ADHD Private Diagnosis
Many people opt to get private diagnosis due to the long NHS waiting times. What exactly does this involve?
If you opt to get a private diagnosis, it's worth checking whether your doctor will accept something called a 'Shared Care Agreement' prior to moving ahead. This way, you'll still receive 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. It begins with a detailed review of the patient's medical history, symptoms and past treatment. The report also covers any relevant work, family or social history. Contact your insurance company to see if they cover the cost of a medical evaluation. Word of mouth recommendations from colleagues and friends are a good source, too. Avoid "speedy" online evaluation sites which are not accepted by the majority of providers and frequently do not meet the required requirements for a valid diagnosis.
The initial examination can take about an hour or more. In this time, the doctor will interview the patient about their current issues (as well as when they first began). The doctor will then talk to people who know the patient like a sibling or spouse for an adult, or a teacher, coach or day care worker for children - and use checklists to help determine the symptoms. This can give a more of a personal view than an assessment questionnaire.
The doctor will also use a variety of tests to help confirm or rule out ADHD. These tests may include neuropsychological assessment of the attention system, executive functioning and achievement tests. The tests range between 15 minutes and an hour and are designed to evaluate the results with those of people without ADHD.
A psychiatrist will assess all information and should ADHD is diagnosed, will discuss the various treatments available for patients. The type of treatment will be determined by the severity and length. This could involve medication, CBT therapy, lifestyle adjustments or both. Some people will need to try several different dosages and combinations of medication before they discover a combination that works.
If adhd assessment private 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 confirmed if at least six symptoms of either type have been present in the last 6 months.
How long will an ADHD assessment take?
Speak to your family physician in the event that you are looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis. They could recommend you to a specialist for an assessment or suggest you seek an independent expert opinion.
You'll likely be asked fill out some questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment. They'll typically require you to provide examples of your symptoms in different areas of your life. You might be asked to rate your tendency to forget important appointments or misplace things. They'll also inquire about your family history, your medical history and your general health.
The consultant psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaires and then conduct a medical consultation to discuss your medical history and symptoms. They'll then use these results to check that you are in the right place to receive an ADHD diagnosis (as defined 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 suffer from any other mental health issues that may co-exist with ADHD or cause your symptoms to appear differently. For instance, depression or anxiety could make your ADHD symptoms worse.
The doctor will share their thoughts and offer an appropriate treatment plan after the appointment. If they suspect you may have ADHD, then they will likely recommend medication or a course of treatment.
If your psychiatrist doesn't think that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will explain the reason and suggest you see your GP to conduct further research. It might be necessary to speak with an expert counselor or psychologist to discuss possible treatment options. This will depend on your preferences and whether you feel ADHD affects your daily life.
If you reside in England you have the right to choose the location where your mental health care is offered, including your ADHD assessment. This means that if do not want to wait to be evaluated for ADHD by your local NHS service or if your doctor cannot refer you, you are able to self-refer directly to a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre. You will be given an assessment after six months of having made the request.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
The signs of ADHD can be seen in different situations and settings. They can impact relationships at school, work, family and home responsibilities as well as friendships. A diagnosis should be based on symptoms that affect at least two of these settings, and cause significant impairment. This can lead to loss of employment, relationship issues and poor performance at school or college financial issues, reckless spending and even legal trouble.
It is common for adults to seek treatment because they are unhappy with their inability to remain focused and complete tasks or they are having issues in their relationships due to the fact that they are having a difficult time listening. They may also have noticed that they are more prone to accidents and impulsive behaviors like reckless driving and skipping class, or blowing off social plans.
Adults are more difficult to recognize than children. This is due to the fact that there are no clear-cut symptoms for adults and because the disorder can coexist with other mental health issues and other medical issues. To confirm the diagnosis, an adult with ADHD will require to be assessed and diagnosed by several specialists.
The evaluation will likely involve an extensive interview and review of the person's medical history, as along with a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. The clinician will use standardized scales to assess and compare the symptoms of the patient. They may also ask patients to complete questionnaires or other types of psychological or neuropsychological tests.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist believes that a person has ADHD and he is able to make an official diagnosis and discuss treatment options. This could include psychotherapy, medication or other behavioral treatments.
A diagnosis can transform your life, particularly when you've struggled with ADHD and were not diagnosed for years. It can be a huge relief to be able to know that it wasn't just lazyness or a lack of intelligence that was holding them back at the classroom, at work, in their relationships, and in the world around them. It can also be encouraging to know it is possible to treat the condition through medication and other treatments.
What happens if I disagree?
If you are unhappy with your diagnosis, it's vital to let your healthcare professional know. You're not a customer. But they should still 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 that squeeze vulnerable patients through the door with poor assessment services and prescribing medication without conducting proper research. It's a worrying trend that is growing in popularity as people seek speedier, more comprehensive assessment services and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a major issue that is made more acute due to the fact that mental health services in the NHS are underfunded and struggling to keep pace with the ever-growing population. A changing world can also exacerbate existing problems. As long as the government doesn't address these issues and provides properly well-funded, trained and resourced professionals for its services, private health providers will become a popular option for those who require faster access to treatment.
While it's true that some private providers may be shoddy however, there are many quality private clinics and individuals who offer comprehensive assessments and appropriate treatment plans for their patients. Diverse Diagnostics' private ADHD assessment in Scotland can make a huge impact on the lives of people. It provides them with the tools needed to live their best life at home and at work.
The most effective method to manage ADHD symptoms is to have an exhaustive evaluation by a qualified physician or consultant, and the right treatment. Medications can be an essential component, but for many patients it's also necessary to focus on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological strategies to manage symptoms.
If you are concerned about the effect ADHD can have on your child, an online private ADHD assessment through Diverse Diagnostics in Aberdeen could be the first steps towards understanding and giving them the tools they need to thrive in school, their personal and professional life and even into adulthood.