How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has sparked concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete exam by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is especially important since a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone displays certain traits occasionally, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability ability 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 a diagnosis, it is vital to seek one to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients tell us that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact 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
You will need to undergo a thorough evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect your relationships with others, and for how long. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily functioning. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as timed tasks or puzzles. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as they may present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - for example, a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work or relationships.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to obtain an individual assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medication.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to lessen frustration and help them manage time and work. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly if they belong to minorities. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform below their potential. However, these can cause other issues like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are how to get a private adhd assessment waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or call them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the right psychiatrist or therapy, because they will be the ones who prescribe medication if needed. Look for 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is of their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.