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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers are capitalising on patients who feel disappointed by logjammed NHS waiting lists. However, an investigation by BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses through video calls. A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they can also request the partner or family member complete the questionnaire. It is necessary to return this form prior to when an appointment can take place. Symptoms ADHD may be the reason behind your frequent key loss of focus, inability to finish your tasks at work, or be interrupted by family or friends. This common condition affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a huge impact on personal and professional life. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and do not seek treatment because they don't know how to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be frustrating. There isn't a medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care specialist will draw information from several sources to establish diagnosis, such as the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, aswell as a complete history of the person's past and present performance, as well as information from others who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problem further psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests may be conducted. Certain people with ADHD can also have co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and depression It is therefore essential for a healthcare professional to rule them out. A healthcare professional will usually examine for the presence of other medical disorders that can lead to similar symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or obesity. Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to an expert. They could refer you to a Priory hospital, or a wellbeing center for an assessment. The assessment will be done in a setting that is clinical and you, your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined 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 test. They will take a thorough history, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in different environments. This could include at work, at school as well as at home. You will be asked to assess your ADHD symptoms over the time of a week, and take tests, such as a cognitive function test. Diagnosis You should first consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know might be suffering from ADHD. They may refer you to a private doctor like a psychiatrist or psychologist who is certified to diagnose people with ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly yourself to organise an assessment. You will be asked to complete an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will also need to bring details about your family's mental health history and any previous psychiatric treatment you have received. It is essential to be honest with your physician about your health issues, as he or she will need an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your personal, family medical history, and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms and concerns. They will then use this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine whether your symptoms could be caused by other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Depending on the situation you may require additional psychological or learning disabilities neuropsychological tests. This can help identify other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some people with ADHD can also have other disorders of learning or autism, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. Asking your insurance company about professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also call an organization that offers support for adults with ADHD and request referrals. Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to understand why they have struggled in their lives. It isn't easy to manage the emotions that accompany the diagnosis. It is crucial to get a proper diagnosis from a qualified clinician to take the next steps towards managing your ADHD and getting the most enjoyment from your life. Treatment Locating a healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step towards getting the right diagnosis. This could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. You can also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment. A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a typical psychiatric visit because it will include an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily activities. It is recommended that you are prepared to discuss your problems with attention and hyperactivity in the workplace, in relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You'll need to bring along a list of symptoms and how they have affected your life over the years and any other mental health issues that you may have had. If the healthcare professional conducting your evaluation believes that you might have ADHD they will evaluate you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and use the symptoms you've listed to determine if you have six characteristics (symptoms). These traits should have been present for at least a year. The healthcare professional will create an account and inform you the results of their evaluation. If they decide that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD they will explain why and suggest a different diagnosis that can better explain your difficulties. If you've been diagnosed, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They'll be able to suggest therapies and medication that can help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) mindfulness, mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy. It can be a huge relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD especially as an adult. You may find that it provides a lot of information about the reasons why you've had difficulties in the past, and that can be empowering and freeing. It's also important to be aware that many adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be helpful for people who struggle to tell their own stories differently and change the ways they judge themselves. Support With mental health issues becoming disseminated, a variety of services have emerged online that give people the chance to quickly get an ADHD diagnosis via an email or phone questionnaire. These services can reduce the cost and time required for treatment by reducing the time required to find a psychiatrist, attend an assessment, then schedule the appointment. These services are also more efficient and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze at times. There are plenty of critics. In recent months, there has been a spate of documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama, was called The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original concept remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited. Psychiatry can be a complex field and it is not common for people suffering from ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. That's why it's important to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is an expert in adult ADHD, and has a deep knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment will involve gathering information from you and your friends and family, including school reports and a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your physician will use these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and then develop a holistic plan of treatment that may include medication or therapy. It is also advisable to check with your GP to determine if they are willing to sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist prior to seeking the private ADHD diagnosis. You'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors will not do this It's a good idea to verify before paying for an assessment. A supportive system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD and enhance your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can assist you. You can also request an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right fit for your needs.