How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private companies to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see 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 treatment. This is important because a valid diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to be able to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone displays certain characteristics on occasion however, those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified by difficulty 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.
Although many adults are nervous about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to receive the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you comprehend the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming these. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD is required undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or 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, because it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. private adhd assessments will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information gathered from various sources and determine an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed exercises. They will also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, for example, an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the available options for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist physician who can either confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on your specific needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy 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. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes, which can help to improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these may cause other issues like depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or calling them to confirm that they have the experience you require. You can also ask whether they've dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the right psychiatrist or therapy, because they will be the ones who will 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.