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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Private healthcare providers can take advantage of patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing unreliable diagnoses over video calls.

A questionnaire will be sent to the person and they may also request the partner or family member complete the questionnaire. It is essential to complete this form before an appointment can take place.

Symptoms

If you keep getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or are frequently interrupted by family members or friends this could be an indication of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4% children and 2.5 percent adults. It can have a significant impact on your personal and professional lives. But, many do not realize that the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and do not seek help because they aren’t sure what to do. Many times, they’ll attempt to manage themselves however this can be frustrating and may not always be successful.

There isn’t a medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health specialist will draw information from a variety of sources to make an assessment, which may include symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, as well as a complete background of the person’s previous and present functioning, as well as information from others who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the nature of the person’s problems further neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may be conducted.

It is crucial that a healthcare professional check for co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will usually look for other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as the thyroid disorder or obesity.

Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to an expert. They can refer you to a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a clinical environment and you or your parents, partner or any other relatives to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD that are laid out by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5).

A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will conduct the assessment. They will take a detailed account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss your behaviour with you in different settings. This could include at school, at work and at home. You will be asked to provide a rating of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, such as a test of cognitive functioning.

Diagnosis

You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know could have ADHD. They might be able to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to schedule an assessment. You will be asked to fill out an application form prior to your appointment. You will also be asked to supply information about your medical background, including any previous treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received.

It is important that you are honest with your clinician about your symptoms, as he or she will need an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over the medical history of your family members as well as your own medical history, as well as your current symptoms. The doctor will utilize the information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look into whether other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, could be the cause of your symptoms.

Based on the circumstances, you might require additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. This can help rule out other conditions that can cause ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities which could cause similar symptoms. Inquiring with your insurance company for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also reach out to an adult group in your area with ADHD to ask for recommendations.

Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel it’s a relief to finally find out the reason they have been struggling in their lives. However adhd uk diagnosis can be a challenge to deal with the feelings that come with a diagnosis. It is vital to get an accurate diagnosis from a professional who has experience treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next steps to manage your ADHD.

Treatment

The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate an healthcare professional who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated patients in the past. You could also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment.

A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a typical psychiatric visit because it will involve a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily activities. You should come prepared to talk about your issues with hyperactivity and attention at work, relationships, hobbies and school. You will be required to bring the symptoms you are experiencing and how these have affected your life throughout the years as well as any other mental health issues you may have had.

If the healthcare professional who is conducting your examination believes that you might be suffering from ADHD the doctor will assess you according to the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and use the information you’ve provided to determine if there are six traits (symptoms). These characteristics must have been present for a minimum of a year.

The healthcare professional will write an account, and then present the results of your test to you. If they find that you don’t have ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe you do not meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that may better explain your issues.

It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor once you’ve been diagnosed. They will be able to recommend therapy and medications to assist you in managing your symptoms. There are many therapies designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness, mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy.

It can be a huge relief to be diagnosed of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could be that it provides a lot of information about why you have struggled in the past, and that can be empowering and liberating. However, it’s equally important to remember that many adults struggle with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Individuals with these issues may benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different way and change the way they judge themselves.

Support

With mental health issues increasingly disseminated, a variety of services have emerged online that offer people the chance to quickly obtain an ADHD diagnosis through an online or phone questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time it takes to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of seeking treatment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler to navigate the NHS referral and assessment process, which can feel like a maze.

There are plenty of critics. In the last few months, there have been many stories and documentaries that have accused private clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of a BBC Panorama documentary. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, but the original angle remained the same: that those seeking 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 are not actually caused by ADHD. That’s why it’s important to ensure that you’re diagnosed by a psychiatrist that specialises in adult ADHD and has a deep understanding of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment will involve collecting information from you as well as your friends and family, including school reports as well as an assessment questionnaire. Your clinician will then use these results to determine if you have ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include medication or psychotherapy.

You should also check with your GP to determine whether they’re willing to sign a shared-care contract with you as well as your psychologist before seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. This means that you’ll only need to pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to do this, so it’s best to confirm this before spending money for an assessment.

A good support system can help you manage ADHD symptoms and improve your life quality. If you’re ready for the first step towards a better life go to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can help. You can also book an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we’re a good fit for your needs.