How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
private adhd assessment uk cost
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete exam with a psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is especially important since the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain characteristics occasionally but those with ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organizing. Insane behavior may include making rash choices, purchasing items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper planning. 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It will 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 are changed 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 a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely adept at helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need to go through a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from a variety of sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other disorders you may have, as many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well - like an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The person you speak to will be able give you a comprehensive report detailing the results of your evaluation and the available options for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will outline their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting an assessment. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist physician who can either confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.
After the examination the doctor will go over the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the supply of the brain's 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 with ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be denied treatment.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially if you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take account finances. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can result in other problems like depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug dependence.
This story demonstrates the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you are considering working with has a good track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or by calling them to confirm they have the knowledge you need. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. Find a doctor with 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 selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.