How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to go through a complete examination by psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis for the use of medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays some of these characteristics on occasion but those with ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding 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 hesitant about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the support and treatment 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 that will aid you in conquering them. Many of our patients report that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and an extensive clinical interview. During your examination our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is in relation to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected 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 required to complete tests designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily activities. You could be asked to answer questions about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - for example, someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the outcome of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is to obtain an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually book adhd assessment psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from diet changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their condition has on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these may cause other issues like depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking out 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 there is no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
You should always check that any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or calling them to make sure that they have the expertise you need. You can also ask whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with clients with kinks.