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 to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full examination by a psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only person who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show some of these characteristics occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by difficulty staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination 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.
Many adults are reluctant to pursue an assessment. However, this is important to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, in relation to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical history and ask about your family mental health history as well. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you function in your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, such as an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the results of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have 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 refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the specific needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a difficult time private healthcare adhd assessment obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD in particular when they are part of an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact their conditions have on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these could lead to other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This story highlights the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or by calling them to make sure that they have the experience you require. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. Find a doctor who has 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people might be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.