Why We Do We Love ADHD Diagnosis Private (And You Should, Too!) ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel let down due to the long NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were giving incorrect 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. The questionnaire must be returned prior to an appointment can be scheduled.

Symptoms

ADHD could be the reason behind your frequent loss of concentration and inability to finish tasks at work, or be interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a huge impact on personal and professional life. But, many don't know the cause of their symptoms is 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 frustrating.


There is no medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care specialist will draw information from multiple sources to establish a diagnosis, including the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well as a comprehensive background of the person's previous and present functioning, as well as information from people who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the nature of the issues and the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests may be conducted.

It is crucial that a healthcare professional rule out co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will test for any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid disorder or weight gain.

GPs are not specialists and they cannot diagnose ADHD, but they may refer you to a specialist such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing center, for an assessment. If you choose to go on your own for an assessment, it will be in a clinical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with you, your parents or partner and others who know you well. These questionnaires are based on 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).

The assessment process will be performed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full history, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in different settings. This will include at home, at school and at work. You will be asked to rate your ADHD symptoms throughout the time of a week, and complete tests such as an assessment of cognitive function.

Diagnosis

You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know may have ADHD. They may recommend you to a private physician like psychiatrist or psychologist who is certified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to arrange an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the therapist you'll need to complete a questionnaire about the symptoms you've been experiencing. how is adhd diagnosed in adults will also need to bring information about your family mental health history as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.

It is crucial that you are honest with your clinician about your health issues, as they will require an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your family medical history, your personal medical history, and your current symptoms. They will then utilize this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look at whether your symptoms may be due to other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

Based on the circumstances, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing. This will help you rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD can also have other disorders of learning or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations about experts who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact an organization that offers support for people who suffer from ADHD and request recommendations.

Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an immense relief to understand the reason they have been struggling in their lives. It isn't easy to manage the emotions that come with a diagnosis. It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis from a clinician who has experience in treating ADHD. This will enable you to move on towards managing your ADHD.

Treatment

Finding a healthcare professional with experience treating adults with ADHD is the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the disorder and has treated patients in the past. You could also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.

A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a routine 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. Be prepared to talk about your issues with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work and hobbies, as well as in school. You will have to bring the symptoms you are experiencing and how they have affected your life over time and any other mental health issues that you may have had.

If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment thinks 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 whether or not you have at least six traits (symptoms) which have been present throughout your life for at least a year.

The healthcare professional will write an assessment report and present the results of your examination to you. If they determine that you aren't a candidate for ADHD, they will explain why and suggest a different diagnosis that may better explain your issues.

If you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They will be able to recommend therapy and medications to assist you in managing your symptoms. There are several therapies that are designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.

It can be a huge relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could be that it provides a lot of information about the reasons why you've had difficulties in the past, and it can be empowering and freeing. It's important to remember, however, that many adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. Individuals with these issues might benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story differently and to change the way they perceive themselves.

Support

With mental health issues increasingly stigmatized, new services have popped up online that offer people the chance to quickly get an ADHD diagnosis by an email or phone questionnaire. These services can cut down on the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time required to find a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment, and then schedule an appointment. These services are also faster and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze.

There are plenty of critics. In recent months, there has been a spate of documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however, the original premise was the same: people who seek a private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by.

The field of psychiatry is 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 ensure that you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD and has a comprehensive understanding of how it presents in adults. A thorough assessment requires collecting data from your family, friends and school reports. It may also include an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your clinician will analyze these findings to determine if you suffer from ADHD and then develop an overall treatment plan which could include therapy or medication.

It's also worth checking with your GP before requesting an individual diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they'll sign a shared care contract with you and your psychologist. You'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should check with your physician prior to spending money for an assessment.

Having the right support system in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your quality of life. If you're ready for the first step towards a better future visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about the ways we can assist. You can also schedule an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to determine whether we're the best choice for you.