How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of 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 the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete examination by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone has certain characteristics on occasion but those with ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD is characterized by a lack of focus, procrastination, missing deadlines, or a lack of ability to think 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 seeking a diagnosis, it is vital to seek one to get the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to help you overcome these. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact 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
You'll need to go through a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This must be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
A specialist will employ structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your perform in your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from since they may have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - like someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the findings of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might cause your symptoms, or if adhd private assesment your symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Based on your specific needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD, especially those who belong to a minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these could cause other issues like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some people pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a positive track record of working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or calling them to confirm that they have the expertise you require. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. For example, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.