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ADHD Diagnosis – How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Private healthcare providers are making a profit from patients who feel let down 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 can also request an adult family member or partner complete it. It is necessary to return the form prior to an appointment can take place. Symptoms If you are constantly getting lost in your keys, struggle to finish tasks at work or are constantly interrupted by family members or friends this could be a sign of ADHD. This condition can affect up to 8.4% of children and 2.5 percent of adults and can have a huge impact on both your personal and professional life. However, many people don't know their symptoms are caused by ADHD and don't seek help because they aren't sure what to do. Often they'll try to self-manage but this can be frustrating and might not be successful. There is no physical or medical test for ADHD, but a qualified mental health care professional will make use of information from a variety of sources to determine a diagnosis, including the symptom checklists and the standardized behaviour rating scales, aswell an extensive history of the person's past and present performance, as well as information from others who know them well. Based on the nature and severity of the person's issue, additional tests for learning disabilities, psychological, or neuropsychological tests may be performed. Certain people with ADHD can also have co-occurring disorders, like anxiety and depression, so it's important for a medical professional to rule out these conditions. A healthcare professional will check for other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For getting diagnosed with adhd or weight increase. They are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD however, they may refer you to a specialist such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. The assessment will be done in a setting that is clinical and you or your parents, partner or any other family members close to you will be asked to fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires are based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined 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 carry out the test. They will take a detailed note of your history, record it in detail and discuss your behaviour with you in different environments. This will include at school, at work and at home. You will be asked for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms and to take tests, like tests of cognitive function. Diagnosis It is recommended to first speak with your GP if you suspect that you or someone else you know could be suffering from ADHD. They may be able to refer you to a private specialist such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, who is trained in diagnosing adults who suffer from ADHD. You can also contact experts directly to arrange an assessment. Prior to your appointment with the doctor, you will need to fill in an assessment form regarding the symptoms you've been experiencing. You will also be asked to supply details regarding your medical past, including any prior treatments for psychiatric disorders you have received. It is crucial that you are honest with your physician about your health issues, as they will require an extensive history in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will review your family, personal, and psychiatric medical history, as well as your current symptoms and concerns. They will then analyze this information to determine if you have ADHD and how severe your symptoms are. They will also determine if other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, might be causing your symptoms. Depending on the situation you may require additional mental testing, such as learning disabilities or neuropsychological tests. This can help to identify other issues that can cause the symptoms of ADHD. For example, some people with ADHD might also suffer from other disorders of learning or autism which may have similar symptoms as ADHD. It is recommended to ask your insurance company for recommendations about experts who are qualified to diagnose adults with ADHD. You can also call an organization that offers support for people who suffer from ADHD and ask for referrals. Many people who have been diagnosed with ADHD discover it's an immense relief to find out the reason they have been struggling in their lives. However it can be a struggle to deal with the feelings associated with a diagnosis. It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis from a clinician who has experience in treating ADHD. This will allow you to take the next step towards managing your ADHD. Treatment Locating a healthcare professional who has experience dealing with adults suffering from ADHD is the first step towards getting the right diagnosis. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who is familiar with the condition and has treated others in the past. 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 slightly from a typical psychiatric visit because it will involve a structured interview to assess your symptoms and how they impact you in your daily activities. Be prepared to discuss your struggles with attention and hyperactivity at work, in relationships, hobbies, and school. You'll be required to bring an inventory of your symptoms and how they have affected your life over the years as well as any other mental health issues you might have faced. If the health professional conducting the assessment believes that you be suffering from ADHD the doctor will assess you according to the DSM V criteria. They will ask you questions and analyze the symptoms you've listed to determine if there are six characteristics (symptoms). These traits must have been present for a minimum of a year. The healthcare professional will then prepare a report and explain to you the outcome of your assessment. If they decide that you aren't a candidate for ADHD they will explain the reasons why and suggest a different diagnosis that may better explain your problems. After you've been diagnosed, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They can suggest therapy and medication to help you manage your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments that are specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a huge relief, particularly for adults. It could be that it provides a lot of information about the reasons why you've had difficulties in the past, and it can be empowering and liberating. It's important to remember that a lot of adults suffer from self-stigma after being diagnosed. They can benefit from therapy, particularly narrative therapy, to learn how to tell their story in a different way and to change the way they judge themselves. Support Online services that allow people to receive a quick ADHD diagnosis through a phone or online questionnaire have emerged as mental health issues are becoming less stigmatized. These services can cut down on the time needed to find a psychiatrist and wait for an assessment which can cut down the cost of treatment. These services are also faster and easier to navigate than the NHS referral and evaluation process, which can be like a maze at times. However, they aren't free of criticism. In recent months there have been many stories and documentaries accusing private clinics of being overdiagnosing ADHD. One such documentary, produced by BBC's Panorama, was called The ADHD Scandal. The title was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, but the original angle remained the same: that those who seek private ADHD diagnosis are being swindled by. Psychiatry can be a complex discipline and it's uncommon for people with ADHD to have symptoms that aren't ADHD. This is why it's crucial to ensure you're diagnosed by a psychiatrist that specialises in adult ADHD, and has a thorough understanding of how it manifests in adults. A complete assessment involves collecting information from your family, friends and school reports. It could also include an assessment form prior to your visit. Your clinician will use these results to determine if you have ADHD and then develop an overall treatment plan that may include therapy or medication. It's also worth talking to your GP before seeking an individual diagnosis for ADHD and to determine if they will sign a shared care agreement with you and your psychologist. This means you'll only have to pay the NHS prescription cost for your medication. Some doctors won't do this, so it's best to confirm this before paying for an assessment. A supportive system in place can help you deal with the symptoms of ADHD and improve the quality of your life. If you're ready to take the first step towards a better future, head over to our ADHD treatment page to learn more about how we can help. You can also schedule an initial, free, confidential phone consultation with our therapists to see whether we're the best fit for you.