ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel disappointed due to the long NHS waiting lists. However, an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
In most cases, people will be sent an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by an immediate family member or partner. The questionnaire must be returned before an appointment can be scheduled.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD can be the cause of your frequent loss of concentration and inability to finish tasks at work, or be interrupted by family or friends. This condition can affect up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a huge impact on personal and professional life. Many people are unaware that their symptoms are caused by ADHD and they don't seek treatment because they don't know what to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms but this can be difficult and may not always be effective.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care professional will use information from a variety of sources to determine diagnosis, such as symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales, as well as a complete background of the person's previous and present performance, as well as information from those who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the nature of the person's problems further neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities could also be conducted.
It is crucial that a medical professional rule out co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically look for other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or obesity.
The GP does not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to a specialist. They could refer you to a Priory hospital, or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. If you visit a private clinic, the assessment will be conducted in a clinic and will involve filling out questionnaires with your parents or partner and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the assessment. They will carry out a thorough investigation, record your history and discuss your behaviour in different situations with you. This will include at school, at work, and at home. You will be asked to evaluate your ADHD symptoms over the course of a week and take tests, such as an assessment of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
It is recommended to first speak with your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know might be suffering from ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults may recommend you to a private physician such as a psychologist or psychiatrist who is trained to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will be asked to fill out an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will also need to bring details about your family's health history, as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.
It is crucial to be open about your current symptoms to the doctor, since you will need to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your personal, family medical history and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms and issues. They will then use this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms may be due to other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Based on your specific situation depending on your situation, you may require additional neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disabilities testing. This will help you rule out other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some people with ADHD may also be suffering from other disorders of learning or autism which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations on specialists who are able to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact an organization that offers support for adults suffering from ADHD and request recommendations.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD find that it is an exhilarating feeling to finally find out the reason they have been struggling in their lives. It isn't easy to face the feelings that accompany a diagnosis. It is vital to get the correct diagnosis from a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next step toward managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Locating a healthcare professional who has expertise in working with adults who have ADHD is the first step towards getting the right diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist with experience treating adults with ADHD. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.
A private assessment of ADHD differs slightly from a typical psychiatric consultation because it is a structured interview that will examine your symptoms and how they impact your everyday life. You should come prepared to talk about your issues with hyperactivity and attention in the workplace, in relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You will need to bring along a list of symptoms and how they have affected your life over the years and any other mental health issues that you might have faced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment thinks you may be suffering from ADHD, they will assess you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will look at the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine whether or not you are suffering from at least six traits (symptoms) that have been present in your life for at least 12 months.
The healthcare professional will prepare an account and inform you the results of your evaluation. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe that you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that may better explain your issues.
It is essential to discuss treatment options with your doctor after you have a diagnosis. They'll recommend medication and therapy that can help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments that are specifically designed for adults with 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. You might find that it provides a lot of information about the reasons you've struggled in the past, and it can be empowering and liberating. But, it's equally important to be aware that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be helpful for people who struggle to tell their story differently and change the ways they view themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming stigmatized, new services have emerged online that give individuals the opportunity to swiftly obtain an ADHD diagnosis through an online or phone questionnaire. These services can save the time required to locate an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of treatment. These services are also quicker and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze at times.
However, they're not free of criticism. In recent months, there have been numerous stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of a 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 swindled by.
Psychiatry is a complex field and it's not uncommon to see people suffer from symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. This is why it's crucial to ensure that you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is an expert in adult ADHD and has a deep understanding of how it presents in adults. A complete assessment involves collecting information from you as well as your friends and family such as school reports as well as a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your physician will analyze these findings to determine if you have ADHD, and create an overall treatment plan 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 with your psychologist prior to requesting a private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should check with your GP before spending money on an assessment.
The right support system can aid you in managing 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 learn more about how we can help. You can also schedule an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to see whether we're the right choice for you.