How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private companies to provide them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough examination with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone has certain traits on occasion however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by difficulty staying focused, 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 getting a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so in order to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will help you overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. adhd private assessment could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is in relation to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and review your medical history. 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 assessment process you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The specialist you meet with will be able to provide you a comprehensive report detailing the results of your evaluation and the options available for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining an assessment. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to tell you if you have other mental health issues that might cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medications you're taking.
After the assessment your doctor will review the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on the requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or be not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their condition has on their lives. They don't realize that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these can cause other issues like anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug addiction.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive professional coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or contacting them to make sure that they have the experience you require. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. Find a doctor with 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may feel more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.