ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down by logjammed NHS waiting lists. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/ revealed that some clinics were giving incorrect diagnoses through video calls. In most cases, people is given a questionnaire to complete on their own, as well as by a close family member or partner. It must be returned before an appointment can be scheduled. Symptoms If you are constantly losing your keys, find it difficult to finish work or are constantly interrupted by family or friends this could be a sign of ADHD. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a huge impact on personal and professional life. But, many don't realize the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and don't seek help because they don't know what to do. Sometimes, they'll try to manage their own symptoms however this can be frustrating and may not always be effective. There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A trained mental health professional will utilize a variety of information to diagnose the condition, including the symptom list and standardized rating scales. They will also use information from other people who know the person, such as their previous and current functioning as well as information from people closest to them. Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problem, additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests could be conducted. It's important that a medical professional rule out co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression in some people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will look for other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or weight gain. Doctors are not experts and cannot diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to an expert, such as a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. The assessment will take place in a clinic and you or your parents, partner, or other people close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires 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). The assessment process is conducted by a skilled psychiatrist or psychologist, who is specialized in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a thorough investigation, record your history and discuss your behavior in various environments with you. This includes at home, at school and at work. You will be asked to assess your ADHD symptoms throughout the course of a week and take tests, such as the cognitive function test. Diagnosis You should first consult your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know might have ADHD. They might refer you to a private doctor, such as psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to diagnose adults suffering from ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. Before you attend your appointment with the clinician, you will need to complete an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. You will be asked to provide details about your medical past, including any prior treatment you've received. It is crucial to be honest with your physician regarding your symptoms, since he or she will need an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your family, personal medical history and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms and issues. The doctor will use this information to determine if you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine if other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, might be causing your symptoms. Based on the circumstances, you might require additional mental, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. This can help identify other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD can also have other learning disabilities or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. Asking your insurance company for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You may also contact a local group of adults with ADHD to inquire about referrals. Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved to finally recognize the reasons they've had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a challenge to manage the emotions that accompany being diagnosed. It is essential to receive a correct diagnosis from a clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next steps to manage your ADHD. Treatment Locating a healthcare professional who has experience in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step to get a proper diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD. You could also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment. A private evaluation of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric appointment because it includes an organized interview that will examine your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Come prepared to discuss your difficulties with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work or with your hobbies, as well as at school. You'll need to bring along an inventory of your symptoms and how these have affected your life over the years, as well any other mental health issues that you might have experienced. If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment thinks you might have ADHD, they will assess you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you've listed to determine if there are six characteristics (symptoms). These traits should have been present for at least one year. The healthcare professional will write a report, and then explain the results of your examination to you. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD They will explain the reasons why they believe that you don't meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that may better explain your issues. If you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They can recommend therapy and medications that may help you manage your symptoms. There are several treatments that are specifically designed for adults suffering from 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 explains a lot about the reasons why you've been struggling in the past and that can be liberating and empowering. But, it's equally important to be aware that a lot of adults struggle with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be helpful for people who struggle to tell their own stories differently and alter the way they view themselves. Support With mental health issues becoming stigmatized, new services have been popping up on the internet that give people the chance to quickly get an ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can help cut down the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time required to find a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment, and then schedule the appointment. These services are also faster and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze. There are plenty of critics. In recent months there were numerous reports and documentaries accusing private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama, was titled The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original concept remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are abused. The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. It is essential to find a psychiatrist with an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is an expert in the diagnosis. A complete assessment involves collecting information from you as well as your family and friends, including school reports as well as an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your therapist will then utilize the results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that could include psychotherapy or medication. It's also worth checking with your GP prior to seeking an official diagnosis for ADHD to determine if they will sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. You'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should consult with your doctor before you spend money on an assessment. Having the right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD and enhance your quality of life. If you're ready to take 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 a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right solution for you.