ADHD Private Diagnosis
Many people opt to get private diagnoses due to long NHS waiting times. But what exactly is this?
If you choose to get an appointment with a private doctor, it's worth checking that your GP will accept the concept of a 'Shared Care Agreement' prior to moving ahead. This way, you'll still get follow up treatment from the NHS in the future.
What is ADHD assessment?
A psychiatrist with experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults will conduct a clinical interview. adhd private assessment begins with a thorough discussion of the patient's medical history, prior treatments and signs. It also includes a detailed review of any relevant family, social and work background. Contact your insurance company to determine if they cover the cost of an assessment. Also, recommendations from word-of-mouth colleagues and friends are useful. Avoid "speedy", online evaluation sites. They are not accepted by many providers and often do not meet the requirements to make a valid diagnosis.
The initial evaluation can last an hour or longer. During this time, a doctor will inquire with the patient to discuss their current concerns (as well when they started). The doctor will then speak to people who know the patient well such as a sibling or spouse for an adult, and a teacher, coach or day care worker for children - and use checklists to to identify the signs. This can provide a personal insight that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires.
The doctor will also use various tests to help confirm or rule out ADHD. These may include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system, executive functioning, achievement tests and objective questionnaires. These tests are designed to measure results between people with ADHD and those without ADHD. They can last between 15 minutes and an hour.
A psychiatrist will assess all information and, if ADHD has been diagnosed they will discuss the different treatments available for patients. The treatment suggested will depend on the severity and duration of symptoms. This could involve medication, CBT therapy, lifestyle modifications or both. Some individuals may need to test several different combinations of medication and doses before finding one 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. The diagnosis can only be confirmed if at least six of the traits of either kind were present in the last 6 months.
How long will an ADHD assessment last?
If you're considering an ADHD diagnosis, it's recommended to talk to your family physician. They may be able to refer you for a specialist assessment or advise you to consult a private healthcare organisation for an independent expert opinion.
You'll likely be asked to fill out some questionnaires or forms prior your appointment. Usually, they will ask you to list examples of symptoms you experience in various areas of your life. You may be asked to rate your ability to forget important appointments or misplace things. They might also ask you about your family's history and medical history.
The consultant psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaires, and then conduct a clinical consultation to discuss your medical history and symptoms. They'll use the answers to check that you meet 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.
You'll be asked if have any mental health issues that could cause your symptoms to alter or co-exist with ADHD. For instance, anxiety or depression could make your ADHD symptoms worse.
After the appointment, your therapist will share their thoughts with you and suggest the best treatment plan. If they think you suffer from ADHD, they'll likely suggest medication and a plan of therapy.
If your doctor doesn't believe that you suffer from ADHD then he or she will explain the reason and refer you to your GP to conduct further research. In certain situations, it might be appropriate to discuss your treatment options with a counselor or psychologist, but this will be down to your preference and will depend on if you feel that the ADHD is having an impact on your everyday life.
If you reside in England, you have a legal right to choose where you receive your mental healthcare including your ADHD assessment. If you don't wish 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 an Priory Health Centre or a hospital. This will allow you to be assessed within six months of requesting the service.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
The symptoms of ADHD can appear in many different situations and settings. They can affect work, school, relationships, family and home responsibilities as well as friendships. A diagnosis should be determined by symptoms that impact at least two of these settings, and result in significant impairment. This can result in job loss, relationship issues and poor performance at the college or school setting financial issues, reckless spending and even legal trouble.
It is not uncommon for adults to seek out a diagnosis because they are frustrated with their inability to focus and complete tasks or they are having issues in their relationships due to the fact that they are having a difficult time listening. They might also have noticed that they are more prone to accidents and impulsive behavior such as reckless driving or skipping classes, or ignoring social obligations.
Adults are more difficult to recognize than children. This is due to no clear-cut symptoms for adults and because the disorder can coexist with other mental health disorders and other medical issues. This is why an adult suffering from ADHD might need to be evaluated by a variety of specialists to confirm their diagnosis.
The examination will include a thorough interview, a review of the medical background of the patient, and a physical examination to eliminate any other medical conditions which could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. The clinician will usually use standard rating scales to assess and compare the symptoms of the patient. They may also ask patients to fill out questionnaires or other types of neuropsychological or psychological tests.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist suspects that a person is suffering from ADHD, he will make an official diagnosis and discuss treatment options. This may include psychotherapy, medication, or other interventions for behavior.
Getting a diagnosis can be life-changing, particularly for those who have suffered with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time. It can be a tremendous relief to discover that laziness or lack of intelligence was not the cause of their difficulties in school, at work, relationships, and in other areas. It can be empowering to know that it is possible to control the condition through medication and other treatments.
What happens if I disagree?
If you're not satisfied with your diagnosis, it's vital to let your healthcare professional be aware. They're not there to treat you like you're a client however, they must be bound by National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, raised concerns about some private companies that squeeze vulnerable patients through the doors with inadequate assessment and treatment services, and even prescribing medications without proper research. This is a worrying trend that is growing in popularity as people seek faster, more comprehensive assessment services and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a real concern and one that's exacerbated by a rapidly growing number of people seeking treatment underfunded NHS mental health services struggling to keep pace with an ever-changing world compounding the effects of existing illnesses. If the government doesn't tackle these issues and offers properly equipped, financed and trained professionals to provide its services, private healthcare providers will be an increasingly popular choice for those who require faster access to treatment.
There are a variety of private clinics that provide comprehensive assessments and treatment plans for their patients. A private ADHD assessment and diagnosis in Scotland through Diverse Diagnostics can make a huge difference to the life of a person, providing them with the tools to live their best lives at home and at work.
The most effective method to manage ADHD symptoms is with an exhaustive evaluation by a qualified physician or consultant, and the right treatment. For many patients, medication can be a key component of managing symptoms. However, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or other non-pharmacological approaches are also important.
If you are worried about the effects ADHD can have on your child you can take them to an online private ADHD assessment with Diverse Diagnostics in Aberdeen could be the first step to understanding and giving them the tools they need to thrive in school, their personal and professional life, and even into adulthood.