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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers are making a profit from patients who feel let down by logjammed NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing unreliable diagnoses over video calls. Usually, a person is given an application form to fill out by themselves, but also by someone close to them, such as a family member or partner. It is required to fill out this form prior to when an appointment can be made. Symptoms If you find yourself constantly getting lost in your keys, struggle to complete work tasks or are constantly interrupted 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 major impact on personal and professional life. However, many people don't realize their symptoms are caused by ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be frustrating. There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will employ various sources of data to determine the severity of the condition, such as symptom lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They will also use information from other people who are familiar with the individual, such as their past and current functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Based on the nature of the person's issues and the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing may also be conducted. Some people with ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring conditions, such as depression and anxiety, so it's important for a healthcare professional to rule out these conditions. A healthcare professional will typically examine for the presence of other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or obesity. GPs do not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to a specialist. They can refer you to an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. If you visit a private clinic for an assessment, it will be conducted in a medical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with you, your parents or partner 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). A psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take a thorough background, make detailed notes and discuss your behaviour in different settings with you. This will include at school, at work, and at home. You will be asked for the rating of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, such as an assessment of cognitive functioning. Diagnosis You should first talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know might 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 suffering from ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire before your appointment. Additionally, you will need to provide information about your family's mental health history as well as any prior psychiatric treatment you have received. It is important that you are honest with your clinician about your health issues, as he or she will need a complete history to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family, personal medical history and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms and issues. The doctor will use the information to determine if you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms might be caused by other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Depending on your situation, you may need additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This can help identify other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD might also suffer from other learning disabilities or autism, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. Contacting your insurance provider about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You may also contact a local group of adults with ADHD to request referrals. Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved to finally understand why they have had to struggle in their lives. It isn't easy to face the emotions that come with an diagnosis. It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis from a clinician who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to move on towards managing your ADHD. Treatment The first step to getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an expert in healthcare who has experience working with adults with ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated patients in the past. You could also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment. A private evaluation of ADHD differs slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it is a structured interview that will examine your symptoms and how they impact your everyday life. It is important to be prepared to discuss your problems with hyperactivity and attention at your relationships, work, hobbies and school. You should also bring a list of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life over time, and any other mental health issues you've had. If the healthcare professional conducting your examination believes that you might be suffering from ADHD, he or she will determine your ADHD based on the DSM V criteria. They will look at the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine if you exhibit at least six traits (symptoms) that have been present throughout your life for at least a year. The healthcare professional will write a report, and then explain the results of your examination to you. If they decide that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD They will explain the reasons why and suggest a different diagnosis that could better explain your problems. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your doctor once you have a diagnosis. They'll be able to suggest treatments and medications that will aid in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments that are specifically designed for adults who have ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness. It can be a major relief to be diagnosed of ADHD especially as an adult. It could explain why you were struggling in the past and can be empowering and inspiring. However, it's equally important to be aware that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their own stories differently and alter the way they perceive themselves. Support With mental health issues becoming destigmatised, services have emerged online that offer individuals the chance to get an ADHD diagnosis by a phone call or online questionnaire. These services will cut down on the time it takes to locate an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of seeking treatment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler than navigating the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may appear to be an endless maze. However, they aren't free of criticism. In recent months, there have been numerous stories and documentaries accusing private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of the BBC Panorama documentary. adhd diagnostic Exposed is the new title, however the original concept remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited. Psychiatry is a complex field and it is not common for people suffering from ADHD to have symptoms that aren't ADHD. That's why it's important to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a thorough understanding of how it presents in adults. A thorough assessment will require gathering information from your friends and family, including school reports as well as a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your doctor will use these results to determine if you have ADHD, and create an entire treatment plan that may include medication or therapy. It's also worth checking with your GP before seeking an individual diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they'll agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means that you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should consult with your physician prior to spending money for an assessment. A reliable support system can help you manage ADHD symptoms and enhance your life quality. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can help. You can also book an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to determine if we are the right fit for you.