How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to get access to NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these traits at times, people with ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. private adhd assessment can involve making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having trouble 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. However, this is important to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to deal with them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and a detailed interview. During your examination our psychiatrists will have extensive experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be required to complete tests designed to measure 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 puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who knows you well - for example, someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is to get further confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the results of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care arrangement 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 that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
Once the test is complete the doctor will review the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially in the case of an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties with planning, organizing and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function below their capacity but they can cause problems such as anxiety and depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or by calling them to ensure they have the knowledge you need. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Look for a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with 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 might be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.