ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private healthcare providers are making a profit from patients who feel let down by the stifling NHS waiting lists. However, an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are handing out unreliable diagnoses through video calls.
Usually a person will be given an assessment questionnaire to complete on their own, as well as by a close family member or partner. It must be returned prior to an appointment can be made.
Symptoms
ADHD may be the reason for your frequent key loss, inability to complete tasks at work, or be interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition can affect up to 8.4% children and 2.5 percent adults. It can have a significant impact on both personal and professional lives. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and don't seek treatment because they don't know what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be difficult.
There isn't a medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health care professional will use information from multiple sources to determine a diagnosis, including symptoms checklists and standardized behavior scales for rating, as well as a complete background of the person's previous and present functioning, as well as information from people who are familiar with their condition. Based on the nature of the problems, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may also be conducted.
Some people suffering from ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression, so it's important for a doctor to rule these out. A healthcare professional will usually examine for the presence of other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, the 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. If you visit a private clinic the test will be conducted in a clinical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with you, your parents or partners, and other people who know you well. These questions are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5).
A psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take a full note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behaviour with you in different situations. This includes at school, at work as well as at home. You will be asked for a rating of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, like an assessment of cognitive functioning.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. They might recommend you to a private doctor like a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to diagnose adults suffering from ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill in an application form prior to your appointment. Additionally, you will need to provide information about your family's health history, as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received.
It is crucial to be honest about your issues with the doctor, since you will need to provide complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over the medical history of your family members and your medical history, as well as 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 conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Based on the circumstances, you may require additional mental testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help to determine other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, some individuals with ADHD can also have other disabilities, such as autism or learning disabilities that can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations about experts who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also contact an adult group in your area with ADHD to ask for referrals.
Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved to finally understand why they have had to struggle in their lives. It isn't easy to face the feelings that accompany the diagnosis. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a skilled clinician to move forward in managing your ADHD and getting the most enjoyment from your life.
Treatment
The first step to get a diagnosis is to find a healthcare professional who is skilled in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and has treated patients in the past. Alternatively, you could request your family physician to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner.
A private assessment of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric appointment because it is an interview with a plan to assess your symptoms and the way they affect your daily life. Come prepared to discuss your difficulties with hyperactivity and attention at work, in relationships, hobbies, and school. You will have to bring the symptoms you are experiencing and how these have affected your life over the years as well as any other mental health issues you might have experienced.
If the healthcare professional who is conducting your examination believes that you might have ADHD, he or she will determine your ADHD based on the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and use the symptoms you've listed to determine if you exhibit six traits (symptoms). These characteristics must have been present for at least a year.
The healthcare professional will write an account, and then present the results of your test to you. If they conclude you don't meet the criteria for ADHD, they will explain the reason and suggest a new diagnosis that could better explain your problems.
It is essential to discuss treatment options with your doctor after you've been diagnosed. They'll recommend medication and therapy that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are several treatments that are specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief, particularly for adults. You might find that it provides a lot of information about the reasons why you've been struggling in the past and it can be empowering and liberating. It is important to remember that a lot of people suffer from self-stigma following being diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be helpful for these individuals to learn to tell their own stories differently and change the way they view themselves.
Support
With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have been popping up online that give people the chance to quickly receive an ADHD diagnosis via a website phone call or online questionnaire. These services will cut down on the time needed to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of getting treatment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler than navigating the NHS referral and assessment process, which can seem like a maze.
They're not without criticism. In the past few months, there has been a wave of stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama was named The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original angle remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being abused.
Psychiatry is a complex field, and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is therefore crucial to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist that specialises in adult ADHD, and has a deep understanding of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves collecting data from your friends, family members and school reports. It may also include an assessment form prior to your visit. Your clinician will then use these results to determine if you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan, which could include psychotherapy or medication.
You should also consult your GP to see whether they're willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you and with your psychologist before seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. You'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should consult with your doctor before you spend money on an assessment.
A supportive system in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. If you're ready for the first step toward a better future, head over to our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help. You can also request an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to determine whether we're the best person for you.