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 a private diagnosis It is important to confirm that your doctor accepts the concept of a 'Shared Care Agreement' before going ahead. You'll still be able to receive follow-up treatments from the NHS following the diagnosis.
What is an ADHD assessment?
A psychiatrist with experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults will conduct a diagnostic interview. The process begins with a thorough review of the patient's medical background, symptoms and treatment. The review also includes any relevant family, work and social history. Check with your insurance company to determine if they will cover the cost of an evaluation. Word of mouth recommendations from friends and colleagues are a good source, too. Avoid "speedy", online evaluation sites. They are not accepted by a large number of healthcare providers and do not always meet the standards required to make a valid diagnosis.
The initial examination can take 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 began). The doctor will then speak to people that are familiar with the patient for example, siblings, spouses or a teacher for an adult as well as a coach, daycare worker, or a daycare worker who works with children who are young. Checklists are used to pinpoint the symptoms. This information can give more personal insight than a questionnaire.
The doctor may also perform various tests to help to determine or exclude ADHD. These tests can include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system as well as executive functioning and achievement tests. The tests can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour each and are designed to compare the results to those of people who do not have ADHD.
A psychiatric specialist will evaluate all information and, if ADHD is found to be the cause discuss the various treatment options available to the patient. The treatment suggested will be based on the severity and duration of symptoms. This could be medications, CBT, lifestyle changes or both. Some individuals may need to test a variety of combinations of dosages and medications before finding one 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. A diagnosis will only be made if the individual has at minimum six traits (symptoms) of any kind within the last 6 months.
How long will an ADHD assessment last?
If you're considering getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's an excellent idea to talk to your family doctor. They might be able recommend a specialist assessment or may suggest you to contact an organization for private healthcare to get an independent opinion from a specialist.
You'll likely be asked to fill out questionnaires or forms prior your appointment. Usually, adhd private assessment will ask you to give examples of the symptoms you experience in different areas of your life. You may be asked to rate your propensity to forget important appointments or misplace things. They'll also ask you about your family history, your medical history, and general health.
The psychiatrist in charge will go over the results of your questionnaires and then conduct a medical consultation to discuss your medical history and symptoms. 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 consider whether or not you have any other mental health challenges that can co-exist with ADHD or cause your symptoms to manifest differently. Anxiety or depression for instance, may make your ADHD worse.
After the appointment, your therapist will discuss their thoughts with you and recommend a treatment plan. If they believe you have ADHD, then they are likely to recommend medication or a treatment plan.
If your psychiatrist does not believe that you suffer from ADHD, they'll explain why and will refer you back to your GP or another specialist for further examination. In some cases it is possible to discuss your treatment options with a counselor or psychologist however this is down to your preference and will depend on whether you believe that ADHD is having an impact on your life.
If you reside in England you have a legal right to decide where you receive your mental healthcare including your ADHD assessment. This means that if you do not want to wait to be evaluated for ADHD by your local NHS service, or if your GP cannot refer you, you are able to self-refer directly to an Priory hospital or wellness center. You will receive an assessment within six months of requesting it.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?
The symptoms of ADHD can manifest in different settings and situations. They can impact relationships at school, work and family responsibilities and also friendships. An important aspect of a diagnosis is that the symptoms should be disruptive to at least two of these environments and cause significant impairment. This can result in job loss, relationship issues and poor performance at the college or school setting, financial problems, impulsive spending, and even legal trouble.
Adults usually seek out an assessment when they are frustrated with their inability stay focused and complete their work or when they have difficulty in their relationships due to their difficulty listening. They might also have noticed that they were more susceptible than others to accidents or impulsive actions, such as reckless driving, skipping classes or canceling social plans.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose than children. Adults exhibit fewer symptoms, and the disorder can coexist alongside other mental health issues and medical ailments. To confirm the diagnosis, a person with ADHD will require to be assessed and diagnosed by several specialists.
The assessment will likely include a thorough interview and review of the patient's medical history, as along with a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those exhibited by ADHD. The clinician will usually use standardized rating scales to measure and compare the patient's symptoms. They may also ask patients to fill out questionnaires or other types of neuropsychological or psychological tests.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the person has ADHD they will issue an official diagnosis and talk about possible treatment options. This may include psychotherapy, medication, or other interventions for behavior.
A diagnosis can be life-changing, particularly for those who've struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for decades. It can be an enormous relief to realize that it wasn't laziness or a lack of intelligence that was keeping them back at the classroom or at work, but also in their relationships and in the world around them. It is also empowering to know that it is possible to control the condition through treatment and medication.
What happens if I disagree with my diagnosis?
If you're unhappy with your diagnosis, it's vital to let the healthcare professional know. They're not here to treat you as an individual but they must be legally bound by National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, Private ADHD Clinics Expose has raised concerns about private companies squeezing vulnerable patients through the doors by providing poor assessment services and prescribing medication without conducting proper research. This is a worrying trend that seems to be gaining momentum as people seek speedier assessments, more thorough services and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a serious concern that is made more acute due to the fact that mental health services within the NHS are in need of funding and struggle to keep pace with the growing population. A world that is constantly changing also compounds existing conditions. If the government doesn't tackle these issues and provides adequately equipped, financed and trained professionals to provide its services, private health providers will become a more popular option for those who need quicker access to healthcare.
There are a variety of private clinics offering comprehensive assessments and treatment plans to their patients. A private ADHD assessment and diagnosis in Scotland through Diverse Diagnostics can make a huge difference in someone's life, giving them the tools to live their best lives at home and at work.
A full assessment from a qualified GP/consultant, combined with the right treatment is the most effective way to manage ADHD symptoms. For many patients, medication may be an essential element in managing symptoms. However, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or other non-pharmacological methods are also beneficial.
If you are concerned about the effect ADHD has on your child, an online private ADHD assessment by Diverse Diagnostics in Aberdeen could be the first steps towards understanding and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in school, their professional and personal lives and even into adulthood.