How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD are likely to show these to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash purchases without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about getting a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information gathered from a variety of sources before determining a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily functioning. You may be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They will also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who is familiar with you - such as a family member, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The person you speak to will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the options available to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medication you're taking.
Once the test is complete the doctor will review the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the amount of brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and help them manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD might also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially if they are from the minority group. private adhd assessment adults have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even denied treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. 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 often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level below their potential however, these strategies can cause problems such as anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to get the treatment they need. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by checking at their website or contacting them to ensure they have the knowledge you require. You can also inquire whether they've dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor with specialized training in 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to take into account your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.