How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medication.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone has certain traits on occasion, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organizing. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or finding it difficult 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 get an assessment. However, it's important to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming these. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. In private adhd assessment have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are adept at helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD is required to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals as it comes down to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test you will be asked to take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact they have on your perform in your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other disorders you might have, since they may present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the results of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting an assessment. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor who will confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the evaluation is completed your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's natural chemical messages, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD may benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these may lead to other problems, such as depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're thinking of working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also inquire whether they've dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is important to choose the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.