How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete assessment by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is essential because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, and to be able to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone has certain characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble keeping a focus 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.
Many adults are reluctant to seek an assessment. However, this is important to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD is required to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it comes down to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical history and ask about your the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily functioning. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, such as a family member, partner or friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The person you speak to will be able to provide you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and what options are available for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be 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 a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on adhd private assessment , this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the brain's natural chemical messages such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD, especially when they are part of a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or even refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Furthermore they are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function at a level below their potential however, these strategies can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they need. Some pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" which would permit patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or by calling them to make sure they have the knowledge you need. You can also inquire if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, as they will be the ones to prescribe medication when 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with the kink client.