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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers are able to benefit patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. However, an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses through video calls. In most cases, people will be sent a questionnaire to complete by themselves and also by an immediate family member or partner. It is required to fill out this form prior to when an appointment can be scheduled. Signs and symptoms If you are constantly losing your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or find yourself interrupted frequently by friends or family members It could be an indication of ADHD. This common condition affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a huge impact on your professional and personal life. However, many people do not realize that the cause of their symptoms is ADHD and don't seek help because they aren't sure what to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves, but this can be difficult and might not be effective. There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A certified mental health professional will employ diverse sources to diagnose the condition, such as symptom lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They will also use information from other people who know the person, including their past and present functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Based on the severity and nature of the person's issue, additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests may be performed. Some people with ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety It is therefore essential for a medical professional to rule these out. A healthcare professional will typically examine for the presence of other medical disorders that can lead to similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid disorder or obesity. GPs do not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to an expert. They could refer you to an Priory hospital or a wellbeing center for an assessment. If you visit a private clinic, the assessment will be in a clinical setting and involve filling in questionnaires with your parents or partners, and others who know you well. 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 carry out the assessment. They will take a detailed note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behaviour with you in different situations. This includes at work, at school, and at home. You will be asked to rate your ADHD symptoms over the course of a week and take tests, such as a cognitive function test. Iam Psychiatry should first talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know may be suffering from ADHD. They might be able to refer you to an individual specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the clinician, you will need to fill in a questionnaire about the symptoms that you have been experiencing. You will be asked to provide details regarding your mental health history, including any previous treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received. It is essential that you be honest with your clinician about your health issues, as the doctor will require an entire history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family, personal, and psychiatric medical history, as well as your current symptoms and issues. They will then analyze this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also consider whether your symptoms could be due to other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Based on the circumstances, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing. This can help to determine other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. Certain people with ADHD might also be suffering from 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 great idea. You can also contact a local group of adults with ADHD to request 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. It isn't easy to face the feelings that accompany the diagnosis. It is crucial to get the correct diagnosis from a doctor who has experience treating ADHD. This will enable you to move on to manage your ADHD. Treatment The first step in getting a diagnosis is to find an healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated others in the past. You could also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment. A private assessment of ADHD differs from a typical psychiatric consultation because it includes a structured interview that will examine your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It is important to be prepared to discuss your problems with hyperactivity and attention in the workplace, in relationships, hobbies and school. You will have 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 conducting your assessment thinks you might have ADHD, they will assess you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will take the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine if you exhibit at least six traits (symptoms) that have been present throughout your life for a minimum of 12 months. The healthcare professional will then create an report and then explain to you the outcome of your evaluation. If they decide that you don't suffer from ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe that you don't meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that may better explain your problems. It is essential to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor once you've been diagnosed. They'll recommend treatments and medications that will help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy. It can be a massive relief to be diagnosed of ADHD especially as an adult. You may find that it explains a lot about the reasons you've had difficulties in the past, and it can be liberating and empowering. It's also important to remember that a lot of adults struggle with self-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. Therapy, specifically narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their story differently and change the ways they view themselves. Support With mental health issues increasingly stigmatized, new services have emerged online that give individuals the chance to get an ADHD diagnosis via an email or phone questionnaire. These services can save the time required to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of getting treatment. They also have the benefit of being quicker and easier than navigating the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may appear to be an endless maze. However, they're not free of criticism. In recent months, there has been a wave of stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of the BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original concept remains the same. People who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being abused. The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not uncommon for patients to exhibit symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. This is why it's crucial to ensure that you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD and has a comprehensive understanding of how it presents in adults. A thorough assessment requires collecting data from your relatives, friends and school reports. It may also include an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your clinician will use these results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and then develop an overall treatment plan that may include therapy or medication. It's also worth contacting 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. Some GPs will refuse to take this approach It's a good idea to confirm this before spending money for an assessment. The right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can help you. You can also book an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right choice for your needs.