How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete examination with psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these traits occasionally, those with ADHD tend to display these traits to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on work, procrastinating, missing deadlines or finding it difficult 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 to pursue an assessment. However, this is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to help you overcome these. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.
The assessment process consists of an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviews to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible and how they impact your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as timed tasks or puzzles. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who is familiar with you - such as someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have an individual assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to tell you if you have other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD in particular those who belong to an ethnic minority. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be not treated.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. Furthermore they are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these may cause other issues like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm that they have the expertise needed. You can also inquire whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Find a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with ADHD. You can do this by contacting your local support group for adults with cost of private adhd assessment 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, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.