How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has caused debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis for treatment. This is important since a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working, and to access NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits at times, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding 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 about having a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so in order to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients tell us that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process consists of an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is as it comes down to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can and how they impact your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from various sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination, you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily life. You might be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well - such as a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the outcome of the examination, 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
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. private adhd assessment are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from a minority group. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or be not treated.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into account finances. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can 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 that their difficulties with planning, organising and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function below their potential, but these could lead to issues like anxiety and depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they need. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking up their website, or contacting them to make sure they have the knowledge you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. Find a doctor with specialized training on 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. For instance, some individuals will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.