ADHD Private Diagnosis
Many people choose to seek private diagnosis due to the long NHS waiting times. What is the implication?
If you choose to get a private diagnosis it is worth confirming that your GP will accept something called a 'Shared Care Agreement' prior to going ahead. This way, you will still receive follow-up treatment through the NHS afterwards.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a clinical interview with a psychiatrist that specializes in diagnosing adult ADHD. It begins with a detailed discussion of the individual's medical history, symptoms and previous treatment. The review also includes any relevant family, work and social background. Check with your insurance company to see if they cover the cost of a medical evaluation. Also, word-of-mouth recommendations from colleagues and friends are useful. Avoid "speedy" online evaluation sites, which are not accepted by a majority of doctors and do not meet the requirements for a valid diagnosis.
The initial examination can take one hour or more. During this time, the doctor will ask the patient to discuss their current issues (as well as when they began). The doctor will then talk to those who know the person well - a spouse or sibling for an adult, or an instructor, coach or day care worker for a child and use checklists to help to identify the signs. This information can give more specific information than an assessment questionnaire.
A doctor may also perform a number of tests to rule out ADHD. These tests could include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system, executive functioning and achievement tests. The tests can take from 15 minutes to an hour each and are designed to evaluate the results to those of people without ADHD.
A psychiatrist will review all information and, if ADHD is diagnosed discuss the various treatments available to the patient. The type of treatment will depend on the severity and length. This may include medications, CBT, lifestyle changes, or both. Some individuals may need to test several different dosages and combinations of medications 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 can only be made if at least six traits of either type were present during the last six months.
How do I conduct an ADHD assessment?
If you're interested in getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's a good idea to speak to your family doctor. They might be able to refer you for an expert assessment or may suggest you to contact an organization for private healthcare to get an independent expert opinion.
You'll probably be asked to fill out some questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment. Usually, they will require you to provide examples of symptoms you encounter in different areas of your life. For example, they might ask you to rate how often you forget important appointments or misplace items. They might also ask you about your family history and medical background.
The consultant psychiatrist will then review the results of your questionnaires and conduct a clinical interview to discuss your symptoms, medical history and behaviour. They'll use the answers to determine whether you're in line with 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.
You'll be asked if have any mental health issues that might cause your symptoms to alter or co-exist with ADHD. For instance, depression or anxiety can cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
The doctor will share their thoughts and offer a treatment plan with you after the appointment. If they think you're suffering from ADHD They'll probably suggest medication and a course of therapy.
If your psychiatrist does not believe you are suffering from ADHD, they'll explain why and refer you to your GP or another specialist for further examination. It might be necessary to talk with a psychologist or counselor to discuss possible treatment options. This is based on your preferences and how you feel ADHD is affecting your daily life.
If you live in England you have the right to choose where your mental health care is offered and includes your ADHD assessment. If you don't want to wait to be assessed by your local NHS or when your doctor isn't able to refer you, you may self-refer to an Priory Health Centre or a hospital. You will be given an assessment six months after requesting it.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
ADHD symptoms can manifest in a variety of situations and environments. private adhd assessment 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 2 of these settings, and cause significant impairment. This could result in job losses, relationship issues, poor performance at school or college, financial difficulties, impulsive purchases, and even legal trouble.
It is common for adults to seek out a diagnosis because they are frustrated with their inability to stay focused and complete their tasks or they are having issues in their relationships due to the fact that they are having a difficult time listening. They might also have noticed that they were more prone to accidents than other people or impulsive behaviors, like reckless driving, skipping classes or cancelling social plans.
As with children and adolescents, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult. This is due to no clear-cut symptoms for adults, and also because the disorder can coexist with other mental health disorders as well as other medical conditions. In this way, an adult with ADHD might need to be assessed by a number of specialists to confirm their diagnosis.
The evaluation will involve an in-depth interview as well as a review of the medical background of the patient, and a physical exam to rule out 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 the person to complete questionnaires or other types of neuropsychological or psychological testing.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the person has ADHD they will issue an official diagnosis and discuss treatment options. This may include psychotherapy, medication, or other behavioral treatments.
A diagnosis can have a profound impact, particularly for those who've struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time. It can be a tremendous relief to know that insanity or lack of intelligence was not the cause of their difficulties at school, work, relationships, and other areas. It is empowering to know that the condition can be controlled by medication and other treatments.
What happens if I don't agree?
It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider if you're not happy with the diagnosis. They're not there to treat you like a customer, but they should still be legally bound by National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing treatment.
Private ADHD Clinics: Explicitly exposed by BBC Panorama raised concerns that certain private companies were bringing patients who were vulnerable to be taken out of their clinics using poor assessment services, and prescribing medications without proper research. It's a worrying trend which is gaining momentum as more people seek out faster and more thorough assessment services and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a serious issue, and it's one that's caused by the rapidly increasing number of people seeking treatment underfunded NHS mental health services struggling to keep up and changing times that compound the effects of existing ailments. Private healthcare providers will become more popular until the government solves these problems and provides properly equipped, funded and staffed professionals for its services.
While it's true that some private practitioners may be shoddy however, there are plenty of high-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 needed to live their best lives, both at home and at work.
A thorough assessment by an experienced GP/consultant, coupled with the right therapy, can be the most effective way to manage ADHD symptoms. For many patients, medication may be an essential element in managing symptoms. However, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological approaches are also essential.
If you are worried about the effects ADHD has on your child, an online private ADHD assessment with Diverse Diagnostics in Aberdeen could be the first step towards understanding the issue and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in school, their professional and personal lives, and even into adulthood.