ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down by the stifling NHS waiting lists. But an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses via video calls.

Usually, a person is given a questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by an immediate family member or partner. The questionnaire must be returned before an appointment can be scheduled.

Signs and symptoms

If you are constantly losing your keys, find it difficult to complete work tasks or find yourself interrupted frequently by friends or family members this could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect as much as 8.4% children and 2.5 percentage of adults. It can have a significant impact on your personal and professional lives. Many people don't realize their symptoms are due to ADHD and don't seek assistance because they aren't sure what to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves however this can be difficult and might not be successful.

There isn't a physical or medical test for ADHD however a certified mental health specialist will draw information from multiple sources to determine diagnosis, such as symptoms checklists and standardized behavior rating scales, as well as a comprehensive review of the person's history and present functioning, as well as information from people who know them well. Depending on the nature of the individual's problems and the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities could also be conducted.

Some people with ADHD might also be suffering from co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression and depression, so it's crucial for a medical professional to rule these out. A healthcare professional will typically examine for the presence of other medical conditions that could lead to similar symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or obesity.

Doctors are not experts and they cannot diagnose ADHD however, they can refer you to specialists like a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. When you go privately, the assessment will be in a clinic and involves filling out questionnaires with you, your partner or parents, as well as others who know you well. These questionnaires are based on diagnostic criteria for ADHD as laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).

The evaluation process will be conducted by a skilled psychiatrist or psychologist, who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take an extensive background, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior in various situations with you. This could include at school, at home and at work. You will be asked for the rating of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, such as a test of cognitive functioning.

Diagnosis

You should first talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know may be suffering from ADHD. They might be able to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologists or psychiatrists, who is trained in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to schedule an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the therapist you'll have to fill in an assessment form regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. You should also provide information about your family's mental health history and any prior psychiatric treatment you have received.

It is important that you are honest with your clinician about your health issues, as they will require a complete history to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your personal, family medical history and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms and problems. The doctor will analyze the information to determine if you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look into whether other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, might be the cause of your symptoms.

Based on your specific situation, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This can help rule out other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD can also have other disabilities, such as autism or learning disabilities which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations of experts who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact the local support group for people who suffer from 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 manage the emotions that accompany a diagnosis. It is essential to receive a proper diagnosis from an experienced professional to move forward in managing your ADHD and making the most of your life.

Treatment

The first step to get a diagnosis is to find an healthcare professional who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the disorder and has treated other patients in the past. You can also request your family physician to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.

A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it will include a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they affect website you in your everyday life. It is important to be prepared to discuss your issues with hyperactivity and attention at work, relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You'll also need to bring a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues that you've faced.

If the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation believes that you might have ADHD, they will assess your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will use the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine whether or not you are suffering from at least six characteristics (symptoms) that have been present in your life for a minimum of 12 months.

The healthcare professional will create a report and explain to you the outcome of your assessment. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that may better explain your difficulties.

Once you've got a diagnosis, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They'll recommend therapies and medication that can help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments that are specifically designed 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 especially as an adult. It could be that it clarifies a lot about the reasons why you've been struggling in the past and that can be liberating and empowering. It is important to keep in mind that a lot of people suffer from self-stigma following being diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be beneficial for these individuals to learn to tell their own stories differently and alter the way they view themselves.

Support

With mental health issues increasingly stigmatized, new services have popped up online that give individuals the opportunity to swiftly obtain an ADHD diagnosis through an email or phone questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time needed to find an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of getting treatment. These services are also faster and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze.

However, they aren't free of criticism. In recent months, there have been many stories and documentaries accusing private clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama and called The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original angle remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are abused.

Psychiatry can be a complex discipline and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to have symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist with an understanding of the adult ADHD and who is an expert in the diagnosis. A thorough assessment requires collecting data from your friends, family members and school reports. It could also comprise a pre-assessment form. Your doctor will analyze these findings to determine if you have ADHD and then develop a holistic plan of treatment that could include therapy or medication.

It's also worth contacting your GP prior to seeking an official diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. You'll only need 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 in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can assist you. You can also book an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right fit for your needs.