ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/human-givens-institute-logo.png)Private health providers are able to take advantage of patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. However, an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out inaccurate diagnoses via video calls.
Usually, a person will be sent an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves, but also by an immediate family member or partner. It is necessary to return the form prior to an appointment can be made.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD could be the cause of your frequent loss of concentration of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or being interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition can affect up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a huge impact on personal and professional life. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and aren't seeking treatment because they don't know how to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves but this can be difficult and may not be effective.
There is no medical or physical test for ADHD but a trained mental health care specialist will draw information from multiple sources to establish a diagnosis, including symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, as well as a complete background of the person's previous and current functioning, and information from others who are familiar with them. Depending on the severity and nature of the problem, additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing may be carried out.
Certain people with ADHD can also have co-occurring illnesses, like anxiety and depression It is therefore essential for a healthcare professional to rule them out. A healthcare professional will typically check for the presence of other medical conditions that may lead to similar symptoms, for example, a thyroid disorder or obesity.
GPs are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD, but they may refer you to specialists like a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a clinic and you as well as your partner, parents, or other people close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questions are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take a full account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in various environments. This will include at home, at school and at work. You will be asked for a rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, including a test of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
If you think that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. They might be able to refer you to a private specialist like a psychiatrist or a psychologist, who is trained in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to set up an appointment. Prior to your appointment with the therapist, you will need to fill in an assessment form regarding the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You should also bring information about your family mental health history and any previous psychiatric treatment you have received.
It is crucial to be honest about your symptoms with the clinician, as you will need to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family, personal, and psychiatric medical history along with your current symptoms and issues. They will then use this information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms could be due to other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Depending on the situation you may require additional psycho-educational testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some individuals with ADHD might also suffer from other disabilities, such as autism or learning disabilities, which can have similar symptoms as ADHD. It is recommended to ask your insurance company for recommendations about professionals who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact a local support group for adults with ADHD and request referrals.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an exhilarating feeling to finally understand the reason they've had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a challenge to deal with the feelings associated with being diagnosed. It is crucial to get a correct diagnosis from a doctor who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next step toward managing your Adhd Adults Diagnosis Uk.
Treatment
The first step to get a diagnosis is to find an healthcare professional who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the condition and has treated patients in the past. 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 evaluate your symptoms and the way they impact your everyday life. You should come prepared to discuss your problems with hyperactivity and attention in the workplace, in relationships as well as in your hobbies and school. You should also bring a list of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues that you've faced.
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 ask you questions and use the information you've provided to determine if you have six characteristics (symptoms). These traits must be present for a minimum of a year.
The healthcare professional will then prepare an account and inform you the results of their evaluation. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis of adult adhd that could better explain your difficulties.
It is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor after you have a diagnosis. They'll be able to recommend treatments and medications that will aid in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD that include cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) as well as mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, especially for adults. You may find that it provides a lot of information about the reasons you've had difficulties in the past, and it can be empowering and liberating. However, it's equally important to be aware that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. Therapy, particularly narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their own story differently and change the way they perceive themselves.
Support
With mental health issues becoming disseminated, a variety of services have emerged online that give individuals the chance to obtain an ADHD diagnosis by an online or phone questionnaire. These services will cut down on the time needed to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of seeking treatment. These services are also more efficient and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can feel like a maze.
They are not without critics. In recent months, there have been many stories and documentaries that have accused 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, but the original premise remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited.
Psychiatry can be a complex field, and it's not common for people suffering from ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist with an in-depth understanding of adult diagnosis adhd ADHD and who is a specialist in the field of diagnosis. A full assessment involves gathering information from your relatives, friends and school reports. It may also include an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your physician will use these results to determine if you have ADHD, and create an overall treatment plan that may include therapy or medication.
It's also worth contacting your GP before seeking an official diagnosis for ADHD and to determine if they will sign a shared care contract with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication. Some doctors will not take this approach therefore it's important to check before you start spending money on 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 to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also request an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the best fit for your needs.