ADHD Private Diagnosis
With NHS waiting times at an all-time high, many people are choosing to seek private medical diagnosis. What exactly does this involve?
If you choose to get an appointment with a private doctor it is worth confirming whether your doctor will accept what's known as a "Shared Care Agreement' before going ahead. You'll still be able to receive follow-up care from the NHS afterward.
What is ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a medical interview with a psychiatrist that specializes in the diagnosis of adult ADHD. It begins with a detailed discussion of the individual's medical background, symptoms and treatment. It also provides a thorough review of any relevant family, social, and work background. Check with your insurance provider to determine if they will cover the cost of an evaluation. Recommendations from friends and colleagues are a good source, too. Avoid "speedy" online evaluation sites that are not endorsed by a majority of doctors and don't meet the requirements for a valid diagnosis.
The initial evaluation can last for about an hour or more. In this time, the doctor will interview the patient to discuss their current concerns (as well when they started). Then the doctor will talk to those who know the person well - a spouse or sibling for an adult, or teachers, coaches or day care worker for children - and use checklists to help identify symptoms. This can give a more of a personal view than an assessment questionnaire.
The doctor will also use various tests to help to determine or exclude ADHD. These tests could include neuropsychological assessment of the attention system as well as executive functioning and achievement tests. The tests are designed to measure results between people suffering from ADHD and those without ADHD. They can range between 15 minutes and one hour.
A psychiatrist will review all information and, if ADHD has been identified, will discuss the various treatments available to the patients. The treatment suggested will be based on the severity and duration of the symptoms. It could include medication, CBT therapy, lifestyle changes or both. Some people will have to test a variety of combinations of dosages and medications before they can 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. A diagnosis will only be determined if the patient has at least six characteristics (symptoms) of any kind over the past 6 months.
How long will an ADHD assessment last?
If you're considering an ADHD diagnosis is an excellent idea to talk to your family doctor. They may recommend you to a specialist for an assessment or advise you to seek an independent expert.
You'll probably be asked to complete some questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment. Most often, they'll require you to provide examples of symptoms you encounter in different areas of your life. You may be asked to rate your propensity to miss important appointments or to misplace things. They'll also ask you about your family history, your medical history, and general health.
The consultant psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaires, and then conduct a medical consultation to discuss your symptoms and medical history. These 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.
They'll also look at whether or not you're suffering from any other mental health challenges that may co-exist with ADHD or cause your symptoms to manifest differently. Anxiety or depression, for example, could make your ADHD worse.
After the appointment, your therapist will discuss their thoughts with you and recommend a treatment plan. If they suspect that you're suffering from ADHD They'll probably recommend medication and a program of therapy.
If the psychiatrist does not believe that you suffer from ADHD and they'll explain the reason and refer you to your GP or another specialist for further examination. It might be necessary to consult an expert counselor or psychologist to discuss treatment options. This will depend on your personal preferences and whether you feel ADHD affects your daily routine.
If private adhd assessment online reside in England you have a legal right to choose the location you receive your mental healthcare and, in particular, your ADHD assessment. This means that if you don't feel like waiting to be evaluated for ADHD by your local NHS service, or if your GP is unable to refer you, you are able to self-refer directly to a Priory health centre or hospital. You will receive an assessment within six months of making the request.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
The signs of ADHD can appear in many different situations and settings. They can affect school, work as well as family life, friendships and home responsibilities. An important aspect of a diagnosis is that the symptoms should interfere with at least two of these environments and cause significant impairment. This can result in loss of employment, relationship issues, poor performance in the college or school setting financial issues, reckless spending and even legal trouble.
It is not uncommon for adults to seek a diagnosis because they are unhappy with their inability to focus and complete tasks or are having difficulty with their relationships as they aren't listening. You may have noticed that they are more susceptible to accidents and reckless behavior like reckless driving and skipping class, or blowing off social plans.
In contrast to children, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult. Adults have fewer symptoms and the disorder is able to coexist alongside other mental health problems and medical illnesses. For this reason, an adult diagnosed with ADHD may need to be examined by a variety of specialists to confirm their diagnosis.
The evaluation will involve a thorough interview and a thorough review of the medical background of the patient, and a physical examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions which could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. The doctor will use standard scales to measure and compare the symptoms of the patient. They may also ask patients to fill out questionnaires, or other types of psychological or neuropsychological tests.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the patient has ADHD they will issue a formal diagnosis and discuss the treatment options. This can include medication, psychotherapy, or other behavioral treatments.
A diagnosis can change your life, especially when you've struggled with ADHD undiagnosed for years. It can be a tremendous relief to learn that lack of motivation or intelligence was not the reason of their difficulties in school, at work, relationships, and other areas. It can also be an empowering feeling to know that it is possible to treat the condition with treatment and medication.
What happens if I am not satisfied with my diagnosis?
It is crucial to let your healthcare professional know that you're not satisfied with the diagnosis. They're not here to treat you like a customer however, they must be bound by National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide treatment.
Private ADHD Clinics: Exposed by BBC Panorama raised concerns that certain private companies were bringing vulnerable patients to walk out of their clinics using poor assessment services, and prescribing drugs without proper research. It's a worrying trend which is gaining momentum as people seek faster assessments, more thorough services and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a serious issue that is made more acute by the fact that mental health services within the NHS are in need of funding and struggle to keep pace with the increasing population. A world that is constantly changing also compounds existing conditions. If the government doesn't tackle these issues and provides properly well-funded, trained and resourced experts for its services, private health providers will become a popular choice for those who need quicker access to healthcare.
There are many private clinics that provide comprehensive assessments and treatment plans for their patients. A private ADHD assessment and diagnosis in Scotland through Diverse Diagnostics can make a huge difference to the life of a person, providing them with the tools needed to live their lives to the fullest, both at home and at work.
A full assessment from an experienced GP or consultant, paired with the right treatment is the most effective way to manage ADHD symptoms. For many patients, medication may be a crucial component of managing symptoms. However, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or other non-pharmacological methods are also essential.
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 step towards understanding and providing them with the tools they need to excel in school, in their personal and professional life and even into adulthood.