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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers are gaining a foothold on patients who feel disappointed by logjammed NHS waiting lists. However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation found that certain clinics are giving out unreliable diagnoses via video calls. In most cases, people will be given an application form to fill out by themselves and also by someone close to them, such as a family member or partner. It is necessary to return this form prior to when an appointment can be scheduled. Signs and symptoms ADHD could be the cause of your frequent loss of focus, inability to complete tasks at work, or being interrupted by family or friends. This condition is common and affects up to 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a major impact on both your personal and professional life. However, many people don't know their symptoms are caused by ADHD and don't seek assistance because they don't know how to do. They might try to manage their own symptoms but this can be a challenge. There isn't a medical or physical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care professional will make use of information from several sources to determine a diagnosis, including symptom checklists and standardized behaviour rating scales, as well an extensive review of the person's history and present functioning, as well as information from others who are familiar with their condition. Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problem further psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests could be performed. It is crucial that a healthcare professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety in a few people suffering from ADHD. A healthcare professional will usually examine for the presence of other medical conditions that may lead to similar symptoms, like the thyroid disorder or obesity. GPs are not specialists and they cannot diagnose ADHD however, they may refer you to specialists like a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. The assessment will take place in a setting that is clinical and you, your partner, parents or any other family members close to you will fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on 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). The assessment process will be carried out by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full note of your history, record it in detail and discuss with you your behaviour in various settings. This could include at school, at home and in the workplace. You will be asked for the rating of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, like tests of cognitive functioning. Diagnosis It is recommended to first speak with your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know could have ADHD. They might be able to refer you to a private specialist like psychologists or psychiatrists who is experienced in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill in an application form prior to your appointment. You will also need to bring details about your family's mental health history as well as any previous psychiatric treatment you have received. It is important to be forthcoming about your issues with the physician, as you will need to provide complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over the medical history of your family members, your personal medical history, and your current symptoms. The doctor will use this information to determine whether you suffer from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look at whether your symptoms may be caused by other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Based on the circumstances, you may require additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. This can help rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. For instance, some people who suffer from ADHD might also suffer from other disabilities, such as autism or learning disabilities which may have similar symptoms as ADHD. Contacting your insurance provider for specialists who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also reach out to an adult group in your area with ADHD to inquire about recommendations. Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy to recognize the reasons they've struggled in their lives. It isn't easy to manage the emotions that come with an diagnosis. It is vital to get a correct diagnosis from a clinician who has experience treating ADHD. This will enable you to take the next steps toward managing your ADHD. Treatment The first step to getting an accurate diagnosis is to locate an expert in healthcare who is experienced in dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated other patients in the past. You can also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment. A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a routine psychiatric appointment because it will involve a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they impact you in your everyday life. Be prepared to talk about your issues with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work or with your hobbies, as well as at school. You'll also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life over time, as well as any other mental health issues that you've faced. If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you might have ADHD, they will assess you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and use the symptoms you have provided to determine if there are six characteristics (symptoms). These traits must have been present for at least one year. The healthcare professional will then write a report and explain to you the results of your assessment. If they find that you don't have ADHD they will then explain the reasons why they believe you do not meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that could better explain your difficulties. If you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your clinician. They'll recommend treatments and medications that will assist you in managing your symptoms. There are many therapies that are designed specifically for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness. It can be a massive relief to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, especially as an adult. It may explain why you were struggling in the past it can be empowering and inspiring. However, it's equally important to remember that many adults struggle deeply with self-stigma when they are diagnosed. These individuals may benefit from therapy, especially narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story differently and change the way they view themselves. adhd diagnosis uk adults that allow people to receive a quick ADHD diagnosis by phone call or online survey have emerged as mental health problems are becoming less stigmatized. These services can help cut down the amount of time and expense involved in treatment by reducing the time it takes to find a psychiatrist, wait for an assessment, and then schedule an appointment. These services are also quicker and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze at times. However, they are not free of criticism. In recent months, there's been a flurry of news documentaries and stories accusing private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of a BBC Panorama documentary. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, however the original angle remains the same. Patients seeking private ADHD diagnoses are being exploited. The field of psychiatry is complex and it's not uncommon to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. It's crucial to find a psychiatrist who has an in-depth understanding of adult ADHD and who is a specialist in the diagnosis. A complete assessment involves collecting data from your relatives, friends and school reports. It may also include an assessment form prior to your visit. Your physician will analyze these findings to determine whether you suffer from ADHD and then develop an entire treatment plan that may include therapy or medication. It's also worth checking with your GP before requesting an individual diagnosis for ADHD and to determine if they'll agree to a shared-care agreement with you and your psychologist. You'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some GPs will refuse to take this approach therefore it's important to check before you start spending money on an assessment. A supportive system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD, and improve your quality of life. Visit our ADHD treatment page for more details on how we can help. You can also book an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the best solution for you.