How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough assessment by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is especially important since a formal diagnosis is necessary for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, or a lack of ability to think 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 seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be 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 doesn't matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible and how they impact you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess 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 comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - like someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and what options are available for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting an assessment. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the examination the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. It can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD particularly if they belong to an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. Furthermore they are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their condition has on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to an "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. private adult adhd assessment uk can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with kink clients.