How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough assessment with a psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only person who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medication.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD are likely to show these to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being restless. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks, 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 a diagnosis. But, it is necessary in order to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You'll need to go through an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from various sources before determining an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test during the assessment, you will be required to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your perform in your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, such as a family member, partner or friend. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the results of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the availability 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 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 also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to minorities. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even denied treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. Furthermore they are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function lower than their capabilities, but these could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. private adhd assessment uk could mean having to continue paying for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a solid track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also inquire if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who prescribe medication when 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 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 must also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with the kink client.