How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full assessment by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is especially important since the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD are likely to show them to a much more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or finding it difficult 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 about seeking a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This needs to be performed by a healthcare professional who is 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 where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others, and for how long. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily activities. You could be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, for example, someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the results of your evaluation and the available options to treat your condition, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to conduct a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed the doctor will review the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. private adhd assessment uk can also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly if they are from an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function below their potential however, these strategies can cause problems such as anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly professional coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track record of working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check this by looking up 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 coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Find a doctor with 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 a therapist or psychiatrist. Some people might be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.