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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers are making a profit from patients who feel disappointed by logjammed NHS waiting lists. But a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that some clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses via video calls. A questionnaire will be sent to the person and they may also request a family member or partner complete it. It is required to fill out the form prior to an appointment can take place. Signs and symptoms ADHD may be the reason for your frequent loss of concentration and inability to finish tasks at work, or be interrupted by your family or friends. This common condition affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a major impact on personal and professional life. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and do not seek treatment because they don't know what to do. They may attempt to manage themselves but this can be frustrating. There is no medical or physical test for ADHD however a certified mental health care professional will use information from a variety of sources to determine diagnosis, such as symptom checklists and standardized behaviour scales for rating, as well as a complete review of the person's history and present performance, as well as information from those who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problem further psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing may be performed. Certain people with ADHD can also have co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression and depression, so it's crucial for a medical professional to rule out these conditions. A healthcare professional will test for any other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid disorder or weight gain. They are not specialists and they cannot diagnose ADHD however, they can refer you to a specialist such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a clinical environment and you, your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based upon the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as 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 conduct the assessment. They will take a thorough note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behavior with you in various environments. This could include at home, at school and at work. You will be asked to rate your ADHD symptoms over the course of a week. You will also be asked to take tests like a cognitive function test. Diagnosis If you believe that you or someone you know has ADHD, the first step is to visit your GP. They might be able refer you to a private specialist such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact the experts directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire before your appointment. You will also be asked to provide details regarding your mental health background, including any previous treatment you've received. It is crucial to be honest about your symptoms with the physician, as you will need to give a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your family, personal, and psychiatric medical history, as well as your current symptoms and concerns. The doctor will use this information to determine if you have ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also consider whether your symptoms could be due to other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Based on the circumstances, you might require additional mental testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological testing. This can help rule out other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. Some people who suffer from ADHD might also have autism or other learning disabilities, which could cause similar symptoms. It's recommended to ask your insurance company for recommendations of professionals who are qualified to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You can also call an organization that offers support for adults suffering from ADHD and request referrals. Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD feel it's an exhilarating feeling to finally have an explanation for why they've been struggling throughout their lives. It isn't easy to face the emotions that accompany the diagnosis. It is vital to get the correct diagnosis from a professional who has experience treating ADHD. This will enable you to move on toward managing your ADHD. Treatment The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate a healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated others in the past. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you to an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner. A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a typical psychiatric visit because it will include an organized interview to evaluate your symptoms and how they affect you in your daily life. It is important to be prepared to talk about your problems with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, work or hobbies, as well as school. You'll also need to bring a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, and any other mental health issues you've had. If the healthcare professional who is conducting your evaluation believes that you might have ADHD they will evaluate your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will take the list of symptoms you've provided and ask questions to determine if you have at least six characteristics (symptoms) that have been present in your life for a minimum of 12 months. The healthcare professional will prepare an account, and then explain the results of your test to you. If they decide that you do not meet the criteria for ADHD, they will explain why and suggest a different diagnosis that can better explain your issues. After you've been diagnosed, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They can suggest therapy and medication that can help you manage your symptoms. There are many therapies specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief, particularly for adults. It may explain why you were struggling in the past, which can be liberating and empowering. But, it's equally important to be aware that many adults struggle with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. Individuals with these issues might benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different manner and to change how they judge themselves. adhd undiagnosed in adults ADHD Diagnosis that allow people to get a quick ADHD diagnosis through a telephone or online questionnaire have emerged as mental health issues are less stigmatised. These services can cut down on the time needed to locate an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of getting treatment. They also have the advantage of being more efficient and less time-consuming than the NHS referral and assessment procedure, which may feel like a maze. However, they are not free of criticism. In the past few months, there has been a wave of reports and documentaries that accuse private diagnostic clinics of underdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of the BBC Panorama documentary. The title has since been changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, but the original angle remained the same: that people who seek a private ADHD diagnosis are being manipulated by. The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not uncommon to see people suffer from symptoms that aren't caused by ADHD. It is therefore crucial to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD, and has a deep knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves collecting information from you as well as your friends and family, including school reports and an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your clinician will then use the results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include medication or psychotherapy. It's also worth contacting your GP before requesting an official diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will 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. Some doctors won't do this, so it's best to verify before spending money for an assessment. A good support system can aid you in managing ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better future, head over to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about how we can assist you. You can also schedule an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to see if we are the right person for you.