How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is crucial as an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays some of these characteristics at times, those who have ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, 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 an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist in ADHD. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information on your symptoms as they can as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from a variety of sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily functioning. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from as they may have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships and work.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and what options are available to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will outline their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are any other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance the brain's natural chemical messages like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in attention and movements. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. It can also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can help to improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to minorities. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or even denied treatment.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of 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 struggle to understand the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these could result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. private adhd assessment for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" which would permit patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or by calling them to confirm that they have the expertise you require. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones to prescribe medication when needed. 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.