How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private providers to provide them.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot 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 consult a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis for medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like 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 is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics at times, people who suffer from ADHD are likely to show them to a much greater extent than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding 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.
Although many adults are nervous about having an assessment, it is essential that you do so to receive the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients report that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members 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 test you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your perform in your daily activities. You might be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able to provide 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 pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting an assessment. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist physician who can either confirm or denial a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on adhd private assessment of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from a minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take account finances. Additionally these clinics are more likely to be enrolled 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 impact their conditions have on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function below their potential but they can cause problems such as depression and anxiety or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This article highlights the importance of seeking an 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 have no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're thinking of working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can check their website or phone number to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones to prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor who has completed 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people are more comfortable with someone who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with the kink client.