How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone displays some of these characteristics occasionally, those who have ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks, procrastinating, missing 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about having an assessment, it is vital to seek one to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering them. Many of our patients report that after being diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. During your examination our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, in relation to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information on your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and formulate a diagnosis 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 will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. You could be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, such as someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the results of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their recommended holistic plan for your care can i get a private adhd assessment and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to have an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or if they are caused by medication.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on the specific needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary modifications, which can help to improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get the diagnosis of ADHD in particular when they are part of a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these could lead to other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story highlights the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they need. Some people pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track record of working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication, if required. 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. For example, some people prefer someone who is a member of their gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.