ADHD Private Diagnosis
Many people seek private diagnosis due to the long NHS waiting times. What exactly does this involve?
If you opt to get an individual diagnosis, it's worth checking whether your doctor will accept the concept of a 'Shared Care Agreement' prior to going ahead. This way, you can still get follow up treatment from the NHS afterwards.
What is ADHD assessment?
A psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults will conduct a diagnostic interview. It begins with a thorough discussion of the patient's medical history, prior treatments and signs. The review also includes any relevant work, family or social background. Contact your insurance company to determine if they cover the cost of an assessment. Word of mouth recommendations from colleagues and friends is a good source, too. Avoid "speedy", online evaluation sites. They are not endorsed by many providers and don't always meet the requirements for a valid diagnose.
The initial assessment can take one hour or more. In this time, the doctor will interview the patient about their current concerns (as well as when they began). The doctor will then speak to those who know the person well such as a sibling or spouse for an adult, and teachers, coaches or day care worker for children - and use checklists to determine the symptoms. This information can add an individual perspective that isn't available through questionnaires.
A doctor may also perform several tests to confirm or rule out ADHD. These tests could include neuropsychological assessment of the attention system, executive functioning and achievement tests. The tests are designed to measure results between people suffering from ADHD and those without ADHD. They range in length between 15 minutes and an hour.
A psychiatrist will review all the information available and should ADHD is identified, discuss the different treatments available to the patient. The treatment suggested will depend on the severity and duration of symptoms. This may include medication, CBT, lifestyle changes or both. Some individuals will need to try several different 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 made if the person has at least six characteristics (symptoms) of any kind in the last six months.
How long does it take to conduct an ADHD assessment?
Consult your family physician in the event that you are looking to receive an ADHD diagnosis. They may be able to recommend you to an assessment by a specialist, or they might advise you to speak with an organization for private healthcare to get an independent opinion from a specialist.
You'll probably be asked to fill out some questionnaires or forms prior your appointment. In most cases, they'll require you to provide examples of symptoms you experience in different areas of life. For instance, they could ask you to rate how often you miss important appointments or misplace items. They'll also ask you about your family history, your medical history and your general health.
The psychiatrist who is consulting you will review the results of your questionnaires and conduct a clinical interview to discuss your symptoms, medical history and your behavior. They'll then use these results to determine whether you are in the right place to receive an ADHD diagnosis (as described 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 determine whether or not you suffer from any other mental health challenges that can be associated with ADHD or cause your symptoms to appear differently. Depression or anxiety for instance, may make your ADHD worse.
The therapist will share their ideas and suggest a treatment plan with you following the appointment. If they believe that you suffer from ADHD, then they will likely recommend medication or a treatment plan.
If your psychiatrist does not believe you are suffering from ADHD and they'll explain the reason and refer you to your GP or another specialist for further investigations. It could be necessary to consult counsellor or a psychologist to discuss treatment options. This will depend on your personal preferences and whether you feel ADHD affects your daily life.
If you reside 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. This means that if you don't feel like waiting to be assessed for ADHD by your local NHS service or if your doctor cannot refer you, you can self-refer directly to an Priory health centre or hospital. This will enable you to get an assessment within six months of making a request for the service.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
The symptoms of ADHD can appear in many different situations and settings. They can impact work, school, relationships and family responsibilities as well as friendships. A key aspect of a diagnosis is that the symptoms should interfere with at least two of these settings and cause significant impairment. This could result in problems with relationships, job loss and poor performance in school or college financial issues or impulsive purchases, and even legal trouble.
Adults typically seek an evaluation when they are unhappy with their inability to focus and complete their work or when they have difficulty in their relationships due to their difficulty listening. They might also have noticed that they were more prone to accidents or impulsive actions, such as reckless driving, skipping classes or canceling social plans.
Adults are more difficult to identify than children. This is due to the fact that there are fewer clear-cut symptoms in adults, and also because the disorder can be associated with other mental health conditions and other medical issues. In this way, an adult diagnosed with ADHD might need to be evaluated by a variety of specialists to confirm their diagnosis.
The test will likely consist of an extensive interview and a review of the patient's medical history, as well as a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. The physician will typically employ standardized rating scales to measure and compare the symptoms of the patient. They might also ask patients to fill out questionnaires, or other types of psychological or neuropsychological tests.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the person has ADHD and they make a formal diagnosis and discuss possible treatment options. This may include psychotherapy, medication or other behavioral interventions.
A diagnosis can have a profound impact, particularly for adults who have struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time. It can be a great relief to be able to know that it wasn't just insanity or lack of intelligence that was keeping them back in school or at work, but also in their relationships and in the world around them. It can be empowering to know that it is possible to control the condition through medication and other treatments.
What happens if I don't agree?
If you're unhappy with your diagnosis, it's vital to let your healthcare professional be aware. You're not a customer. However, they should follow the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary, Private ADHD Clinics Expose, raised concerns about some private companies that squeeze vulnerable patients through the door with poor assessment services and prescribing medication without conducting proper research. This alarming trend is gaining momentum, as people are looking for more efficient, faster assessments and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a real concern and one that's caused by the rapidly increasing population of patients seeking treatment, underfunded NHS mental health services struggling to keep pace with an ever-changing world compounding the effects of existing ailments. If the government doesn't tackle these issues and provides properly equipped, financed and trained experts for its services, private health providers will become a popular choice for those who need quicker access to care.
There are a variety of private clinics that offer comprehensive assessment and treatment plans to their patients. A private ADHD assessment and diagnosis in Scotland through Diverse Diagnostics can be a major change in the life of a person, providing them with the tools to live their best lives at home and at work.
The most effective method to manage ADHD symptoms is through an exhaustive examination by a certified GP/consultant and the right therapy. For many patients, medication may be an essential part of managing symptoms. However, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological methods are also essential.
If private adhd assessment cost worried about the impact of ADHD on your child, a thorough online private ADHD assessment in Aberdeen through Diverse Diagnostics could be the first step in understanding their difficulties and giving them the tools needed to be successful at school, in their professional and personal lives, and throughout adulthood.