ADHD Private Diagnosis
With NHS waiting times at the highest level, many people are choosing to seek private medical diagnosis. What is the implication?
If you decide to receive 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 will still receive follow-up treatment through the NHS afterwards.
What is ADHD assessment?
A psychiatrist with experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults will conduct a diagnostic interview. It begins with an in-depth discussion of the patient's medical history, prior treatments and symptoms. It also includes a detailed review of any relevant family, social or work history. If your insurance company covers the cost of the evaluation make sure you inquire with them for a specialist in your area. The recommendations of friends and colleagues are a good source, too. Avoid "speedy", online evaluation websites. They aren't accepted by a large number of healthcare providers and often do not provide the criteria needed to make a valid diagnosis.
The initial examination can take an hour or more. In this time, the doctor will inquire with the patient to discuss their current problems (as well as when they began). Then the doctor will talk 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 help to identify the signs. This information can add an individual perspective that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires.
A doctor may also use various tests to confirm or rule out ADHD. These tests can include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system, executive functioning and achievement tests. The tests are designed to evaluate the results between people suffering from ADHD and those without ADHD. They can last between 15 minutes and one hour.
A psychiatric expert will evaluate all information and, if ADHD is diagnosed they will discuss the different treatment options available to patients. The type of treatment recommended will be based on the severity and duration of symptoms. This may include medication, CBT, lifestyle changes or both. Some people will have to test a variety of combinations of dosages and medications before they find one 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 confirmed if at least six symptoms of either type have been present in the last 6 months.
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
If you're considering getting an ADHD diagnosis it's a good idea to speak to your family physician. They may recommend you to a specialist for an assessment or suggest you seek an independent expert.
You'll probably be asked to fill out questionnaires or forms prior your appointment. They'll typically request 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 ask about your family history, your medical history and your general health.
The consultant psychiatrist will then examine the results of your questionnaires and conduct a consultation to discuss your symptoms, medical history and behaviour. They'll use the answers to check that you meet the criteria for 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 look at whether or not you have any other mental health challenges that may co-exist with ADHD or cause your symptoms to manifest differently. Anxiety or depression for instance, can make your ADHD worse.
After the appointment, the clinician will discuss their findings with you and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. If they suspect you may have ADHD, then they are likely to recommend medication or a treatment plan.
If the psychiatrist doesn't believe you are suffering from ADHD and they'll explain the reason and refer you 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 up to you and will depend on if you believe that ADHD is having an impact on your life.
If you live in England and are a resident of England, you have the legal right to decide where you receive your mental health care 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 a Priory hospital or wellness center. This will allow you to get an assessment within six months of making a request for the service.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
The signs of ADHD can be seen in different settings and situations. They can affect school, work and friendships, family life and home obligations. The most important aspect of a diagnosis is that the symptoms must affect at least two of these settings and cause significant impairment. This could lead to loss of employment, relationship issues or a poor performance at college or in school financial issues, impulsive purchases, and even legal troubles.
It is common for adults to seek a diagnosis because they are unhappy with their inability to remain focused and finish their work, or they are struggling in their relationships because they are having a difficult time listening. You may have noticed that they are more susceptible to accidents and impulsive behavior like driving recklessly and skipping class, or blowing off social plans.
Unlike children, the diagnosis of 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 ailments. To confirm the diagnosis, an adult suffering from ADHD will need to be evaluated and diagnosed by a variety of specialists.
private adhd assessment for adults will likely include an extensive interview and review of the person's medical history as well as a physical exam to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. The clinician will use standardized scales to compare and measure the symptoms of the patient. They may also ask patients to fill out questionnaires or other forms of neuropsychological or psychological tests.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist believes that a person has ADHD and he is able to make a formal diagnoses and discuss treatment options. This could include psychotherapy, medication or other interventions for behavior.
Getting a diagnosis can have a profound impact, particularly for adults who have struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for decades. It can be a great relief to realize that it wasn't insanity or lack of intellect that was holding them back in school and at work, or in their relationships, and in the world around them. It can be empowering to realize that the condition can be treated by medication and other treatments.
What happens if I don't agree?
It is crucial to inform your healthcare professional whether you're dissatisfied with the diagnosis. You're not a customer. However, they must adhere to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for treatment.
Private ADHD Clinics: Explicitly exposed by BBC Panorama raised concerns that private companies were pushing vulnerable patients to the door of their clinics using poor assessment services, and prescribing drugs without conducting proper research. This alarming trend is gaining momentum, as people are looking for more efficient, faster assessments and treatments to treat their symptoms.
This is a serious issue and one that's exacerbated by a rapidly growing population of people seeking treatment, underfunded NHS mental health services struggling to keep pace with an ever-changing world compounding the effects of existing ailments. As long as the government doesn't address these issues and offers properly well-funded, trained and resourced professionals to provide its services, private health providers will be an increasingly popular choice for those who require quicker access to treatment.
While it's true that some private providers may be shoddy, the reality is that there are plenty of quality private clinics and individuals that offer thorough assessments and the right treatment plans for 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 at home as well as at work.
A thorough evaluation by a qualified GP/consultant, combined with the right treatment is the most effective way to manage ADHD symptoms. Medicines can be a crucial component however for a lot of patients it is also essential to focus on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological strategies for managing symptoms.
If you're concerned about the impact of ADHD on your child, a thorough online private ADHD assessment in Aberdeen through Diverse Diagnostics could be the first step toward understanding their challenges and giving them the tools they need to be successful at school and in their professional and personal lives, and even into adulthood.