ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel let down by logjammed NHS waiting lists. However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.

Usually, a person will be sent an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves and also by a close family member or partner. This will need to be returned prior to when an appointment can be scheduled.

Symptoms

If you are constantly losing your keys, find it difficult to finish work or are frequently interrupted by family members or friends this could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a major impact on your professional and personal life. Many people are unaware that their symptoms result from ADHD and do not seek treatment because they don't know how to do. They may attempt to manage themselves but this can be a challenge.

There is no medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health professional will use information from multiple sources to make an assessment, which may include symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, as well an extensive history of the person's past and present performance, as well as information from those who are familiar with them. Depending on the nature of the person's problems and the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests may also be conducted.

Some people with ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring illnesses, like depression and anxiety, so it's important for a healthcare professional to rule out these conditions. A healthcare professional will look for other medical disorders which can cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid disorder or weight gain.

Doctors are not experts and are unable to diagnose ADHD, but they may refer you to specialists like a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre, for an assessment. The assessment will be done in a setting that is clinical and you, your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will fill out questionnaires. 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 has experience diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take a full note of your history, record it in detail and discuss with you your behaviour in various situations. This includes at home, at school and in the workplace. You will be asked for a rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, including a test of cognitive functioning.

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to consult your GP. They might recommend you to a private doctor like a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. You will be asked to fill out an application form prior to your appointment. You will be asked to provide information about your mental health past, including any prior treatment you've received.

It is crucial to be forthcoming about your issues with the physician, as you will be required to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family, personal medical history, and psychiatric history and also your current symptoms and problems. The doctor will utilize this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, could be the cause of your symptoms.

Depending on your situation, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This can help to rule out other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, some individuals who suffer from ADHD might also suffer from other learning disabilities or autism, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. Asking your insurance company for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also contact the local support group for adults suffering from ADHD and ask for recommendations.

Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel it's an immense relief to find out the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. It isn't easy to face the emotions that come with a diagnosis. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor who is experienced in treating ADHD. This will allow you to move on toward managing your ADHD.

Treatment

The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate an expert in healthcare who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. Alternately, you can ask your family doctor to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.

A private evaluation of ADHD differs from a typical psychiatric consultation because it includes an interview with a plan to evaluate your symptoms and the way they impact your everyday life. It is important to be prepared to discuss your issues with hyperactivity and attention in work, relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You will be required to bring the symptoms you are experiencing and how these 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 might have ADHD they will evaluate your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you have provided to determine if you exhibit six characteristics (symptoms). These characteristics must be present for at least a year.

The healthcare professional will write a report, and then discuss the findings of your examination to you. If they determine that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD they will explain the reasons why and suggest a different diagnosis that may better explain your problems.

It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your doctor after you've been diagnosed. They'll be able to recommend medication and therapy that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment of therapies specifically designed for adults with ADHD that include cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) as well as acceptance and mindfulness therapy.

It can be a huge relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. You may find that it clarifies a lot about the reasons you've been struggling in the past and it can be empowering and liberating. However, it's equally important to keep in mind that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. They might benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, in order to learn how to tell their story differently and to change the way they view themselves.

Support

With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have popped up online that give individuals the opportunity to swiftly get an ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can reduce the amount of time and expense involved in treatment by reducing the time it takes to find a psychiatrist, attend an assessment, then schedule an appointment. These services are also quicker and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze at times.

They are not without critics. In the last few months, there have been many stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of the BBC Panorama documentary. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however, the original premise was the same: those seeking private ADHD diagnosis are being taken advantage of.

Psychiatry can be a complex discipline and it's uncommon for people with ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist with a thorough understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the diagnosis. A full assessment will involve collecting information from you as well as your family and friends, including school reports and an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your clinician will analyze these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and create an overall treatment plan that may include medication or therapy.

You should also consult your GP to see whether they're willing to sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist before seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should consult with your doctor before you spend money on an assessment.

Having the right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help. You can also request a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine whether we're the best fit for you.