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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 the stifling NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were offering incorrect diagnoses through video calls. In most cases, people will be sent an assessment questionnaire to complete on their own, as well as by a close family member or partner. It is essential to complete this form before an appointment can be scheduled. Signs and symptoms ADHD may be the reason for your frequent loss of concentration, inability to complete tasks at work, or being interrupted by your family or friends. This common condition affects up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults, and can have a major impact on your professional and personal life. Many people aren't aware that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they don't seek treatment because they don't know what to do. Often they'll try to self-manage however this can be a struggle and may not be effective. There is no physical or medical test for ADHD. A trained mental health professional will use diverse information to diagnose the condition, including symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They may also draw information from other people who are familiar with the person, such as their past and current functioning and information from those closest to them. Depending on the severity and nature of the person's issue further psycho-educational, learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests could be carried out. Some people suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from co-occurring illnesses, like anxiety and depression and depression, so it's crucial for a healthcare 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. GPs do not diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They can refer you to a Priory hospital, or a wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a clinical environment and you or your parents, partner or any other relatives to you will be asked to fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on diagnostic criteria for ADHD as described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). The assessment process is conducted by a skilled psychologist or psychiatrist who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full history, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in different environments. This includes at work, at school, and at home. You will be asked to provide the rating of your ADHD symptoms and to complete tests, like tests of cognitive function. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult should first talk to your GP when you suspect you or someone else you know may be suffering from ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist like psychologist or psychiatrist, who is trained in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also reach out to specialists directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill in an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will also need to bring information about your family health history, as well as any previous psychiatric treatment you have received. It is important to be honest about your current symptoms to the clinician, as you will need to provide a full history for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will examine your medical history of your family as well as your own medical history, and current symptoms. The doctor will utilize this information to determine if you suffer from ADHD, and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look into whether other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, could be the cause of your symptoms. Based on the circumstances, you might require additional mental or learning disabilities neuropsychological testing. This can help rule out other conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms. Some people who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from autism or other learning disabilities, that can trigger similar symptoms. It is also a good idea to ask your insurance company for recommendations on professionals who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also contact the local support group for adults with ADHD and ask for referrals. Many people diagnosed with ADHD discover it's a relief to finally have an explanation for why they have been struggling in their lives. It can be difficult to deal the emotions that accompany a diagnosis. It is important to get a proper diagnosis from an experienced doctor, so that you can move forward in managing your ADHD and making the most of your life. Treatment The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to locate an expert in healthcare who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD. This could be a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. You can also request your family physician to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner. A private assessment for ADHD will differ slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment due to the fact that it involves an interview that is structured to determine your symptoms and how they impact you in your everyday life. You should come prepared to discuss your problems with attention and hyperactivity in the workplace, in relationships or hobbies, as well as school. You'll also need to provide a list of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life over time, along with any other mental health issues you've had. If the healthcare professional conducting your examination believes that you might be suffering from ADHD The doctor will evaluate you based on the DSM V criteria. They will use the list of symptoms that you've given and ask questions to determine whether or not you exhibit at least six characteristics (symptoms) which have been present throughout your life for a minimum of 12 months. The healthcare professional will write a report, and then explain the results of your test to you. If they conclude that you don't have ADHD, they will say the reasons why they believe you don't meet the criteria and suggest a different diagnosis that could better explain your issues. If you've been diagnosed, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They will be able to suggest therapy and medication that can aid in managing your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies specifically designed for adults who have ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief, particularly for adults. You might find that it provides a lot of information about why you have been struggling in the past and it can be empowering and freeing. It's important to remember that a lot of adults experience self-stigma after being diagnosed. They might benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, to discover how to tell their story in a different way and to change the way they perceive themselves. Support With mental health issues becoming destigmatised, services have emerged online that offer individuals the opportunity to swiftly get an ADHD diagnosis via a phone call or online questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time it takes to locate a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of treatment. They also have the advantage of being faster and simpler than navigating the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes feel like a maze. They're not without criticism. In the past few months, there has been a spate 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 was the same: people who seek a private ADHD diagnosis are being manipulated by. Psychiatry can be a complex discipline and it's uncommon for people with ADHD to experience symptoms that aren't ADHD. That's why it's important to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist that is an expert in adult ADHD, and has a comprehensive knowledge of how it manifests in adults. A thorough assessment will require gathering information from you and your friends and family, including school reports as well as an assessment questionnaire. Your clinician will then use the results to determine if you suffer from ADHD and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which could include psychotherapy or medication. It is also advisable to check with your GP to determine whether they're willing sign a shared-care contract with you as well as your psychologist before seeking an individual ADHD diagnosis. You'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors won't do this, so it's best to check before you start spending money for an assessment. The right support system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD, and improve your quality of life. If you're ready to take that first step towards a better future go to our ADHD treatment page to find out more about the ways we can assist. You can also book an anonymous, no-cost phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're the best choice for your needs.