ADHD Private Diagnosis
With NHS waiting times at the highest level, many patients are opting for private medical diagnosis. What does this entail?
Before you start an individual diagnosis, it's worthwhile making sure your doctor is a part of a shared care agreement. You'll still be able to receive follow-up care from the NHS following the diagnosis.
What is an ADHD assessment?
A psychiatrist who has experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults will conduct a clinical interview. It begins with a detailed review of the patient's medical background, symptoms and treatment. The review also includes any relevant work, family or social background. If your insurance company covers the cost of the exam ask them about a specialist in the area. Also, recommendations from word-of-mouth friends and colleagues are helpful. Avoid "speedy" online evaluation websites, which are not accepted by most providers and often don't meet the criteria for a valid diagnosis.
The initial assessment takes an hour or more. During this time, the doctor will interview the patient and inquire about their current problems (as well as when they first began). Then the doctor will talk to those who know the person well such as a sibling or spouse for an adult, or a teacher, coach or day care worker for children - and use checklists to help to identify the signs. This information can add an individual perspective that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires.
The doctor may also perform several tests to help to determine or exclude ADHD. These include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system, executive functioning, test of achievement and objective questionnaires. adhd assessment private can last anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour each and are designed to compare the results with the results of those who don't have ADHD.
A psychiatrist will review all information and, if ADHD has been diagnosed, will discuss the various treatment options available to patients. The type of treatment will depend on the severity and length. This may include medication, CBT, lifestyle changes or both. Some individuals will need to try several different combinations of dosages and medications before they can find one that works.
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 either type in the last six months.
How do I conduct an ADHD assessment?
Consult your family physician in the event that you are looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis. They might be able to recommend a specialist assessment, or they might advise you to speak with a private healthcare organisation for an independent expert opinion.
You'll likely be asked to fill out some questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment. They will typically request examples of your symptoms across different areas of your life. You may be asked to rate your ability to forget important appointments or lose things. They'll also ask you about your family history, medical history and your general health.
The consultant psychiatrist will then review the results of your questionnaires and conduct a medical interview to discuss your symptoms, medical history and your behavior. The results will be used to determine whether you meet 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 which could cause your symptoms to change or coexist with ADHD. Anxiety or depression for instance, may cause your ADHD worse.
The clinician will discuss their ideas and suggest an appropriate treatment plan after the appointment. If they think you suffer from ADHD they'll most likely recommend medication and a program of therapy.
If your psychiatrist does not believe you are suffering from ADHD and they'll explain the reason and refer you to your GP or another specialist to conduct further studies. It may be necessary to consult counsellor or a psychologist to discuss treatment options. This will depend on your preferences and whether you feel ADHD is affecting your daily life.
If you live in England, you have a legal right to decide where you receive your mental health care and, in particular, your ADHD assessment. This means that if you don't feel like waiting to be assessed for ADHD by your local NHS service or if your doctor cannot refer you, you are able to self-refer to an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre. This will allow you to receive an assessment within six months of making a request for the service.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
The symptoms of ADHD can be seen in different settings and situations. They can impact school, work as well as family life, friendships and household responsibilities. An important aspect of a diagnosis is that the symptoms must affect at least two of these settings and cause significant impairment. This could lead to loss of employment, relationship issues, poor performance in the college or school setting financial issues, reckless spending and even legal trouble.
It is common for adults to seek out a diagnosis because they are frustrated with their inability to stay focused and complete their tasks, or they are struggling with their relationships as they are having a difficult time listening. You may have noticed that they are more susceptible to accidents and reckless behavior like reckless driving or skipping classes, or ignoring social obligations.
Adults are more difficult to identify than children. This is because there are fewer clear-cut symptoms in adults and because the disorder can be associated with other mental health issues as well as other medical conditions. This is why an adult diagnosed with ADHD may need to be evaluated by a number of specialists to confirm their diagnosis.
The evaluation will likely involve a thorough interview and review of the person's medical history as and a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions that may produce symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. The doctor will typically use standardized rating scales to evaluate and compare the patient's symptoms. They might request the patient to complete questionnaires or take other forms of neuropsychological or psychological tests.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the patient is suffering from ADHD and they make an official diagnosis and discuss the treatment options. This may include medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions for behavior.
A diagnosis can alter your life, especially when you've struggled with ADHD undiagnosed for years. It can be a great relief to know that it wasn't lazyness or a lack of intelligence that was holding them back in the classroom and at work, or in their relationships and in the world around them. It is empowering to know that the condition can be managed by treatment and medication.
What happens if I disagree with my diagnosis?
If you're unhappy with your diagnosis, it's important to let the healthcare professional let them know. They're not there to treat you like an individual however, they must be subject to National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, Private ADHD Clinics Expose has raised concerns about private firms that are attempting to squeeze vulnerable patients through the door with inadequate assessment services and prescribing medication without conducting proper research. It's a worrying trend which is gaining momentum as more people seek out faster, more comprehensive assessment services and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a serious issue, and it's one that's exacerbated by a rapidly growing population of people seeking treatment, underfunded NHS mental health services struggling to keep up and changing times that compound the effects of existing illnesses. Private healthcare providers will grow more popular until the government addresses these issues and provides adequately equipped, funded and resourced professionals for its services.
While it's true that some private practitioners could be unprofessional, the reality is that there are plenty of excellent private clinics and people out there offering comprehensive assessments and the best treatment plans for their patients. Diverse Diagnostics' private ADHD assessment in Scotland could make a significant difference in someone's life. It provides them with the tools they need to live their best life at home and at work.
A thorough evaluation by an experienced GP or consultant, paired with the appropriate therapy is the most effective method to manage ADHD symptoms. Medicines can be a crucial component however for a lot of patients, it's also important to focus on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological strategies for managing symptoms.
If you are worried about the effects ADHD can have on your child, an online private ADHD assessment through Diverse Diagnostics in Aberdeen could be the first step towards understanding and giving them the tools they need to succeed in school, in their professional and personal lives and even into adulthood.