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 patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough exam with psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone has certain characteristics at times but those with ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior may include making decisions that are reckless, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be identified by difficulty staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability 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 hesitant to get a diagnosis. However, this is necessary in order to get the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will help you overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD is required undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This must be performed by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as possible and how they impact your relationships with others, and for how long. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be required to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily life. These may include questionnaires about 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 since they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - get more info for example, an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the outcome of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's chemical signals, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take finances 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 can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their condition has on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function below their capacity, but these can cause problems like anxiety and depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story demonstrates the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're thinking of working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or contact them to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. Find a doctor with special 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 choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people might be more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with kink clients.