How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has sparked controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is essential since a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working, and to be able to access NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone displays some of these characteristics on occasion however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having difficulty to plan 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 get a diagnosis. However, this is essential to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to aid you in conquering them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking 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
You'll need to go through an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This must be performed by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your family mental health history as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from various sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the results of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on private adhd assessment of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. adhd private assessment of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and manage their tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from diet changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when they are part of a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even not treated.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be challenging, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function lower than their capabilities however, these strategies can cause problems such as depression and anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by checking at their website or calling them to make sure they have the knowledge you require. You can also inquire if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. 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 think about your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.