How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone has certain characteristics at times but those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines, 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 hesitant about getting a diagnosis, it is vital to seek one to receive the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering these. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and review your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis 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 measure your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They 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.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. 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 detailed report outlining the findings of your examination and what options are available to treat your condition, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the examination the doctor will go over the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Based on your requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine 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 regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses 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. Some people suffering from ADHD might also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially in the case of a minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. private adhd assessments are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or even not treated.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. Additionally these clinics are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these may result in other problems like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to paying for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly professional coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a good track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can do this by checking at their website or contacting them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they will be the one who will prescribe your medication if needed. Find a doctor with specialized 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.
When selecting private adhd assessment adult or psychiatrist, it is important to take into account your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.