ADHD Diagnosis - How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers are able to benefit patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering inaccurate diagnoses via video calls. Usually a person will be sent an application form to fill out by themselves and also by someone close to them, such as a family member or partner. It is required to fill out this form before an appointment can be scheduled. Signs and symptoms If you are constantly getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish work or find yourself interrupted frequently by family or friends, it could be an indication of ADHD. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional life. Many people are unaware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know what to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves, but this can be frustrating and may not always be successful. There is no medical or physical test for ADHD but a trained mental health professional will use information from a variety of sources to establish a diagnosis, including symptom checklists and standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well as a comprehensive history of the person's past and current functioning, and information from others who are familiar with them. Based on the nature and severity of the person's issue and the severity of the problem, additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests could be performed. Certain people with ADHD can also have co-occurring illnesses, like anxiety and depression, so it's important for a healthcare professional to rule them out. A healthcare professional will test for any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or weight gain. GPs are not specialists and they cannot diagnose ADHD, but they may refer you to a specialist like a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre, to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a clinical environment and you, your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). A psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take a thorough account of your history, take detailed notes and discuss your behaviour with you in various situations. This will include at home, at school and at work. You will be asked to provide the rating of your ADHD symptoms and also to take tests, including a test of cognitive functioning. Diagnosis You should first consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know might have ADHD. They might recommend you to a private doctor like a psychologist or psychiatrist who is trained to identify people with ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly yourself to organise an assessment. You will be asked to complete 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 essential that you be honest with your physician about your health issues, as they will require a complete history to make an accurate diagnosis. https://telegra.ph/5-People-You-Oughta-Know-In-The-ADHD-Diagnostic-Industry-09-04 will review your personal, family medical history, and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will analyze the information to determine if you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms might be due to other mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Depending on your situation, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing. This can help to determine other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. Some people with ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities, which could cause similar symptoms. Asking your insurance company for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You can also call the local support group for adults suffering from ADHD and request recommendations. Many people diagnosed with ADHD discover it's a relief to finally understand the reason they've had to struggle in their lives. However it can be a struggle to deal with the feelings that come with being diagnosed. It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis from a professional who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next steps toward managing your ADHD. Treatment Finding a doctor who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step in getting a proper diagnosis. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist who is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. Alternately, you can request your family physician to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner. A private assessment of ADHD differs from a typical psychiatric consultation due to an interview with a plan to assess your symptoms and the way they affect your daily life. Come prepared to talk about your issues with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You should also bring a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, and any other mental health issues that you've faced. If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment believes you may have ADHD The doctor will determine your ADHD based on the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and analyze the information you've provided to determine if you exhibit six traits (symptoms). These characteristics must be present for a minimum of a year. The healthcare professional will prepare an assessment report and present the results of your examination to you. 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 new diagnosis that might better explain your problems. It is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor once you have a diagnosis. They'll be able to recommend therapies and medication that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are several therapies specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a wonderful relief, especially for adults. You might find that it explains a lot about the reasons you've struggled in the past, and that can be empowering and liberating. It's also important to be aware that many adults struggle with self-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their own story differently and change the way they judge themselves. Support With mental health issues becoming disseminated, a variety of services have been popping up online that give people the chance to quickly obtain an ADHD diagnosis via an email or phone questionnaire. These services can reduce the amount of time and expense involved in treatment by reducing the time required to locate a psychiatrist, attend an assessment, then schedule an appointment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler to navigate the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may seem like an endless maze. They're not without criticism. In the past few months, there has been a wave of reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama and titled The ADHD Scandal. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, but the original angle remained the same: that people who seek a private ADHD diagnosis are being taken advantage of. The field of psychiatry is complex, and it's not uncommon for people to present with symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It is crucial to find a psychiatrist with an understanding of the adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the diagnosis. A complete assessment involves gathering information from you and your friends and family, including school reports as well as a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your therapist will then utilize these results to determine if you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan that could include medication or psychotherapy. You should also consult your GP to see whether they're willing to sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist prior to seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors won't do this It's a good idea to check before you start spending money on an assessment. A supportive 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 towards a better life go to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can help. You can also book an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to determine whether we're the best person for you.