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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private health providers are able to take advantage of patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. But an earlier BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing unreliable diagnoses through video calls. A questionnaire will be sent to the person, and they can also request an adult family member or partner complete the questionnaire. It is essential to complete this form before an appointment can be made. Signs and symptoms If you are constantly losing your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or are frequently interrupted by friends or family members It could be an indication of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4% children and 2.5% adults. It can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional lives. Many people don't know their symptoms are caused by ADHD and don't seek assistance because they aren't sure what to do. They may try to self-manage but this can be a challenge. There is no medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health care professional will make use of information from several sources to establish an assessment, which may include the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well as a comprehensive review of the person's history and current functioning, and information from those who know them well. Based on the nature of the issues, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed. It is crucial to have a doctor determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety in some people with ADHD. www.iampsychiatry.uk will typically examine for the presence of other medical disorders that can cause similar symptoms, for example, an obesity-related thyroid disorder or a thyroid disorder. GPs are not specialists and they cannot diagnose ADHD, but they can refer you to specialists such as a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. When you go privately for an assessment, it will be conducted in a clinic and involves filling out questionnaires with your parents or partners, and other people who know you well. These questionnaires are based upon 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 has experience diagnosing ADHD will conduct the test. They will carry out an extensive investigation, record your history and discuss your behavior in different environments with you. This includes at school, at home and at work. You will be asked to rate your ADHD symptoms over the course of a week and take tests, such as an assessment of cognitive function. Diagnosis It is recommended to first speak with your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know could be suffering from ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist like a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to set up an appointment. Prior to your appointment with the doctor you'll have to complete a questionnaire about the symptoms you've been experiencing. Additionally, you will need to bring information about your family health history, as well as any previous psychiatric treatment that you have received. It is essential to be forthcoming about your current symptoms to the doctor, since you will be required to provide the full details to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your personal, family medical history, and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms and concerns. They will then utilize this information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look into whether other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, could be causing your symptoms. Depending on the situation, you might require additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. This can help rule out other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. Some people who suffer from ADHD may also have autism or other learning disabilities, that can trigger similar symptoms. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations about professionals who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also call a local support group for people who suffer from ADHD and ask for referrals. Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to recognize the reasons they've struggled in their lives. However it can be a challenge to cope with the emotions that come with a diagnosis. It is vital to get an accurate diagnosis from a professional who has experience treating ADHD. This will allow you to move on toward managing your ADHD. Treatment The first step in getting a diagnosis is to find an expert in healthcare who is skilled in working with adults with ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is knowledgeable about the disorder 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 slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment because it is a structured interview that will assess your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. Come prepared to discuss your struggles with hyperactivity and attention at work, in relationships, hobbies, and school. You will also need to bring a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, and any other mental health issues that you've faced. If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment thinks you may have ADHD They will test you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the information you've provided to determine if there are six traits (symptoms). These characteristics must be present for a minimum of a year. The healthcare professional will prepare an account, and then explain the results of your assessment to you. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe that you do not meet the criteria and suggest a new diagnosis that might better explain your issues. It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor after 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 therapies that are designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a wonderful relief, particularly for adults. It could be the reason you had difficulty in the past and can be empowering and inspiring. It is important to keep in mind that many people suffer from self-stigma following being diagnosed. They can benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story in a different manner and to change how they judge themselves. Support With mental health issues increasingly destigmatised, services have been popping up on the internet that give people the chance to quickly get an ADHD diagnosis by a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time required to find an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of getting treatment. These services are also quicker and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze at times. However, they are not free of criticism. In the last few months, there were numerous reports and documentaries accusing private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, made by BBC's Panorama, was named The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics 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 discipline and it's common for people suffering from ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. It is therefore crucial to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a comprehensive understanding of how it presents in adults. A complete assessment involves gathering information from you and your family and friends, including school reports as well as a pre-assessment questionnaire. Your clinician will use these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and develop an entire treatment plan which could include medication or therapy. It's also worth talking to your GP before seeking an individual diagnosis for ADHD to determine if they will sign a shared care contract with you and your psychologist. You'll only have to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to do this therefore it's important to confirm this before paying for an assessment. The right support system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. Visit our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help you. You can also schedule a free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists in order to determine whether we're the right person for you.