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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers can profit from patients who feel disappointed by the NHS waiting list. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some clinics were giving incorrect diagnoses through video calls. Usually diagnosing adhd uk ADHD Diagnosis will be given an assessment questionnaire to complete by themselves and also by an immediate family member or partner. The questionnaire must be returned before an appointment is scheduled. Signs and symptoms ADHD could be the reason for your frequent loss of concentration, inability to complete tasks at work, or be interrupted by your loved ones or family. This condition is common and 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 don't realize that their symptoms are due to ADHD and they 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. A certified mental health professional will utilize a variety of data to determine the severity of the condition, including symptoms lists and standardized behavior rating scales. They may also draw information from other people who know the person, including their past and current functioning, as well as information from those closest to them. Based on the nature of the individual's issues, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests may also be conducted. It is crucial that a healthcare professional determine if there are co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety in some people with ADHD. A healthcare professional will typically check for the presence of other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, a thyroid disorder or obesity. GPs do not diagnose ADHD and are unable to refer you to an expert. They can refer you to a Priory hospital or a wellbeing centre for an assessment. If you visit a private clinic, the assessment will take place in a medical setting and will involve filling out questionnaires with you, your partner or parents, as well as others who know you well. These questionnaires are based on diagnostic criteria for ADHD as laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). The evaluation process will be conducted by a skilled psychiatrist or psychologist, who specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD. They will take a full history, make detailed notes and discuss your behavior with you in various settings. This includes at home, at school and at work. You will be asked for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, including a test of cognitive functioning. Diagnosis You should first consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or someone else you know could have ADHD. They can recommend you to a private doctor such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained to identify adults suffering from ADHD. You may also contact the experts directly to arrange an assessment. You will be asked to fill out an assessment form prior to your appointment. You will also need to provide information about your family's mental health history and any previous psychiatric treatment you have received. It is important that you are honest with your physician regarding your symptoms, since they will require an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family, personal medical history, and psychiatric history and also your current symptoms and problems. They will then analyze this information to determine if you have ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also look at whether your symptoms might be caused by other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Depending on the situation, you might require additional psycho-educational, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. This will help you rule out other conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms. For example, some people who suffer from ADHD might also suffer from other disorders of learning or autism that can exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. It's also a good idea to ask your insurance provider for recommendations about specialists who are able to diagnose adults with ADHD. You may also contact an adult group in your area with ADHD to ask for recommendations. Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD find that it is an immense relief to understand the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. However it can be a challenge to manage the emotions associated with the diagnosis. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis from an experienced doctor to move forward in managing your ADHD and getting the most enjoyment from your life. Treatment The first step in getting a diagnosis is to find an healthcare professional who has experience working with adults with ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated other patients in the past. You can also ask your family doctor to refer you for an ADHD assessment or a nurse practitioner. A private evaluation of ADHD differs slightly from a regular psychiatric appointment due to an organized interview that will examine your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Come prepared to talk about your issues with attention and hyperactivity in your relationships, at work and hobbies, as well as in school. You'll also need to bring a list of your symptoms and how they've affected your life over time, along with any other mental health issues you've had. If the healthcare professional who is conducting your evaluation believes that you may be suffering from ADHD they will evaluate your case against the DSM V criteria for ADHD. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you've listed to determine if you have six traits (symptoms). These characteristics must have been present for a minimum of a year. The healthcare professional will then write a report and explain to you the results of your evaluation. 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 another diagnosis that may better explain your difficulties. If you've been diagnosed it's important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They'll recommend medication and therapy that can help you manage your symptoms. There are many treatments that are specifically designed for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness. It can be a massive relief to get a diagnosis of ADHD particularly as an adult. It could explain why you had difficulty in the past, which can be liberating and inspiring. It's also important to be aware that a lot of adults struggle with self-esteem issues when they are diagnosed. Individuals with these issues might benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, in order to learn how to tell their story in a different way and to change the way they judge themselves. Support With mental health issues increasingly disseminated, a variety of services have popped up on the internet that give people the chance to quickly get an ADHD diagnosis via an online or phone questionnaire. These services can cut down on the time needed to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment, which in turn cuts the cost of seeking treatment. These services are also quicker and more user-friendly than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which may feel like a maze. They're not without criticism. In recent months, there have been many stories and documentaries that have accused private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. The ADHD Scandal was the title of an BBC Panorama documentary. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, however the initial angle remained the same: that those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by. The field of psychiatry can be a bit complex and it's not unusual to see people suffer from symptoms that are not actually caused by ADHD. That's why it's important to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD and has a deep understanding of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves collecting information from you as well as your friends and family, including school reports as well as an assessment questionnaire prior to the test. Your doctor will then use the results to determine if you have ADHD and create a holistic treatment plan that could include psychotherapy or medication. It's also worth checking with your GP before requesting an official diagnosis for ADHD, to see whether they'll sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. You will only be required to pay the NHS prescription fee for your medication. You should check with your GP before spending money for an assessment. Having the right support system in place can help you control the symptoms of ADHD, and enhance your quality of life. If you're ready for the first step towards a better future go to our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can assist you. You can also book a confidential, free phone consultation with one of our therapists to determine if we're a good solution for you.