How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has sparked concern and controversy over the quality of care that 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 made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is important because a valid diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, and to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally however, those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble 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, this is important to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients tell us that once they've been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible and how they impact your relationships and you, and for how long. 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 take into consideration all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to take 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 complete questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed exercises. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from as they may have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships or work.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the available options for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will outline their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
Once the test is complete, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each patient, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. adhd private assessment suffering from ADHD may also benefit from diet changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly those who belong to a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be difficult, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. Additionally they are more likely to participate 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 often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function below their potential however, these strategies can cause problems such as depression and anxiety as well as alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many people to receive the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare but are not guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" which would permit them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal 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 considering working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor who has 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, it is important to take into account your own personal preferences. For example, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.