ADHD Private Diagnosis
Many people opt to get private diagnoses due to long NHS waiting times. But what exactly does this involve?
If you opt to get an individual diagnosis It is important to confirm whether your doctor will accept the concept of a 'Shared Care Agreement' prior to going ahead. You can still receive follow-up treatments through the NHS afterward.
What is an ADHD assessment?
A psychiatrist who has experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults will conduct a diagnostic interview. It begins with a thorough discussion of the patient's medical history, prior treatments and symptoms. It also includes a review of any relevant family, social or work history. Check with your insurance company to see if they cover the cost of an assessment. Also, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and colleagues are helpful. Avoid "speedy" online evaluation websites, which are not accepted by a majority of doctors and do not meet the standards for a valid diagnosis.
The initial assessment takes up to an hour. In this time, the doctor will ask the patient to discuss their current issues (as well when they started). Then the doctor will talk to people who know the patient - a spouse or sibling for an adult, or an instructor, coach or day care worker for a child and use checklists to to identify the signs. This information can give more of a personal view than the questionnaire.
The doctor will also use a variety of tests to determine if or not ADHD. These may include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system and executive functioning, test of achievement and objective questionnaires. private adhd assessment cost range 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 psychiatrist will review all the information and, if ADHD is found to be the cause discuss the various treatments available to the patient. The treatment suggested will depend on the severity and duration of the symptoms. This may involve medication, CBT therapy, lifestyle modifications or both. Some individuals may need to try a few different combinations of medication and doses before settling on a combination that works 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 is made if at least six traits of either type have been present in the last 6 months.
How do I conduct an ADHD assessment?
Speak to your family physician for an ADHD diagnosis. They may recommend you to a specialist for an assessment or suggest you seek an independent expert.
You'll likely be asked fill out forms or questionnaires before your appointment. They'll typically request examples of your symptoms across different areas of your life. You may be asked to rate your propensity to forget important appointments or misplace things. They will also ask you about your family's history as well as medical background.
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. The results will be used to determine if 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 alter or co-exist with ADHD. Depression or anxiety for instance, can cause your ADHD worse.
After the appointment, your therapist will discuss their findings with you and recommend a treatment plan. If they believe you have ADHD, then they will likely suggest medication or a course of treatment.
If your psychiatrist doesn't think you have ADHD, he or she will explain the reason and suggest you see your GP for further examination. It might be necessary to consult an expert counselor or psychologist to discuss possible treatment options. This will depend on your personal preferences and how you feel ADHD affects your daily life.
If you reside in England you have a legal right to choose the location you receive your mental health care and, in particular, your ADHD assessment. If you don't wish to wait to be assessed by your local NHS or if your doctor is unable refer you, you can self-refer to an 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 receive a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms can manifest in a variety and environments. They can impact school, work, relationships with family and home obligations as well as friendships. A diagnosis should be founded on symptoms that interfere with at least two of these settings and cause significant impairment. This could result in problems with relationships, job loss and poor performance in college or in school financial problems, impulsive purchases, and even legal trouble.
Adults usually seek out a diagnosis when they are unhappy with their inability to stay focused and complete their work or because they struggle in their relationships due to their difficulties listening. They might also have noticed that they are more prone to accidents and impulsive behaviors like driving recklessly or skipping classes, or blowing off social plans.
As with children who are diagnosed with the disorder, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult. Adults are less prone to symptoms and the disorder is able to coexist alongside other mental health problems and medical illnesses. To confirm the diagnosis, an adult suffering from ADHD will need to be evaluated and diagnosed by a variety of specialists.
The evaluation will likely involve a thorough interview and review of the person's medical history, as along with a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that may produce symptoms similar to those exhibited by ADHD. The physician will typically employ standard rating scales to assess and compare the symptoms of the patient. They may also ask the person to complete questionnaires or complete other types of neuropsychological or psychological testing.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist suspects that a person is suffering from ADHD and he is able to make an official diagnosis and then discuss treatment options. This may include psychotherapy, medication, or other behavioral interventions.
Getting a diagnosis can be life-changing, particularly for those who've struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for decades. It can be a huge relief to know that laziness or lack of intelligence was not the reason of their difficulties at the workplace, at school, in relationships, and in other areas. It can be encouraging to know it is possible to control the condition through medication and other treatments.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
If you're not satisfied with your diagnosis, it's important to let your healthcare professional know. You're not a client. However, they must adhere to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, raised concerns about some private companies squeezing vulnerable patients into their clinics with poor assessment services and prescribing drugs without proper research. This worrying trend is gaining momentum, as people are looking for more efficient, faster assessments and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a serious concern that is made more acute by the fact that mental health services within the NHS are not adequately funded and struggling to keep up with the ever-growing population. A changing world is also adding to existing issues. Until the government addresses these issues and provides properly well-funded, trained and resourced experts for its services, private health providers will be an increasingly popular option for those who require quicker access to healthcare.
While it's true that some private clinics could be unprofessional but the truth is that there are many excellent private clinics and people out there offering comprehensive assessments and the right treatment plans for their patients. A private ADHD assessment and diagnosis in Scotland through Diverse Diagnostics can be a major change in the life of a person, providing them with the tools needed to live their lives to the fullest at home as well as at work.
The most effective way to manage ADHD symptoms is with a full evaluation by a qualified physician or consultant, and the right treatment. Medicines can be a crucial part of this but for many patients, it's also important to concentrate on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological strategies for managing symptoms.
If you are concerned about the effect 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 towards understanding and giving them the tools they need to thrive in school, their personal and professional life and into adulthood.