How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has led to some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics on occasion, those with ADHD tend to display these to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having trouble 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 a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients report that after being diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process will involve an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and an extensive clinical interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others, and for how long. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - for example, someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and the options available to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are any other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the examination, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses 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 also benefit from dietary changes that can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD in particular if they belong to a minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be challenging, especially when you do not have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take consideration financial concerns. Additionally these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their private adhd assesment lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these may cause other issues like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.
This story demonstrates the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check their website or contact them to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. Choose a doctor that 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some individuals prefer an therapist who is their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.