ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private health providers are able to take advantage of patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. However, an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses through video calls.
In most cases, people will be given a questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by an immediate family member or partner. It is essential to complete the form prior to an appointment can take place.
Symptoms
If you keep getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or are constantly interrupted by friends or family members this could be an indication of ADHD. This common condition affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a major impact on personal and professional life. However, many people don't know their symptoms are caused by ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know how to do. Often they'll try to self-manage but this can be difficult and may not be effective.
There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A certified mental health professional will utilize a variety of information to diagnose the condition, including symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They may also draw information from other people who are familiar with the person, such as their past and current functioning as well as information from people closest to them. Depending on the nature of the individual's problems, additional psychological, neuropsychological 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 check for other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid disorder or weight gain.
They are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD, but they may refer you to an expert, such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing center, for an assessment. When you go privately, the assessment will be conducted in a clinical setting and involve filling in questionnaires with you, your partner or parents, as well as 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 conducted by a skilled psychologist or psychiatrist, who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in different settings. This could include at school, at work, and at home. You will be asked to provide a rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, including tests of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD, the first step is to see your GP. They might refer you to a private doctor like a psychiatrist or psychologist who is certified to diagnose people with ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to schedule an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the doctor you'll have to complete an assessment form regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. You should also bring information about your family health history, as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is crucial that you be honest with your physician about your symptoms, as he or she will need an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family, personal medical history, and psychiatric history and also your current symptoms and issues. The doctor will use this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine if other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, could be the cause of your symptoms.
Based on the circumstances, you may need additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing. This can help to identify other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from other disorders of learning or autism, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. Contacting your insurance provider about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You may also contact an adult group in your area with ADHD to ask for recommendations.
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an immense relief to understand the reason they've had to struggle in their lives. It isn't easy to manage the emotions that accompany an diagnosis. It is vital to get a correct diagnosis from a clinician who has experience treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next step towards managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Locating a healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step to get an accurate diagnosis. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist 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 evaluation of ADHD differs slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it is a structured interview that will assess your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is important to be prepared to discuss your problems with hyperactivity and attention at the workplace, in relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You should also provide a list of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time, and any other mental health issues that you've faced.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you might have ADHD they will evaluate your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will take the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine if you are suffering from at least six signs (symptoms) which have been present in your life for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will prepare an assessment report and present the results of your test to you. If they conclude you do not meet the criteria for ADHD They will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that could better explain your difficulties.
If you've been diagnosed, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They'll be able to recommend medication and therapy that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are many treatments specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and here acceptance commitment therapy.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, especially for adults. It could be that it explains a lot about the reasons you've been struggling in the past and that can be empowering and liberating. However, it's equally important to be aware that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their story differently and change the ways they perceive themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly stigmatized, new services have been popping up online that offer individuals the chance to receive an ADHD diagnosis by an email 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. These services are also quicker and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can feel like a maze.
However, they're not without criticism. In recent months, there's been a flurry of news reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original premise remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.
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. This is why it's crucial to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD, and has a comprehensive understanding of how it presents in adults. A thorough assessment will require gathering information from your friends and family as well as school reports and a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your clinician will use these results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and then develop a holistic plan of treatment which could include therapy or medication.
It's also worth checking with your GP before requesting an official diagnosis for ADHD and to determine if they will sign a shared care agreement 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, so it's best to verify before spending money on an assessment.
A supportive system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can help you. You can also request an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good fit for your needs.