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ADHD Private Diagnosis Many people seek private diagnoses due to long NHS waiting times. But what exactly does this involve? Before you make an individual diagnosis, it's worthwhile checking if your GP accepts an agreement for shared care. You'll still be eligible for follow-up treatment from the NHS following the diagnosis. What is ADHD assessment? A psychiatrist who has experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults will conduct a diagnostic interview. The assessment begins with a thorough review of the patient's medical history, symptoms and previous treatment. The report also includes any relevant work, family or social background. If your insurance provider covers the cost of the examination make sure you inquire with them for a specialist in your area. Recommendations from friends and colleagues are an excellent source. Avoid “speedy”, online evaluation websites. More hints are not endorsed by a lot of providers and often do not provide the criteria needed for a valid diagnosis. The initial examination can take about an hour or more. During this time, the doctor will inquire with the patient to discuss their current concerns (as well when they started). The doctor will also talk to people who know the patient well like a spouse, sibling, or teacher for an adult as well as a coach, daycare worker, or daycare worker for a young child. Checklists can be used to determine the cause of symptoms. This information can add a personal insight that cannot be gleaned from questionnaires. A doctor may also perform a number of tests to rule out ADHD. These may include neuropsychological assessments of the attention system, executive functioning, achievement tests and objective questionnaires. The tests can take from 15 minutes to one hour each and are designed to evaluate the results to those of people without ADHD. A psychiatric expert will evaluate all information and If ADHD is diagnosed, will discuss the various treatment options available to patients. The treatment suggested will be based on the severity and duration of the symptoms. This may involve medication, CBT therapy, lifestyle changes or both. Certain people may have to test several different 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 least six characteristics (symptoms) of either type within the last 6 months. How long does it take to conduct an ADHD assessment? Speak to your family physician if you want to get an ADHD diagnosis. They may be able to refer you for an assessment by a specialist or may suggest you to consult a private healthcare organisation for an independent expert opinion. Prior to your appointment, you'll likely be asked to complete some forms and questionnaires. Most often, they'll ask you to list examples of symptoms you experience in different areas of life. For instance, they may ask you to rate the frequency with which you miss important appointments or misplace things. They'll also inquire about your family history, medical history and your general health. The psychiatrist who is your consultant will review the results of your questionnaires and then conduct a medical consultation to discuss your symptoms and medical history. The answers will be used to determine whether 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 determine whether or not you suffer from any other mental health challenges that could be associated with ADHD or cause your symptoms to appear differently. For instance, depression or anxiety can make your ADHD symptoms worse. The doctor will share their thoughts and propose an action plan after the appointment. If they believe that you suffer from ADHD Then they will likely suggest medication or a course of treatment. If your psychiatrist doesn't think you're suffering from ADHD then he or she will explain the reason and refer you to your GP for further investigation. It might be necessary to talk with a psychologist or counselor to discuss possible treatment options. This will depend on your preferences and how you feel ADHD affects your daily life. If you live in England you have a legal right to decide where you receive your mental healthcare and, in particular, your ADHD assessment. If you don't want to wait to be assessed by your local NHS or if your doctor is unable refer you, you can self-refer to a Priory Health Centre or a hospital. You will receive an assessment six months after having made the request. What happens if I do not get a diagnosis? The symptoms of ADHD can be seen in different settings and situations. They can affect school, work, relationships and family responsibilities, as well as friendships. An important aspect of a diagnosis is that the symptoms must interfere with at least two of these environments and cause significant impairment. This can lead to loss of employment, relationship issues or a poor performance at college or in school, financial difficulties as well as impulsive purchases and even legal trouble. It is common for adults to seek a diagnosis because they are frustrated with their inability to stay focused and finish their work or are having difficulty with their relationships as they have a hard time listening. They might have also noticed that they were more susceptible to accidents or impulsive behaviors, like reckless driving, skipping classes or canceling social plans. Unlike children, the diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult. This is because there are no clear-cut symptoms for adults and because the disorder may coexist with other mental health issues and other medical issues. For this reason, an adult with ADHD might need to be evaluated by a number of specialists to confirm their diagnosis. The evaluation will likely involve an extensive interview and a examination of the patient's medical history, as well as a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. The physician will typically employ standardized rating scales to evaluate and compare the symptoms of the patient. They may also ask them to complete questionnaires, or other types of neuropsychological or psychological tests. If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that a patient has ADHD and he is able to make a formal diagnoses and discuss treatment options. This could include psychotherapy, medication or other interventions for behavior. A diagnosis can transform your life, particularly in the case of ADHD undiagnosed for years. It can be a great relief to know that it wasn't insanity or lack of intelligence that was holding them back at school, at work, in their relationships, and in the world around them. It can be empowering to realize that the condition can be treated by treatment and medication. What happens if I disagree? It is crucial to let your healthcare professional know if you're not happy with the diagnosis. They're not there to treat you as you're a client but they must be bound by National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing treatment. The BBC Panorama documentary, Private ADHD Clinics Exposed has raised concerns about private companies that squeeze vulnerable patients into their clinics by providing poor assessment and treatment services, and even prescribing medications without conducting proper research. It's a worrying trend that is growing in popularity as people seek speedier assessments, more thorough services and treatments for their symptoms. This is a major issue, and it's one that's exacerbated by a rapidly growing number of people seeking treatment underfunded NHS mental health services struggling to keep pace with changing times that compound the effects of existing illnesses. Private health providers will become more popular until the government solves these issues and provides adequately funded, trained and staffed services. While it's true that some private practitioners could be unprofessional but the truth is that there are also plenty of excellent private clinics and people out there offering comprehensive assessments and the right treatment plans for 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 lives to the fullest at home as well as at work. A thorough evaluation by an experienced GP/consultant, coupled with the appropriate therapy, can be the most effective way to manage ADHD symptoms. The use of medication is an important part of this, but for many patients, it's also important to focus on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological strategies for managing symptoms. If you are worried about the effects ADHD can have on your child If you are concerned about the impact ADHD has 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 thrive at school, in their personal and professional life and into adulthood.