How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private providers to provide them with.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has caused some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an experienced psychiatrist for a complete examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is essential because a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to access NHS medication.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these traits on occasion, those with ADHD are likely to show them to a much more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused 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.
Although many adults are nervous about getting an assessment, it is essential that you do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an extensive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to collect as much information about your symptoms as possible, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make a diagnose according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships or work.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the results of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or deny a diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medications you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes, which can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly if they are from an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be challenging, especially if you do not have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. private adhd assessment cost of the fact that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. 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 go back to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication if 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 consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.