ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers are able to profit from patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing incorrect diagnoses through video calls. A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they may also request an adult family member or partner complete the questionnaire. It is essential to complete this form before an appointment can be made. Signs and symptoms If you keep losing your keys, struggle to finish work or are constantly interrupted by friends or family members It could be an indication of ADHD. This common condition affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a huge impact on your professional and personal life. Many people don't realize that their symptoms result from ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know how to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be a challenge. There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will employ various sources of information to diagnose the condition, such as the symptom list and standardized rating scales. They may also draw information from people who know the person, such as their past and current functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Based on the nature of the problems, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests may also be conducted. It is essential that a medical professional check for co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will usually look for other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as the thyroid disorder or obesity. The GP does not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to a specialist. https://jsfiddle.net/x8qjpL70/ could refer you to an Priory hospital or a wellbeing center for an assessment. The assessment will take place in a setting that is clinical and you, your partner, parents or any other relatives to you will complete questionnaires. 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 performed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist, who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will carry out an exhaustive history, take detailed notes and discuss your behaviour in different situations with you. This includes at school, at home and in the workplace. You will be asked to provide a rating of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, like an assessment of cognitive function. Diagnosis If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to consult your GP. They might be able refer you to an individual specialist, such as psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly yourself to organise an assessment. You will be asked to fill in an assessment form prior to your appointment. You should also provide information about your family's mental health history as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received. It is important to be open about your symptoms with the clinician, as you will be required to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your personal, family, and psychiatric medical history and also your current symptoms and concerns. They will then use this information to determine if you have ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also look at whether your symptoms may be due to other mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Based on the circumstances, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This will help rule out other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. For example, some people with ADHD can also have other disabilities, such as autism or learning disabilities that can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. Contacting your insurance provider about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also reach out to a local group of people with ADHD to ask for recommendations. Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an exhilarating feeling to finally have an explanation for why they have been struggling in their lives. However it can be a challenge to cope with the emotions associated with a diagnosis. 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 steps towards managing your ADHD. Treatment Finding a healthcare professional with expertise in treating adults with ADHD is the first step to get the right diagnosis. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. Alternatively, you could ask your family doctor to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner. A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a routine psychiatric appointment because it will include an organized interview to evaluate your symptoms and how they impact you in your everyday life. Be prepared to talk about your issues with attention and hyperactivity at work, in relationships, hobbies, and school. You'll need to bring along the symptoms you are experiencing and how they have affected your life over the years as well as any other mental health issues you might have faced. If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment believes you may be suffering from ADHD the doctor will evaluate you based on the DSM V criteria. They will use the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine whether or not you are suffering from at least six traits (symptoms) that have been present throughout your life for a minimum of 12 months. The healthcare professional will write a report, and then present the results of your test to you. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you do not meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that could better explain your difficulties. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician once you've been diagnosed. They'll be able to suggest therapies and medication that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies specifically designed for adults with ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and mindfulness therapy. It can be a major relief to be diagnosed of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could be the reason you struggled in the previous, which can be liberating and inspiring. But, it's equally important to keep in mind that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma after being diagnosed. They may benefit from therapy, specifically narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different way and to change how they judge themselves. Support With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have popped up online that give people the chance to quickly obtain an ADHD diagnosis by an online or phone questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time needed to find an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of treatment. They also have the benefit of being more efficient and less time-consuming than navigating the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may feel like a maze. There are plenty of critics. In the past few months, there has been a spate of stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama and called The ADHD Scandal. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, but the original angle was the same: those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being manipulated by. The field of psychiatry is a complicated field, and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to have symptoms that aren't ADHD. It's crucial to find a psychiatrist who has an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the field of diagnosis. A thorough assessment will require gathering information from you and your friends and family, including school reports and an assessment questionnaire. Your physician will analyze these findings to determine if you have ADHD and then develop an entire treatment plan that may include therapy or medication. You should also check with your GP to determine whether they're willing sign a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist prior to seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. This means that you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. It is recommended to consult your GP before spending money on an assessment. The right support system in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help you. You can also schedule a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right solution for you.