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. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing incorrect diagnoses through video calls.
Usually, a person is given an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by a close family member or partner. It is essential to complete this form before an appointment can be scheduled.
adhd adult diagnosis uk
If you find yourself constantly losing your keys, struggle to finish work or are frequently interrupted by family members or friends this could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a major impact on your professional and personal life. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they do not seek treatment because they don't know what to do. They might try to manage their own symptoms but this can be difficult.
There isn't a physical or medical test for ADHD however a certified mental health professional will use information from a variety of sources to establish a diagnosis, including symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, as well as a complete history of the person's past and present functioning, as well as information from those who are familiar with their condition. Based on the nature of the individual's issues, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests may also be conducted.
It is crucial to have a doctor determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in a few people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically check for the presence of other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, for example, an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder.
Doctors are not experts and are unable to diagnose ADHD however, they may refer you to a specialist like a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre, for an assessment. The assessment will take place in a clinic and you as well as your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will complete questionnaires. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
The assessment process is performed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take an extensive investigation, record your history and discuss your behavior in different situations with you. This will include at home, at school and in the workplace. You will be asked to provide a rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, including tests of cognitive function.
Diagnosis
If you think that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. They might be able to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill out an application form prior to your appointment. You will be asked to provide details regarding your medical history, including any previous treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received.
It is crucial to be forthcoming about your symptoms with the doctor, since you will need to give complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your personal, family, and psychiatric medical history and also your current symptoms and concerns. They will then use this information to determine if you have ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also consider whether your symptoms might be due to other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
Based on the circumstances, you may require additional psychological testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help identify other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities, which can cause similar symptoms. Contacting your insurance provider about professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also contact a local support group for adults with ADHD and ask for referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are relieved to realize the reason they've been unable to live their lives. It isn't easy to face the emotions that come with an diagnosis. It is crucial to get the correct diagnosis from a doctor who has experience treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next steps toward managing your ADHD.
Treatment
Finding a doctor who has experience in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step to get a proper diagnosis. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about 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 evaluation of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric appointment because it includes an organized interview that will evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Come prepared to discuss your difficulties with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You will also need to bring a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues you've had.
If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you may have ADHD they will evaluate you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will use the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine if you exhibit at least six characteristics (symptoms) which have been present in your life for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will then prepare an account and inform you the results of their assessment. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you do not meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that might better explain your difficulties.
Once you've got a diagnosis, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They will be able to suggest therapy and medication to assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies that are designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
It can be a major relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD especially as an adult. You may find that it clarifies a lot about the reasons why you've been struggling in the past and it can be empowering and freeing. However, it's equally important to keep in mind that many adults struggle deeply with self-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. These individuals might benefit from therapy, specifically narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different way and to change the way they perceive themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly disseminated, a variety of services have emerged online that offer individuals the chance to receive an ADHD diagnosis by an email or phone questionnaire. These services can reduce the amount of time and expense involved in treatment by reducing the time it takes to find a psychiatrist wait for an assessment and then schedule the appointment. These services are also more efficient and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze.
There are plenty of critics. In the last few months, there were numerous reports and documentaries claiming private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama was called The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original concept remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.
Psychiatry is a complex field, and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to exhibit symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is essential to find a psychiatrist who has an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is an expert in the field of diagnosis. A full assessment will involve gathering information from you and your friends and family as well as school reports and a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your doctor will analyze these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and then develop a holistic plan of treatment that may include medication or therapy.
It's also worth talking to your GP prior to seeking a private diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will sign a shared care contract with you and your psychologist. You will only be required to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should consult with your doctor before you spend money for an assessment.
The right support system can aid you in managing ADHD symptoms and improve your life quality. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help. You can also request a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to see whether we're the best choice for you.