosis from a professional who is experienced in treating ADHD. This will allow you to move on toward managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Finding a doctor who has experience in working with adults who have ADHD is the first step towards getting a proper diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a regular 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 activities. Come prepared to talk about your issues with attention and hyperactivity at work, in relationships, hobbies, and school. You'll need to bring along a list of symptoms and how these have affected your life over the years as well as any other mental health issues that you may have had.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment believes you may be suffering from ADHD They will test you 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 a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will prepare an assessment report and discuss the findings of your examination to you. If they conclude you aren't a candidate for ADHD, they will explain the reasons why and suggest a different diagnosis that can better explain your issues.
It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your physician once you've been diagnosed. They can recommend therapy and medications that can help you manage your symptoms. There are several therapies specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
It can be a huge relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD especially as an adult. You may find that it provides a lot of information about the reasons why you've had difficulties in the past, and that can be empowering and freeing. It is important to remember that many adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. These individuals can benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story in a different manner and change the way they perceive themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly disseminated, a variety of services have emerged on the internet that give people the chance to quickly 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 needed to find a psychiatrist wait for an assessment, and then schedule the appointment. These services are also faster and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze.
However, they are not free of criticism. In recent months there were numerous reports and documentaries claiming private clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of the BBC Panorama documentary. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle remained the same: that those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being manipulated by.
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 with a thorough understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the field of diagnosis. A thorough assessment will require gathering information from you and your friends and family as well as school reports as well as a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your therapist will then utilize the results to determine if you have ADHD and formulate a holistic treatment plan that could include psychotherapy or medication.
It's also worth checking with your GP before seeking an official diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. You should check with your physician prior to spending money for an assessment.
A supportive system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD, and improve your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better future go to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can assist you. You can also request a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good fit for your needs.