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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private health providers are able to benefit patients who feel let-down by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were giving inaccurate diagnoses via video calls. A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they can also request a family member or partner complete it. This will need to be returned prior to when an appointment is scheduled. Signs and symptoms If you keep getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or are frequently interrupted by family members or friends It could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect as much as 8.4% children and 2.5 percent adults. It can have a profound impact on both your personal and professional lives. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms result from ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know how to do. Many times, they'll attempt to manage themselves but this can be a struggle and may not be effective. There is no physical or medical test for ADHD but a trained mental health specialist will draw information from a variety of sources to establish a diagnosis, including symptom checklists and standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well as a comprehensive background of the person's previous and present functioning, as well as information from others who know them well. Depending on the nature of the individual's issues further neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed. Certain people with ADHD can also have co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression It is therefore essential for a medical professional to rule them out. A healthcare professional will look for any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid disorder or weight gain. GPs do not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to an expert. They may refer you to a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. If you choose to go on your own, the assessment will be in a clinic and will involve filling out questionnaires with your parents or partners, and others who know you well. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5). The assessment process will be performed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a detailed note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behavior with you in different situations. This will include at school, at home and in the workplace. You will be asked to provide the rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, such as a test of cognitive function. Diagnosis You should first consult your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know could be suffering from ADHD. They might be able refer you to an individual specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to schedule an assessment. Before you can make an appointment with the clinician you'll need to fill in an online questionnaire regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. You will also be asked to supply details about your medical background, including any previous treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about your health issues, as he or she will need an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family medical history and your medical history, and your current symptoms. The doctor will analyze this information to determine whether you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine if other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, could be causing your symptoms. Based on the circumstances, you may require additional mental or learning disabilities neuropsychological testing. This will help determine other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. Certain people with ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities which could cause similar symptoms. It is recommended to ask your insurance provider for recommendations of professionals who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You may also contact a local group of adults with ADHD to ask for referrals. Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel it's a relief to finally have an explanation for why they have been struggling in their lives. It isn't easy to face the emotions that accompany an diagnosis. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a clinician who has experience treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next steps toward managing your ADHD. Treatment Locating a healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step to get an accurate diagnosis. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder and has treated other patients in the past. You could also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment. A private assessment of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric appointment due to an organized interview that will examine your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It is important to be prepared to talk about your problems with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, work as well as in your hobbies and school. You'll also need to bring a list of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over time, and any other mental health issues that you've faced. If the healthcare professional conducting your examination believes that you might have ADHD, he or she will evaluate you based on the DSM V criteria. They will take the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine whether or not you exhibit at least six traits (symptoms) which have been present in your life for a minimum of 12 months. The healthcare professional will write an account, and then discuss the findings of your assessment to you. If they find that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that might better explain your problems. It is essential to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor after you have a diagnosis. They'll be able to recommend medication and therapy that can assist you in managing your symptoms. There are a range of therapies specifically designed for adults with ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and mindfulness therapy. It can be a huge relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD especially as an adult. It could be the reason you were struggling in the past it can be empowering and inspiring. It is important to keep in mind that a lot of adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. They might benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different manner and change the way they view themselves. Support Online services that allow individuals to receive a quick ADHD diagnosis through a phone or online questionnaire have been gaining popularity as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatised. These services can cut down on the time it takes to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of getting treatment. They also have the advantage of being quicker and easier than the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may appear to be a maze. However, they are not free of criticism. In recent months, there have been many stories and documentaries accusing private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama was named The ADHD Scandal. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle was the same: those seeking 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 therefore crucial to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist that is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a deep understanding of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment involves collecting information from your family, friends and school reports. It may also include an assessment form prior to your visit. Your doctor will analyze these findings to determine if you have ADHD and then develop an entire treatment plan which could include therapy or medication. You should also check with your GP to see whether they're willing to sign a shared-care contract with you and with your psychologist prior to seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. You'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to do this, so it's best to verify before paying for an assessment. A good support system can aid you in managing ADHD symptoms and enhance your quality of life. If you're ready to take the first step towards a better future visit our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can assist you. iampsychiatry.uk can also schedule a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right fit for your needs.