ADHD Private Diagnosis
Many people opt to get private diagnoses due to long NHS waiting times. What does this entail?
If you choose to get an individual diagnosis, it's worth checking that your GP will accept something called a 'Shared Care Agreement' prior to going ahead. This way, you can still get follow up treatment from the NHS afterwards.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a formal interview with a psychiatrist that specializes in the diagnosis of adult ADHD. It begins with a detailed discussion of the individual's medical history, symptoms and previous treatment. The report also covers any relevant work, family and social history. If your insurance company will cover the cost of the exam ask them for a specialist in your area. Also, cost of private adhd assessment from friends and colleagues can be helpful. Avoid "speedy", online evaluation websites. They are not endorsed by a large number of healthcare providers and don't always meet the standards required to make a valid diagnosis.
The initial evaluation can last up to an hour or more. During this time, the doctor will interview the patient about their current concerns (as well when they started). The doctor will then speak to those who know the patient well - a spouse or sibling for an adult, and an instructor, coach or day care worker for a child - and use checklists to help determine the symptoms. This information can give a personal insight that isn't available through questionnaires.
A doctor may also use various tests to confirm or rule out ADHD. These may include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system and executive functioning tests, test of achievement and objective questionnaires. The tests are designed to compare results between people with ADHD and those who do not have ADHD. They range in length from 15 minutes to one hour.
A psychiatrist will review all the information and should ADHD is identified discuss the various treatment options available to the patient. The type of treatment recommended will be based on the severity and duration of the symptoms. This may include medications, CBT, lifestyle changes, or both. Some individuals may need to test a variety of combinations of dosages and medications before settling on a combination that is effective 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. The diagnosis can only be made if at least six of the traits of either type were present during the last six months.
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
If you're interested in getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's a good idea to speak to your family physician. They may refer you to a specialist for assessment or advise you to contact an independent expert opinion.
Before you go to the appointment, you'll probably be asked to fill out forms and questionnaires. Usually, they will ask you to give examples of symptoms you experience in different areas of your life. For instance, they could ask you to rate the frequency with which you forget important appointments or misplace things. They'll also ask about your family history, medical history, and your general health.
The psychiatrist in charge will go over the results of your questionnaires and then conduct a clinical consultation to discuss your symptoms and medical history. The answers will be used to determine if you are in compliance with the DSM V criteria for ADHD. This will include both looking at the traits of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, as well as assessing your overall functioning.
You'll be asked if have any mental health issues that could cause your symptoms to alter or co-exist with ADHD. For instance, depression or anxiety can make your ADHD symptoms worse.
The therapist will share their thoughts and propose an appropriate treatment plan following the appointment. If they believe that you suffer from ADHD, then they will likely recommend medication or a course of treatment.
If the psychiatrist does not think that you have ADHD and they'll explain the reason and will refer you back to your GP or another specialist for further examination. In some cases it may be necessary to discuss your treatment options with a psychologist or counselor however, this is up to you and will depend on if you feel that the ADHD is having a significant impact on your daily life.
If you live in England you are entitled to decide the location where your mental health care is provided as well as your ADHD evaluation. If you do not want to wait for an assessment by your local NHS or in the event that your doctor is not able to refer you, you may self-refer to a Priory Health Centre or a hospital. This will enable you to get an assessment within six months of making a request for the service.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
The symptoms of ADHD can manifest in different settings and situations. They can affect the school environment, work, friendships, family life and home obligations. A diagnosis should be based on symptoms that impact at least 2 of these environments, and result in significant impairment. This can lead to loss of employment, relationship issues and poor performance at school or college financial issues, impulsive spending, and even legal troubles.
Adults usually seek out an evaluation when they are frustrated with their inability stay focused and complete their tasks, or because they struggle in their relationships due to their difficulties listening. They might also have noticed that they are more susceptible to accidents and impulsive behavior like driving recklessly and skipping class, or sabotaging social plans.
In contrast to children, the diagnosis of 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 conditions and other medical issues. To confirm the diagnosis, a person with ADHD will require to be assessed and diagnosed by a variety of specialists.
The evaluation will involve an extensive interview and a thorough 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 doctor will use standard scales to assess and compare the symptoms of the patient. They might request the patient to fill out questionnaires or complete other types of neuropsychological or psychological tests.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the person is suffering from ADHD, they will make an official diagnosis and talk about treatment options. This could include psychotherapy, medication or other behavioral treatments.
A diagnosis can change your life, particularly in the case of ADHD undiagnosed for years. It can be a great relief to know that insanity or lack of intelligence was not the cause of their struggles in the workplace, at school, in relationships, and in other areas. It can also be encouraging to know it is possible to treat the condition using medication and other treatments.
What happens if I don't agree?
It's important that you inform your healthcare professional that you're not satisfied with the diagnosis. You're not a patient. But they should still follow the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, Private ADHD Clinics Revealed, raised concerns about private companies that squeeze vulnerable patients into their clinics by providing poor assessment services and prescribing medication without proper research. It's a worrying trend which seems to be gaining momentum as people seek faster, more comprehensive assessment services and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a major issue and is exacerbated by a rapidly growing number of people seeking treatment underfunded NHS mental health services struggling to keep up and an ever-changing world compounding the effects of existing conditions. Private healthcare providers will grow more popular until the government solves these issues and provides properly funded, trained and resourced professionals for its services.
While it's true that some private providers could be unprofessional, the reality is that there are also plenty of high-quality private clinics and individuals who offer comprehensive 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 needed to live their best lives at home and at work.
The most effective method to manage ADHD symptoms is to have an extensive evaluation by a qualified GP/consultant and the right therapy. Medicines can be a crucial part of this, but for many patients, it's also important to concentrate on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological strategies for managing symptoms.
If you're concerned about the impact of ADHD on your child an extensive online private ADHD assessment in Aberdeen through Diverse Diagnostics could be the first step towards understanding their difficulties and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in school as well as in their personal and professional lives, and throughout adulthood.