How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is especially important since a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone displays some of these characteristics at times but those with ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having difficulty 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. But, it is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to help you overcome these. Many of our patients report that once they've been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The assessment process consists of an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists will have extensive experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an extensive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A specialist will use structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as possible, including how they affect you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine 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 measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships and work.
The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and 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 go over their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
After the examination, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in the development of attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD, especially when they are part of a minority group. adhd private assessment have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level below their capacity, but these can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or contacting them to make sure that they have the expertise you require. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor who has 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people are more comfortable with an therapist who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with clients with kinks.