private adult adhd assessment is a complex disorder that is difficult to diagnose. It can be present from childhood into adulthood.
Some people opt to pay privately for ADHD assessments and medications because NHS wait times are at an all-time high. BBC Panorama's recent documentary raised concerns that some of these services weren't up to par.
What is an ADHD diagnosis?
Your doctor will make an assessment of ADHD by looking at the signs as well as your development history and your behavioural habits. To diagnose you they'll ask you to complete a variety of questionnaires and interview you to build up a clinical picture. Some of these are standardised questionnaires that all psychiatrists use and some are unique to them, so every clinic and psychiatrist has their own preferred test and questions they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist may also want to look at your family medical and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms. Often, they will also inquire about the way your symptoms affect you at work, at home and in other situations. They will then assess whether your symptoms meet the guidelines for clinical care established by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings (home or at school, as well as social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. Your symptoms should be persistent for a long time and began before turning 12 years old. In addition, you must meet the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations of ADHD to get a diagnosis.
During the consultation, your psychiatrist will try to determine if your symptoms have been present since childhood and how they are affecting you at the moment. They will also determine if there are any other conditions that may explain your symptoms. For example, a sleep disorder depression, anxiety or sleep disorder.
It is crucial to keep in mind that many adults with ADHD do not have a clear memory of their childhood, especially if it was a difficult one. This can make it difficult for them to recognize ADHD symptoms in the present. Your psychiatrist might need to speak with someone close to you like your spouse or partner to collect more information about your childhood.
You can locate a healthcare specialist who is specialized in ADHD evaluations by asking your primary health care provider for a referral, or consulting with the staff at a local university-based hospital or contacting a mental health clinic. You can also talk to a support group for people with ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Why do I need be evaluated for ADHD?
Before you begin any treatment, it is crucial to get a full diagnosis if you suspect you may have ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can make a diagnosis of ADHD after a thorough examination. If it is not diagnosed, ADHD can cause serious problems at work, in relationships and with your wellbeing.
If your GP is aware that you think you have symptoms of ADHD They will be attentive and will ask for specifics of your past and present. They may recommend an NHS screening test that includes an interview with a clinician as well as the submission of a variety of valid ADHD scales.
You'll also be asked to fill out questionnaires with others who are familiar with you such as family members or close friends. This allows the healthcare professional to get an understanding of your behavior and how it affects other people. A person with a high IQ may have developed strategies to compensate for the symptoms of ADHD. For example, they might use technology to their appointments, but a spouse can tell if they're having trouble remembering things.
A private healthcare professional won't be able to bend the rules just because you're paying for their assessment, and they must adhere to National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when conducting an assessment for ADHD. However, the process may be quicker than waiting for an appointment with the NHS.
A ADHD assessment will help you understand the root cause of your problems and how best to address them, as well as getting you on the right path with your medication. If you decide to start treatment, you must have your GP sign a shared-care agreement with your private doctor (so that you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) to keep track of your progress and give advice regarding any changes. This will ensure that you receive the most effective and appropriate therapy to meet your individual needs. Speak to one of Priory's brain and mental experts today if you're interested in receiving an ADHD assessment.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person, and their manifestations can also change with time. This is the reason why a precise diagnosis is difficult to get, especially for adults, despite numerous GPs taking their concerns seriously. This is also the reason why some people find it harder than others to access NHS services. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and it can sometimes take years for someone to get evaluated.
In the meantime, someone may not be able find work or their relationships could be affected. Adults who are not diagnosed are at a greater risk for serious problems such as mood disorders and substance abuse. Undiagnosed adults may experience extreme sadness or anxiety, and may be forced to accept the fact that they are not able to have the drive and success they would have enjoyed if they were diagnosed and treated.
The good news is that if have been struggling to cope with your ADHD, it is possible to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. If you choose to see a private doctor to get an assessment it is crucial to choose carefully. Do your research and request recommendations from your family and friends before making any decision. Examine their qualifications and credentials and inquire from previous clients and patients about their experience.
A specialist with the proper education can utilize a variety of tools to determine ADHD. These include questionnaires, interviews and medical tests. The primary objective is to rule out other reasons for the symptoms, for instance a learning disability or emotional issues, which are difficult to differentiate from ADHD.
In an ADHD assessment the expert will interview you and perhaps your spouse or family members to discuss your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. The specialist could also use the DSM-5 checklist of symptoms as well as other psychometric assessments to measure the severity of your symptoms. The stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It has been used since 1937. It can be a very efficient treatment since it has a positive effect on mood, and may help to stabilize brain function.
How can I get a diagnosis of ADHD?
To diagnose ADHD, a medical professional will interview you or your child. They will ask questions about you or your child's behavior in different settings, such as at home or at school. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They'll also need to be aware of whether your child's symptoms have existed since childhood and whether they have impacted your daily life.
They will also want to determine if your child's symptoms are related to any other mental health problems like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Around 90% of ADHD sufferers are also affected by co-occurring disorders, so it's essential to eliminate them.
A private healthcare professional may also ask for your permission to talk with family members, friends, teachers, religious and scout leaders or coaches. They will inquire about how your or your child's behavior affects their daily lives and ask if there any past history of abuse or trauma.
The healthcare professional will explain the reason they do not believe that a diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. The reason could be that they don't think the symptoms are serious enough or believe they can be explained by another disorder.
It is recommended to ask your family doctor to undergo an ADHD evaluation. If you don't have a family doctor you can call your insurance company or a local mental health support group for suggestions.
After you have scheduled an appointment to have an ADHD assessment, be sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological or educational or employment records with you. The health care professional may ask you for your complete social and family history and will conduct a physical examination.
After the health care professional has reviewed all of the information they will be in a position to determine whether or your child has ADHD. They will then recommend treatment, such as medication, if needed. If you intend to use the NHS prescription services for your medication, check with them first to confirm that they will accept a private diagnosis of ADHD that has been certified by the NHS.