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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 by the stifling NHS waiting lists. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that certain clinics were providing unreliable diagnoses over video calls. In most cases, people will be sent an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves and also by an immediate family member or partner. It must be returned prior to when an appointment is scheduled. Symptoms If you keep losing your keys, find it difficult to complete work tasks or are frequently interrupted by family members or friends, it could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4 percent of children and 2.5% of adults, and can have a major impact on personal and professional life. But, many do not realize that their symptoms are caused by ADHD and do not seek help because they don't know what to do. Often they'll try to self-manage however this can be difficult and may not always be successful. There is no medical or physical test for ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will employ diverse data to determine the severity of the condition, such as symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They will also use information from other people who know the individual, such as their previous and current functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Based on getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult and nature of the person's issue, additional tests for learning disabilities, psychological, or neuropsychological testing may be performed. It is crucial to have a doctor check for co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will test for other medical disorders which can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid disorders or weight gain. Doctors are not able to diagnose ADHD and cannot refer you to a specialist. They could refer you to a Priory hospital, or a wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. The assessment will take place in a setting that is clinical and you or your parents, partner, or other people close to you will be asked to fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5). The assessment process will be conducted by a skilled psychiatrist or psychologist, who specialises in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take an extensive background, make detailed notes and discuss your behaviour in different settings with you. This will include at school, at home and in the workplace. You will be asked to assess your ADHD symptoms throughout the course of a week and take tests like the cognitive function test. Diagnosis You should first consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know could have ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist like a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact specialists directly to set up an appointment. You will be asked to fill out an application form prior to your appointment. You will also be asked to provide details about your medical history, including any previous psychiatric treatments you may have received. It is essential to be honest about your issues with the doctor, since you will need to give complete medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will look over your medical history of your family as well as your own medical history, and your current symptoms. They will then utilize this information to determine if you have ADHD and the severity of your symptoms. They will also look at whether your symptoms may be due to other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Depending on your situation it is possible that you will require additional neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. This will help identify other causes that could cause the symptoms of ADHD. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD may also be suffering from other disorders of learning or autism which may have similar symptoms as ADHD. Asking your insurance company about professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults is a great idea. You can also contact a local group of people with ADHD to ask for referrals. Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD are relieved to understand why they have struggled in their lives. It isn't easy to face the emotions that accompany the diagnosis. It is vital to get an accurate diagnosis from a professional who has experience in treating ADHD. This will enable you to move on to manage 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 could be a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. You could also ask your family physician to refer you to a nurse practitioner or an ADHD assessment. A private assessment for ADHD will differ from a routine psychiatric appointment because it will involve an organized interview to evaluate your symptoms and how they impact you in your everyday life. Come prepared to talk about your issues with hyperactivity and attention in your relationships, at work or with your hobbies, as well as at school. You'll also need to keep a record of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues you've experienced. If the healthcare professional conducting your assessment believes you may be suffering from ADHD they will evaluate you against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and use the symptoms you've listed to determine if there are six traits (symptoms). These characteristics must be present for at least one year. The healthcare professional will write an account, and then explain the results of your assessment to you. If they determine that you don't meet the criteria for ADHD They will explain the reasons why and suggest a different diagnosis that can better explain your problems. If you've been diagnosed, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They will be able to suggest therapy and medication that can help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of therapies that are designed specifically for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) acceptance commitment therapy and mindfulness. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a wonderful relief, particularly for adults. It could be that it provides a lot of information about the reasons you've struggled in the past, and that can be empowering and freeing. It's important to remember, however, that many adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. Therapy, especially narrative therapy, can be helpful for people who struggle 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 popped up on the internet that give individuals the chance to obtain an ADHD diagnosis through a phone call or online questionnaire. These services will cut down on the time needed to locate an acupuncturist and wait for an assessment which, in turn, reduces the cost of seeking treatment. They also have the benefit of being quicker and easier than the NHS referral and assessment process, which can sometimes seem like a maze. However, they're not without their critics. In recent months, there's been a spate of stories and documentaries accusing private diagnostic clinics of knowingly overdiagnosing ADHD. One of the documentaries, produced by BBC's Panorama, was called The ADHD Scandal. Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is the new title, but the original premise remains the same. Those who seek private ADHD diagnoses are being abused. The field of psychiatry is complex, and it's not uncommon to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to make sure you are diagnosed by a psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD, and has a deep understanding of how it manifests in adults. A full assessment will involve gathering information from your friends and family as well as school reports as well as an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your clinician will then use the results to determine if you have ADHD and formulate a holistic treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy or medication. It's also worth talking to your GP prior to seeking an individual diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they will sign a shared care contract with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. Some doctors won't take this approach therefore it's important to check before you start spending money for an assessment. The right support system in place can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD, and enhance 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 book an appointment for a confidential, no-cost phone consultation with our therapists to determine whether we're the right person for you.