How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide unreliable assessments. This has caused debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis for medication. This is essential because a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working, and to be able to access NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD are likely to show them to a much greater extent than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being restless. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus, procrastination, missing deadlines or an inability ability to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
While many adults feel apprehensive about getting an assessment, it is imperative to do so to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to aid you in conquering them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.
The process of assessment involves an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. During your examination our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo a thorough evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This must be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it comes down to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also review your medical history and ask about your the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from a variety of sources before determining an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as they may have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able to provide you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and the options available for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or refuse a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medications you're taking.
After the examination your doctor will review the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based 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 increase the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly if they are from the minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or even not treated.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly if you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. adhd private assessment 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 below their capacity however, these strategies can lead to problems like anxiety and depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving a private 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 thinking of working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can check this by looking on their website or calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also inquire if they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they will be the one who prescribes your medication in the event of need. 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.
