ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down by the stifling NHS waiting lists. But an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses through video calls.

Usually, a person is given 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 is scheduled.

Signs and symptoms

ADHD can be the cause of your frequent key loss, inability to complete tasks at work, or being interrupted by your family or friends. This condition can affect as much as 8.4% children and 2.5% adults. It can have a profound impact on both personal and professional lives. Many people don't realize that their symptoms are caused by ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know how 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 but a trained mental health care professional will use information from multiple sources to make an assessment, which may include the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, as well as a complete review of the person's history and current functioning, and information from those who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the severity and nature of the person's issue, additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing may be conducted.

Certain people suffering from ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring conditions, such as depression and anxiety It is therefore essential for a doctor to rule them out. A healthcare professional will usually check for the presence of other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.

GPs do not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to a specialist. They could refer you to an Priory hospital or a wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. If you visit a private clinic for an assessment, it will take place in a medical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with your parents or partners, and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD that are laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).

The assessment process will be carried out by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take an exhaustive investigation, record your history and discuss your behaviour in different settings with you. This includes at school, at home and in the workplace. You will be asked for a rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, such as a test of cognitive function.

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to see your GP. They might refer you to a private physician such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact experts directly to schedule an assessment. You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire before your appointment. You should also bring details about your family's mental health history as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.

It is important to be forthcoming about your symptoms with the doctor, since you will be required to provide a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your personal, family, and psychiatric medical history along with your current symptoms and issues. They will then use this information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look into whether other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, might be causing your symptoms.

Depending on the situation, you may require additional mental or learning disabilities neuropsychological testing. This will help you rule out other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities that can trigger similar symptoms. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations on specialists who are able to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact a local support group for adults with ADHD and request referrals.

Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are relieved to recognize the reasons they've struggled in their lives. It can be difficult to deal the emotions that accompany an diagnosis. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a skilled professional, so that you can take the next steps towards managing your ADHD and getting the most out of your life.

Treatment

The first step to get a diagnosis is to find an expert in healthcare who has experience working with adults with ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and has treated other patients in the past. You can also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.

A private evaluation of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric visit because it is a structured interview that will examine your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Prepare to discuss your struggles with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work or with your hobbies, as well as at school. You'll need to bring along the symptoms you are experiencing and checklist how these have affected your life throughout the years and any other mental health issues that you might have faced.

If the health professional conducting the assessment believes that you have ADHD the doctor will evaluate you based on 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 traits should have been present for at least one year.

The healthcare professional will write an assessment report and explain the results of your examination to you. If they determine that 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 doctor after you've been diagnosed. They'll be able to recommend treatments and medications that will help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies designed specifically for adults with ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.

It can be a massive relief to be diagnosed of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could explain why you had difficulty in the past it can be empowering and inspiring. It is important to remember that many adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. These individuals can benefit from therapy, specifically narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story in a different way and to change how they perceive themselves.

Support

Online services that permit people to get a quick ADHD diagnosis through a phone or online questionnaire have been gaining popularity as mental health issues are less stigmatised. These services can cut down on the time and cost of treatment by reducing the time needed to locate a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment, and then schedule an appointment. They also have the advantage of being more efficient and less time-consuming to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can seem like a maze.

There are plenty of critics. In the last few months, there have been numerous stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of ignoring ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama was titled The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original concept remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are abused.

Psychiatry is a complex field and it's not unusual for people to present with symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist who has an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is an expert in the field of diagnosis. A complete assessment involves gathering information from your relatives, friends and school reports. It could also comprise an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your doctor will then use the results to determine if you have ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that could include medication or psychotherapy.

You should also consult your GP to determine whether they're willing sign a shared-care contract with you as well as your psychologist prior to requesting an individual ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. It is recommended to consult your GP before spending money on an assessment.

A supportive system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD, and enhance your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can help. You can also book a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to determine if we are the right choice for you.