How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients because of the long 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 numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a thorough exam with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for medication. This is crucial because a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to get access to NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics on occasion however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble keeping a focus on tasks and putting off 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 seek a diagnosis. But, it is essential to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are adept at helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals in relation to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The assessment will also include 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 to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to get an individual assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you are on.
Once the test is complete, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on the specific needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's chemical signals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and help them manage time and work. adhd private assessment suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults may be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even not treated.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially when you do not have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their difficulties with planning, organizing 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 impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level below their potential however, these strategies could lead to issues such as depression and anxiety, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to an "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to to pay for private treatment and CBT - or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always check 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 they have the expertise needed. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Choose a doctor that 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.