How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private companies to provide them.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough exam with psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only person who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to stay still or feel anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty 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.
Many adults are reluctant to pursue an assessment. But, it is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will help you overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD is required to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is as it comes down to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from a variety of sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test during the assessment, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. You may be asked to answer questions about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships or work.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the results of your evaluation and what options are available to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). private adhd assessments will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to obtain a private assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medication you are on.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend a treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in attention and movement. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD, especially when they are part of an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to not understand the impact of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level below their potential however, these strategies could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to get the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they will be the one who prescribes your medication in the event of need. 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 choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.