How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has sparked controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these traits occasionally, those with ADHD tend to display these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having trouble to plan 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 an assessment, it is imperative to do so in order to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to collect as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be required to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, such as a family member, partner or friend. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.
The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms or if they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation is completed your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on the needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability manage time and manage their tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults may be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD, especially when they are part of minorities. This is due to the fact that 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 when you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. private assessment for adhd may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level below their capacity but they could lead to issues like anxiety and depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long 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 there is no assurance that their physician will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to continue paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly professional coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're considering working with has a good track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or by calling them to confirm they have the knowledge you need. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is important to choose the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones to prescribe medication if necessary. 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 a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals will be more comfortable with someone who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.