ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down due to the long NHS waiting lists. But a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.

Usually a person will be sent an application form to fill out by themselves, but also by an immediate family member or partner. This will need to be returned prior to when an appointment is scheduled.

Symptoms

ADHD can be the reason for your frequent loss of concentration and inability to finish tasks at work, or getting interrupted by family or friends. This condition can affect up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% adults. It can have a profound impact on both your personal and professional lives. Many people don't know their symptoms are due to ADHD and don't seek assistance because they aren't sure what to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms but this can be frustrating and may not always be successful.

There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A trained mental health professional will employ a variety of sources to diagnose the condition, such as symptom lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They also make use of information from other people who are familiar with the person, such as their previous and current functioning and information from those closest to them. Based on the nature and severity of the individual's problem and the severity of the problem, additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests could be performed.

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 out these conditions. A healthcare professional will look for any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid disorder or weight gain.

Doctors are not experts and cannot diagnose ADHD, but they may refer you to specialists like a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre, for an assessment. If you visit a private clinic, the assessment will be in a medical setting and involves filling out questionnaires with you, your parents or partner and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).

A psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will carry out a thorough background, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior in different situations with you. This could include at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, such as a test of cognitive function.

Diagnosis

You should first talk to your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know may be suffering from ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing adhd in adults adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire before your appointment. You will also need to 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 open about your current symptoms to the physician, as you will need to provide a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your family, personal, and psychiatric medical history, as well as your current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will analyze the information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms might be caused by other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Depending on the situation, you may require additional psychological testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing. This can help to determine other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD can also have other disorders of learning or autism, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations of professionals who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact the local support group for people who suffer from ADHD and request referrals.

Many people diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an immense relief to find out the reason they've had to struggle in their lives. It isn't easy to face the feelings that accompany an diagnosis. It is crucial to get a correct diagnosis from a professional who has experience treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next step toward managing your ADHD.

Treatment

The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an healthcare professional who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated other 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 from a typical psychiatric visit due to the fact that it involves an organized interview to evaluate your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily activities. It is recommended that you are prepared to talk about your problems with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, work as well as in your hobbies and school. You will also need to keep a record of your symptoms and how to get adult adhd diagnosis they have affected your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues you've experienced.

If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment believes you may have ADHD, he or she will assess you according to the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you've listed to determine if you have six characteristics (symptoms). These traits should have been present for at least one year.

The healthcare professional will then create an account and inform you the results of their assessment. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that may better explain your difficulties.

After you've been diagnosed adhd, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They'll recommend medication and therapy that can help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.

It can be a huge relief to be diagnosed of ADHD particularly as an adult. You might find that it clarifies a lot about why you have struggled in the past, and that can be empowering and liberating. It's also important to be aware that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their own story differently and change the ways they view themselves.

Support

With mental health issues becoming destigmatised, services have popped up on the internet that give individuals the opportunity to swiftly receive an ADHD diagnosis through an online or phone questionnaire. These services will cut down on the time required to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of treatment. They also have the benefit of being faster and simpler than navigating the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may seem like an endless maze.

They're not without criticism. In recent months, there's been a flurry of news reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama, was named 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 taken advantage of.

The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not uncommon to see people suffer from symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult adhd diagnosis near me ADHD, and has a comprehensive knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves gathering information from you and your family and friends such as school reports and a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your therapist will then utilize these results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which could include psychotherapy or medication.

It's also worth contacting your GP prior to seeking an official diagnosis for ADHD to determine if they'll sign a shared care contract with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication. Some doctors will not do this therefore it's important to verify before spending money on an assessment.

The right support system in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD and enhance your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can help you. You can also book an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to determine if we are the right choice for you.