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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel let down due to the long NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering unreliable diagnoses over video calls. Usually a person will be given an assessment questionnaire to complete on their own, as well as by a close family member or partner. It is required to fill out this form prior to when an appointment can be made. Signs and symptoms If you keep losing your keys, find it difficult to complete work tasks or are constantly interrupted by family members or friends this could be an indication of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% adults. It can have a major impact on both personal and professional lives. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they aren't seeking treatment because they don't know how to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be a challenge. 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 complete history of the person's past and present performance, as well as 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 testing may be carried out. It is crucial that a healthcare professional check for co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety in a few people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will test for other medical disorders which could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid disorder or weight gain. Doctors are not experts and they cannot diagnose ADHD, but they may refer you to a specialist, such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a clinic and you, your partner, parents, or other people close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on diagnostic criteria for ADHD as laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5). A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD will carry out the test. They will take an exhaustive history, take detailed notes and discuss your behaviour in various settings with you. This includes at home, at school and in the workplace. You will be asked to rate your ADHD symptoms throughout the course of a week. You will also be asked to take tests like a cognitive function test. Diagnosis If you think that you or someone you know suffers from ADHD the first step is to consult your GP. They might be able to refer you to a private specialist such as psychologists or psychiatrists who is experienced in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact the specialists directly to arrange an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the therapist you'll need to fill in a questionnaire about the symptoms that you have been experiencing. Additionally, you will need to bring details about your family's mental health history as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received. It is essential to be open about your current symptoms to the clinician, as you will be required to provide a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your family, personal medical history, and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms and problems. They will then analyze this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look at whether your symptoms might be due to other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Based on your specific situation, you may need additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing. This will help rule out other causes of the symptoms of ADHD. Some people with ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities, which could cause similar symptoms. Asking your insurance company about specialists who are able to diagnose ADHD in adults is a good idea. You may also contact an adult group in your area with ADHD to ask for recommendations. Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved to finally realize the reason they've been unable to live their lives. However adult diagnosis adhd can be a challenge to deal with the feelings that come with the diagnosis. It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis from a clinician who has experience treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next steps toward managing your ADHD. Treatment The first step to getting a diagnosis is to find an expert in healthcare who has experience working with adults with ADHD. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. You could also ask your family doctor to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment. A private evaluation of ADHD differs from a regular psychiatric appointment because it includes a structured interview that will assess your symptoms and how they impact your everyday life. Come prepared to discuss your struggles with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work, hobbies, and school. You'll need to bring along the symptoms you are experiencing and how these have affected your life over time as well as any other mental health issues that you may have had. If the healthcare professional who is conducting your assessment believes you might have ADHD they will evaluate your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you've listed to determine if you have six characteristics (symptoms). These characteristics must be present for at least a year. The healthcare professional will prepare a report and explain to you the results of your evaluation. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe that you don't meet the criteria and suggest another diagnosis that may better explain your issues. Once you've got a diagnosis it's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They can suggest therapy and medication that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments specifically designed for adults with ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy. It can be a huge relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could be that it provides a lot of information about the reasons you've been struggling in the past and it can be empowering and freeing. It is important to keep in mind, however, that many adults experience self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be beneficial for those who need to learn to tell their own story differently and alter the way they view themselves. Support With mental health issues becoming disseminated, a variety of services have emerged on the internet that give people the chance to quickly receive an ADHD diagnosis via a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can save the time needed to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of getting treatment. These services are also more efficient and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can feel like a maze at times. However, they're not free of criticism. In recent months there have been numerous stories and documentaries that have accused private clinics of overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of the BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original concept remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are being abused. Psychiatry can be a complex field, and it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. That's why it's important to make sure you are assessed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD and has a thorough understanding of how it presents in adults. A full assessment involves collecting data from your relatives, friends and school reports. It could also comprise an assessment form that you fill out prior to the time. Your physician will analyze these findings to determine if you suffer from ADHD and develop an entire treatment plan that may include medication or therapy. It is also advisable to check with your GP to see whether they're willing sign a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist prior to seeking the private ADHD diagnosis. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription charge for your medication. You should consult with your doctor before you spend money on an assessment. A supportive system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more information about how we can assist you. You can also book a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the right choice for your needs.