How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has sparked concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these traits occasionally, those with ADHD tend to display these to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or having difficulty to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Many adults are hesitant to seek an assessment. However, this is essential to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You'll need to go through a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as an expert.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During adhd private assessment of assessment you will be required to complete tests designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting a diagnosis. The first step is to get an individual assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
Once the test is complete the doctor will review the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in attention and movement. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD in particular if they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or even not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take consideration financial concerns. Furthermore they are more likely to take part in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function at a level below their potential, but these can cause problems such as depression and anxiety as well as alcohol or drug abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to continue to pay for private treatment and CBT and even more costly specialist coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a solid track record of working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm they have the expertise needed. You can also ask if they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who will prescribe medication if necessary. Choose a doctor that has completed specialized training in adult ADHD. You can do this by contacting your local support group for adults with ADHD, or the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) organization to find an expert in your area.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some individuals prefer a psychiatrist who is their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.