ADHD Private Diagnosis
With NHS waiting times at the highest level, many patients are opting for private medical diagnosis. What does this entail?
If you opt to get a private diagnosis it is worth confirming whether your doctor will accept the concept of a 'Shared Care Agreement' prior to moving ahead. You'll still be eligible for follow-up treatments through the NHS afterward.
What is an ADHD assessment?
A psychiatrist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults will conduct a diagnostic interview. The assessment begins with a thorough review of the patient's medical background, symptoms and treatment. It also includes a review of any relevant family, social, and work history. Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the cost of an assessment. The recommendations of colleagues and friends is an excellent source. Avoid "speedy" online evaluation sites. They aren't accepted by a large number of healthcare providers and don't always meet the standards required for a valid diagnose.
The initial evaluation can last up to an hour or more. In this time, the doctor will talk to the patient and inquire about their current issues (as well as when they began). The doctor will then speak 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 to identify the signs. This can give a more of a personal view than an assessment questionnaire.
A doctor may also perform a number of tests to confirm or rule out ADHD. These tests could include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system as well as executive functioning and achievement tests. The tests are designed to measure results between those with ADHD and those without ADHD. They can range from 15 minutes to one hour.
iampsychiatry.uk will review all information and, if ADHD has been identified they will go over the different treatment options available to patients. The type of treatment recommended will be based on the severity and duration of the symptoms. This could include medications, CBT, lifestyle changes or both. Some people may need to test a variety of combinations of dosages and 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. A diagnosis will only be made if the person has at minimum six traits (symptoms) of either type within the last 6 months.
How long will an ADHD assessment take?
If you're considering an ADHD diagnosis, it's recommended to talk to your family physician. They may recommend you to a specialist for assessment or advise you to seek an independent expert opinion.
You'll likely be asked fill out some questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment. In most cases, they'll ask you to list examples of symptoms that you encounter in different areas of life. You might be asked to rate your propensity to miss important appointments or to misplace things. They'll also inquire about your family history, your medical history and your general health.
The consultant psychiatrist will review the results of your questionnaires and then conduct a medical consultation to discuss your medical history and symptoms. They'll then use these results to determine if you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis (as outlined 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 you have any mental health issues that could cause your symptoms to alter or co-exist with ADHD. For instance, anxiety or depression could cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
The therapist will share their thoughts and offer a treatment plan with you after the appointment. If they believe that you have ADHD, they'll likely recommend medication and a program of therapy.
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 to conduct further studies. In some cases, it might be appropriate to discuss your treatment options with a psychologist or counselor, but this will be dependent on your preferences and will be based on whether you feel that the ADHD is having a significant impact on your everyday life.
If you reside in England you have a legal right to choose 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 GP cannot refer you, you can self-refer directly to an Priory hospital or wellness center. This will allow you to get an assessment within six months of making a request for the service.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
The signs of ADHD can be seen in different situations and settings. They can affect school, work, relationships with family and home obligations and also friendships. The most important aspect of a diagnosis is that the signs must be disruptive to at least two of these settings and cause significant impairment. This can lead to loss of employment, relationship issues or a poor performance in school or college financial issues, impulsive spending and even legal trouble.
It is normal for adults to seek treatment because they are frustrated with their inability to remain focused and complete tasks, or they are struggling in their relationships because they aren't listening. You may have noticed that they are more prone to accidents and impulsive behaviors like reckless driving or skipping classes, or ignoring social obligations.
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 issues and other medical issues. In this way, an adult suffering from ADHD may 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 determine if there are any other medical conditions which may produce symptoms similar those of ADHD. The physician will typically employ standardized rating scales to measure and compare the patient's symptoms. They might also ask patients to fill out questionnaires or other forms of psychological or neuropsychological tests.
If a psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the patient has ADHD and they make a formal diagnosis and discuss treatment options. This can include medication, psychotherapy, or other behavioral interventions.
Being diagnosed can be life-changing, especially for those who have suffered with undiagnosed ADHD for a long time. It can be a great relief to discover that lack of motivation or intelligence was not the cause of their struggles in the workplace, at school, in relationships, and other areas. It can be empowering to learn that the condition can be treated with medication and other treatments.
What happens if I don't agree with my diagnosis?
It is crucial to inform your healthcare professional if you're not happy with the diagnosis. They're not there to treat you as an individual, but they should still be legally 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 by providing inadequate assessment services, and prescribing medications without proper research. This disturbing trend is growing in popularity as patients are looking for more efficient, faster assessments and treatments for their symptoms.
This is a serious concern
