ADHD Diagnosis Private: A Simple Definition

ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private health providers are able to profit from patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. But a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are handing out inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.

Usually a person will be sent an assessment questionnaire to complete on their own, as well as by a close family member or partner. The questionnaire must be returned prior to an appointment is scheduled.

Signs and symptoms

If you keep losing your keys, find it difficult to complete work tasks or are frequently interrupted by family members or friends It could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect as much as 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent adults. It can have a significant impact on both personal and professional lives. Many people don't realize that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they don't seek treatment because they don't know what to do. They may attempt to manage themselves but this can be difficult.

There is no medical or physical test for ADHD. A trained mental health professional will utilize a variety of data to determine the severity of the condition, such as symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They will also use information from people who know the person, including their past and present functioning and information from those closest to them. Depending on the severity and nature of the person's issue further tests for learning disabilities, psychological, or neuropsychological testing may be conducted.

It is crucial that a healthcare professional rule out co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically check for the presence of other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or obesity.

Doctors are not experts and cannot diagnose ADHD however, they may refer you to an expert, such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. When you go privately for an assessment, it will take place in a clinic and involves filling out questionnaires with yourself, your parents or partners, and other people 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 is performed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will carry out a thorough history, take detailed notes and discuss your behavior in different settings with you. This could include at school, at work and at home. You will be asked to provide an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, like tests of cognitive functioning.

Diagnosis

If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to consult your GP. They may recommend you to a private physician like 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 clinician you'll need to fill in an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. Additionally,  how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult  will need to bring details about your family's health history, as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.

It is essential to be forthcoming about your current symptoms to the doctor, since you will be required to provide complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your personal, family medical history and psychiatric history and also your current symptoms and problems. They will then use this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also look into whether other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, could be causing your symptoms.

Depending on the situation you might require additional psychological or learning disabilities neuropsychological tests. This will help you rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. Certain people with ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities which could cause similar symptoms. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations on professionals who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact a local group of adults with ADHD to inquire about referrals.

Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel it's a relief to finally have an explanation for why they have been struggling in their lives. However it can be a challenge to deal with the feelings that accompany a diagnosis. It is vital to get the correct diagnosis from a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next steps towards managing your ADHD.

Treatment

Finding a healthcare professional with experience treating adults with ADHD is the first step to get the right diagnosis. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated other patients in the past. Alternatively, you could ask your family doctor to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.

A private assessment of ADHD differs slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment due to a structured interview that will assess your symptoms and how they impact your everyday life. Prepare to discuss your difficulties with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work and hobbies, as well as in school. You will have to bring a list of symptoms and how they have affected your life throughout the years, as well any other mental health issues that you may have had.

If the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation believes that you may have ADHD they will evaluate your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will use the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine whether or not you have at least six characteristics (symptoms) which have been present in your life for at least 12 months.

The healthcare professional will prepare an account and inform you the results of your evaluation. If they determine that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD they will explain the reasons why and suggest a different diagnosis that may better explain your issues.

It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor after you have a diagnosis. They can suggest medication and therapy to help you manage your symptoms. There are many 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 get a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. You might find that it clarifies a lot about the reasons you've been struggling in the past and that can be empowering and liberating. It's also important to keep in mind that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be beneficial for these individuals to learn to tell their own stories differently and alter the way they judge themselves.

Support

Online services that allow people to get a quick ADHD diagnosis via a telephone or online questionnaire have emerged as mental health problems are becoming less stigmatized. These services can save the time required to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of getting treatment. These services are also more efficient and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze at times.

However, they're not without criticism. In recent months, there has been a flurry of news stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, produced by BBC's Panorama and titled The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original concept remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.

The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex, and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It is essential to find a psychiatrist who has an understanding of the adult ADHD and who is an expert in the field of diagnosis. A thorough assessment requires collecting data from your friends, family members and school reports. It may also include an assessment form prior to your visit. Your physician will use these findings to determine if you suffer from ADHD and develop an entire treatment plan that could include medication or therapy.

It's also worth checking with your GP prior to seeking an individual 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 physician prior to spending money for an assessment.

A good support system can help you manage ADHD symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can assist you. You can also request a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine if we are the right person for you.