ADHD Private Diagnosis
With NHS waiting times at an all-time high, a lot of patients are opting for private diagnosis. What exactly does this involve?
If you choose to get an individual diagnosis It is important to confirm that your doctor accepts something called a 'Shared Care Agreement' before going ahead. You can still receive follow-up treatment through the NHS afterward.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a medical interview with a psychiatrist that specializes in the diagnosis of adult ADHD. It begins with a thorough discussion of the patient's medical history, previous treatments and signs. The report also includes any relevant work, family or social history. Check with cost of private adhd assessment to see if they cover the cost of an evaluation. Recommendations from friends and colleagues are an excellent source. Avoid "speedy" online evaluation websites, which are not accepted by most providers and often do not meet the required criteria for a valid diagnosis.
The initial assessment can take one hour or more. During this time, a doctor will inquire with the patient to discuss their current concerns (as well as when they first began). The doctor will then speak to those who know the person well - a spouse or sibling for an adult, and an instructor, coach or day care worker for children - and use checklists to to identify the signs. This information can give a personal insight that isn't available through questionnaires.
A doctor may also perform several tests to rule out ADHD. These could include neuropsychological tests of the attention system, executive functioning tests, assessment tests for achievement, and objective questions. The tests can last between 15 minutes and one hour each and are designed to evaluate the results with those of people who do not have ADHD.
A psychiatrist will assess all information and If ADHD has been identified they will go over the different treatment options available to patients. The treatment method will depend on the severity and length. This could involve medication, CBT therapy, lifestyle changes or both. Some people may require a variety of combinations of medications and doses before they discover a combination 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. The diagnosis is only made if at least six symptoms of either type have been present over the past six months.
How is the time required to conduct an ADHD assessment?
Talk to your family doctor if you want to get an ADHD diagnosis. They may be able to recommend a specialist assessment or may suggest you to consult a private healthcare organisation for an independent opinion from a specialist.
Prior to your appointment, you'll likely be asked to fill out questionnaires and forms. In most cases, they'll ask you to list examples of symptoms you experience in different areas of your life. You might be asked to rate your ability to miss important appointments or to misplace things. They'll also inquire about your family history, your medical history, and your general health.
The psychiatrist who is consulting you will examine the results of your questionnaires and conduct a consultation to discuss your medical history, symptoms and your behavior. The answers 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 you have any mental health issues which could cause your symptoms to alter or co-exist with ADHD. For instance, anxiety or depression can make your ADHD symptoms worse.
The therapist will share their thoughts and propose an appropriate treatment plan after the appointment. If they believe you have ADHD Then they will likely recommend medication or a treatment plan.
If the 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 may be necessary to discuss your treatment options with a psychologist or counselor however this is up to you and will be based on whether you feel that the ADHD is having an impact on your daily life.
If you reside in England you have a legal right to decide where you receive your mental healthcare, including your ADHD assessment. If you don't want to wait for an assessment by your local NHS or in the event that your doctor is not able to provide you with a referral, you can 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 don't get a diagnosis?
The signs of ADHD can appear in many different situations and settings. They can impact school, work, friendships, family life and household responsibilities. The most important aspect of a diagnosis is that the signs must be disruptive to at least two of these environments 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 typically seek an assessment when they are frustrated with their inability to stay focused and finish their tasks or when they have difficulty in their relationships due to their difficulties listening. They might have also noticed that they were more susceptible to accidents than other people or reckless behaviors, like reckless driving, not attending classes or cancelling social plans.
As with children and adolescents, the diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult. This is due to fewer clear-cut symptoms in adults and because the disorder can coexist with other mental health disorders and other medical issues. For this reason, an adult with ADHD may need to be evaluated by a number of specialists to confirm their diagnosis.
The assessment will include an extensive interview, a review of the medical history of the patient and a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. The doctor will typically use standardized rating scales to evaluate and compare the symptoms of the patient. They may request the patient to complete questionnaires or take other forms of neuropsychological or psychological testing.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that a patient has ADHD and he is able to make an official diagnosis and discuss the treatment options. This may include medication, psychotherapy, or other behavioral treatments.
Being diagnosed can be life-changing, particularly for those who have suffered with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time. It can be a great relief to learn that laziness or lack of intelligence was not the cause of their difficulties at the workplace, at school, in relationships, and other areas. It can be encouraging to know it is possible to manage the condition with medications and other treatments.
What happens if I disagree?
It's important that you inform your healthcare provider if you're not happy with the diagnosis. You're not a patient. 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 medication without proper research. This alarming trend is increasing in frequency as people search for faster, more comprehensive assessments and treatments to treat their symptoms.
This is a serious concern and is exacerbated by the fact that mental health services in the NHS are not adequately funded and struggling to keep pace with the ever-growing population. A changing world also compounds existing conditions. Until the government addresses these issues and provides adequately resourced, funded and trained professionals to provide its services, private healthcare providers will become a popular choice for those who require faster 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 to people's lives, giving them the tools to live their best lives, both at home and at work.
A full assessment from an experienced GP or consultant, paired with the right therapy is the most effective way to manage ADHD symptoms. For many patients, medication can be a key element in managing symptoms. However, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological methods are also beneficial.
If you are worried about the effects ADHD can have on your child you can take them to an online private ADHD assessment through Diverse Diagnostics in Aberdeen could be the first step towards understanding and providing them with the tools needed to thrive in school, their personal and professional life and into adulthood.