ADHD Private Diagnosis
With NHS waiting times at an all-time high, a lot of patients are opting for private diagnosis. What is the exact nature of this?
Before you proceed with an individual diagnosis, it's worthwhile asking your doctor if they accept the concept of a shared-care agreement. This way, you can still get follow up treatment from the NHS in the future.
What is ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a clinical interview with a psychiatrist who is skilled in diagnosing adult ADHD. It begins with a thorough discussion of the patient's medical history, previous treatments and symptoms. The review also includes any relevant family, work and social background. If your insurance company covers the cost of the exam ask them for a specialist in your area. Word of mouth recommendations from colleagues and friends is a good source, too. Avoid "speedy" online evaluation websites. They are not endorsed by a lot of providers and do not always provide the criteria needed for a valid diagnosis.
The initial evaluation can last an hour or longer. During this time, the doctor will talk to the patient and inquire about the current problems they are experiencing (as well as when they first began). Then the doctor will talk to people who know the person well such as a sibling or spouse for an adult, and a teacher, coach or day care worker for children and use checklists to determine the symptoms. This information can add an individual perspective that is not available from questionnaires.
A doctor may also use several tests to rule out ADHD. These tests may include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system, executive functioning and achievement tests. The tests are designed to compare results between people with ADHD and those who do not have ADHD. They can range from 15 minutes to one hour.
A psychiatrist will review all information and, if ADHD has been diagnosed they will discuss the different treatments available for patients. The treatment suggested will be based on the severity and duration of symptoms. It could include medication, CBT therapy, lifestyle changes or both. Some people may need to test several different combinations of medication and doses before settling on a combination that is suitable for them.
If the specialist finds that ADHD is present, he or she will assess whether it is predominantly inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive and will decide if the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. A diagnosis can only be made if the person has at minimum six traits (symptoms) of any kind over the past 6 months.
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
Speak to your family physician if you want to get an ADHD diagnosis. They could recommend you to a specialist for evaluation or suggest you seek an independent expert for an opinion.
You'll probably be asked to fill out some questionnaires or forms prior your appointment. They'll typically request examples of your symptoms in various areas of your life. For instance, they may ask you to rate the frequency with which you miss important appointments or misplace things. They'll also ask about your family history, your medical history, and your general health.
The psychiatrist consultant will go through the results of your questionnaires and conduct a medical interview to discuss your symptoms, medical history and behaviour. They'll use these answers to determine whether you're in line with the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis (as described in the DSM V). This will include both looking at the traits of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, as well as assessing your overall functioning.
They'll also look at whether or not you suffer from any other mental health challenges that may co-exist with ADHD or cause your symptoms to manifest differently. For instance, anxiety or depression can make your ADHD symptoms worse.
After the appointment, the clinician will discuss their thoughts with you and suggest the best treatment plan. If they think you have ADHD They'll probably suggest medication and a course of therapy.
If your doctor doesn't believe you have ADHD then he or she will explain the reason and refer you to your GP to conduct further research. In certain instances it may be necessary to discuss your treatment options with a psychologist or counselor however this is dependent on your preferences and will depend on whether you feel that the ADHD is having an impact on your life.
If private adhd assessment live in England, you have a legal right to choose the location you receive your mental healthcare, including your ADHD assessment. This means that if you don't feel like waiting to be evaluated for ADHD by your local NHS service or if your doctor is unable to refer you, then you can self-refer to an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre. This will allow you to get an assessment within six months of requesting the service.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
The signs of ADHD can be seen in different situations and settings. They can impact school, work, friendships, family life and home responsibilities. A diagnosis should be based on symptoms that affect at least 2 of these environments, and result in significant impairment. This can result in loss of employment, relationship issues, poor performance in school or college, financial problems, impulsive spending and even legal trouble.
It is common for adults to seek out a diagnosis because they are unhappy with their inability to stay focused and complete tasks or are having difficulty with their relationships as they are having a difficult time listening. They might also have noticed that they were more susceptible to accidents than other people or impulsive behaviors, like reckless driving, skipping classes or cancelling social plans.
In contrast to children, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult. This is due to less clear-cut signs in adults, and also because the disorder may coexist with other mental health issues as well as other medical conditions. To confirm the diagnosis, an adult with ADHD will require to be assessed and diagnosed by a variety of specialists.
The evaluation will involve an extensive interview as well as a review of the medical history of the patient and a physical exam to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. The clinician will use standardized scales to compare and measure the symptoms of the patient. They might also ask the patient to fill out questionnaires or complete other types of psychological or neuropsychological testing.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist believes that a person has ADHD or other disorders, they will issue a formal diagnoses and discuss the treatment options. This may include psychotherapy, medication, or other interventions for behavior.
A diagnosis can be life-changing, particularly for those who have suffered with undiagnosed ADHD for decades. It can be a great relief to know that it wasn't lazyness or a lack of intellect that was holding them back at the classroom or at work, but also in their relationships and in the world around them. It can be empowering to realize that the condition can be managed by treatment and medication.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
If you are unhappy with the diagnosis, it's crucial to let your healthcare professional let them know. You're not a customer. However, they should adhere to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for treatment.
Private ADHD Clinics: Exposed by BBC Panorama raised concerns that certain private companies were bringing vulnerable patients to walk out of their clinics using inadequate assessment and prescribing medication without conducting proper research. This disturbing trend is increasing in frequency as patients are looking for more efficient, faster assessments and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a major issue, made worse due to the fact that mental health services in the NHS are in need of funding and struggle to keep pace with the ever-growing population. A changing world can also exacerbate existing problems. Until the government addresses these issues and provides adequately well-funded, trained and resourced professionals to provide its services, private health providers will be an increasingly popular choice for those who require faster access to treatment.
While it's true that some private clinics could be unprofessional but the truth is that there are many quality private clinics and individuals that offer thorough assessments and the best treatment plans for their patients. A private ADHD assessment and diagnosis in Scotland through Diverse Diagnostics can make a huge difference in people's lives, giving them the tools to live their lives to the fullest at home as well as at work.
A thorough assessment by an experienced GP/consultant, coupled with the appropriate therapy is the most effective way to manage ADHD symptoms. For many patients, medication may be a key element in managing symptoms. However, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological strategies are also essential.
If you are concerned about the impact ADHD can have on your child If you are concerned about the impact ADHD has on your child, an online private ADHD assessment by Diverse Diagnostics in Aberdeen could be the first step to understanding and giving them the tools they need to excel in school, in their professional and personal lives and into adulthood.