ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a nagging condition that can be difficult to manage. It can be present from childhood to the age of adulthood.
Some people opt to pay privately for ADHD assessments and medications due to the fact that NHS wait times are at an all-time high. The recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted the fact that some of these services aren't up to scratch.
What is an ADHD diagnosis?
An ADHD diagnosis is a clinical assessment made by your psychiatrist based upon your developmental history, behavioural tendencies and symptoms. To make a diagnosis, they'll ask you to complete a variety of questionnaires and then interview you to build up a clinical picture. Certain of these questionnaires are standardised and are used by all psychiatrists, and others are specific to each psychiatrist. Each psychiatrist and clinic will have their own set of questions and tests they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also examine your family history, medical and mental health history, as well as your current symptoms. In most cases, they will inquire about the way your symptoms affect your work, home, and in other settings. Then, they will determine whether your symptoms are consistent with the guidelines for clinical care set forth by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5DSM).
To be considered to have ADHD your symptoms must be present in more than one setting (home or school, and/or social situations) and significantly hinder your ability to function. Your symptoms should be persistent for a long time and began before you reached 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 interview your psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms have been present from childhood and how they affect you now. They will also assess if there are other conditions that might be causing your symptoms, like anxiety, sleep disorders or depression.
It is important to remember that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD do not have a clear memory of their childhoods, particularly if it was a difficult one. This can make it difficult for people with ADHD to recognize ADHD symptoms in the present. Your psychiatrist may need to speak with people close to you like your spouse or partner, in order to gather more information about your childhood.
Contacting your primary physician for a referral, or speaking with the staff of a local university hospital or a mental clinic can help you find the right healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD assessments. You can also seek recommendations from a group of people with ADHD.
Why do I need to be assessed for ADHD?
If you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD, it's crucial to have a complete diagnosis prior to beginning any treatment. Only a healthcare professional can determine the diagnosis of ADHD after a thorough evaluation. If you don't recognize it, ADHD can lead to serious issues in the workplace, with relationships and with your wellbeing.
If your GP believes that you have ADHD symptoms, they'll consider your concerns seriously and request more information about your past and present. They'll likely refer you to an NHS screening assessment which will consist of an interview with a clinician and the completion of a variety of validated ADHD evaluation scales.
You'll be required to fill out questionnaires with other people who know you well, such as family members or close friends. This helps the healthcare professional to get an understanding of your behaviour, and how it affects other people. For instance, a person with high IQ might have developed strategies to deal with their symptoms of ADHD, such as using technology to track appointments, but their spouse might be able to discern that they're having trouble remembering things.
Private healthcare professionals aren't allowed to bend the rules since you pay for your assessment. They must still adhere to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for ADHD assessments. However, the process may be faster than waiting for an appointment with the NHS.
An ADHD assessment can help to determine the root cause of the issue and the best method to treat it. It can also put you on the right track through medication. If you decide to begin treatment with a therapist, it's a good idea to have your GP sign a shared care agreement with your private physician (so you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) to ensure that they can oversee your progress and advise on any changes. This will ensure that you receive the most effective and appropriate therapy for your particular requirements. Contact one of Priory's brain and mental experts today if you're interested in obtaining an ADHD assessment.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms are very different from individual to individual and the manner in which they manifest can also change over time. This is the reason why a precise diagnosis is difficult to get, especially for adults, despite numerous GPs taking their concerns seriously. It is also a reason why some people have a harder time than others to access NHS services. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and it takes several years before someone wanting to be assessed can get an assessment.
In the meantime, a person might not be able to find an employment opportunity, or their relationships might be affected. Adults who are not diagnosed are at greater risk of risk of serious problems like mood disorders and substance abuse. Undiagnosed adults can suffer from extreme sadness or anxiety, and may begin to accept the fact that they are not able to have the drive and success they could have achieved when they were diagnosed and treated.
The good news is that if you struggled to deal with your ADHD it is possible to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. It is crucial to choose a specialist when you choose to have your assessment done privately. Do your research and ask for recommendations from your friends and family before making any decisions. Verify their credentials and qualifications and ask former clients and patients about their experiences.

A specialist with the right training can use a variety tools to determine ADHD. These include interviews, questionnaires, and medical tests. The primary goal of the diagnosis is to rule out other causes, like mental disorders or learning disabilities, which are difficult to distinguish from ADHD.
In an ADHD assessment, the expert might interview you or your partner to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also employ an DSM-5 checklist of symptoms and other psychometric tests to measure the severity of your symptoms. Stimulant medication improves ADHD symptoms in around 70% of adults and children and has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It is an effective treatment as it has the potential to have a positive impact on mood and stabilize the brain's functioning.
How can I obtain a diagnosis of ADHD?
To determine if your child has ADHD A healthcare professional will interview you or your child. private adhd assessments 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 must know if your symptoms or those of your child were present since childhood and if these symptoms have affected your daily functioning.
They will also want to know if your or your child's symptoms may be related to other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Around 80% of people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring mental health problems and it is crucial to rule them out.
A private health care provider could also ask your permission to speak with family members, friends, teachers or scout leaders. They may also interview religious coaches or leaders. They will ask about how your your child’s behavior affects their daily functioning and will also ask if there any past background of trauma or abuse.
If they don't consider the diagnosis of ADHD to be appropriate medical expert will explain why. The reason could be that they don't think that the symptoms are severe enough or believe they can be explained by another condition.
It is a good idea to ask your family doctor for an ADHD assessment. If you do not have a family physician, you can ask your insurance company for recommendations or contact a local support group for mental health.
If you've made an appointment for an ADHD evaluation, be sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological and education or employment records with you. The health care professional might ask you for your complete social and family histories and 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 not you or your child has ADHD. If they are required, they will recommend medication or a different treatment. If you are planning to utilize the NHS prescription service to get your medication, it's worth checking with them first to determine if they accept a private diagnosis from an NHS-accredited clinic of ADHD.