ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private health providers are able to benefit patients who feel depressed by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing unreliable diagnoses over video calls.

A questionnaire will be sent to the person and they can also have the partner or family member complete it. It is required to fill out this form before an appointment can take place.

Signs and symptoms

ADHD may be the reason for your frequent loss of concentration, inability to complete tasks at work, or being interrupted by your loved ones or family. This common condition affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a major impact on personal and professional life. Many people don't realize their symptoms are due to ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know how to do. They might try to manage their own symptoms but this can be a challenge.

There isn't a physical or medical test for ADHD however a certified mental health professional will use information from several sources to determine an assessment, which may include the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well an extensive background of the person's previous and present functioning, as well as information from those who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the nature of the issues further neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed.

It's important that a medical professional rule out co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in a few people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will test for other medical disorders which may cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid disorders or weight gain.

Doctors are not experts and cannot diagnose ADHD however, they can refer you to an expert like a Priory hospital or wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. If you visit a private clinic for an assessment, it will take place in a clinic and involves filling out questionnaires with yourself, your parents or partners, and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based upon 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 performed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist, who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will carry out a thorough background, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior in different settings with you. This could include at school, at home and in the workplace. You will be asked for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, like a test of cognitive functioning.

Diagnosis

You should first consult your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know might have ADHD. They might be able refer you to a private specialist like psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to schedule an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the therapist you'll need to complete a questionnaire about the symptoms you've been experiencing. Additionally, you will need to bring details about your family's mental health history as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.

It is crucial that you be honest with your physician regarding your symptoms, since he or she will need a complete history to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your personal, family, and psychiatric medical history and also your current symptoms and issues. The doctor will utilize this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look into whether other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, could be causing your symptoms.

Depending on the situation, you might require additional mental, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. This can help to determine other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from other learning disabilities or autism, which can have similar symptoms as ADHD. Inquiring with your insurance company about professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also call the local support group for adults with ADHD and request referrals.

Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an exhilarating feeling to finally understand the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. However, it can be difficult to manage the emotions associated with a diagnosis. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis from an experienced doctor to move forward in managing your ADHD and making the most of your life.

Treatment

The first step to getting a diagnosis is to find an healthcare professional who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition and has treated patients in the past. You could also ask your family physician 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 a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily activities. You should come prepared to talk about your problems with hyperactivity and attention at your relationships, work, hobbies and school. You'll need to bring along an inventory of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over the years and any other mental health issues you might have faced.

If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment believes you might have ADHD they will evaluate you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will use the list of symptoms you've listed and ask questions to determine if you exhibit at least six signs (symptoms) that have been present in your life for at least a year.

The healthcare professional will then prepare a report and explain to here you the outcome of your evaluation. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD They will explain the reasons why they believe that you don't meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that may better explain your problems.

It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor after you have a diagnosis. They will be able to suggest therapy and medication to assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a range of therapies designed specifically for adults with ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as acceptance and mindfulness therapy.

It can be a massive relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could explain why you had difficulty in the past it can be empowering and empower. It's important to remember, however, that many people suffer from self-stigma following being diagnosed. These individuals can benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story differently and to change how they perceive themselves.

Support

Online services that allow individuals to receive 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 amount of time and expense involved in treatment by reducing the time needed to find a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment and then schedule an appointment. These services are also quicker and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze.

However, they aren't without criticism. In recent months there have been numerous stories and documentaries claiming private clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama was called The ADHD Scandal. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle was the same: those seeking private ADHD diagnosis are being manipulated by.

Psychiatry can be a complex field, and it's not common for people suffering from ADHD to exhibit symptoms that aren't ADHD. This is why it's crucial to ensure that you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist that is an expert in adult ADHD, and has a thorough understanding of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment will involve gathering information from you and your family and friends as well as school reports and an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your physician will analyze these findings to determine if you have ADHD and develop a holistic plan of treatment that may include medication or therapy.

It's also worth contacting your GP before seeking a private diagnosis for ADHD to determine if they will sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. You will only be required to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors won't do this, so it's best to verify before spending money for an assessment.

A good support system can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and enhance your life quality. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can help. You can also request a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to see if we are the right choice for you.