How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private providers to provide them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to go through a complete assessment with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is important since a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, and to be able to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It may also include issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by difficulty in staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability ability to think 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 pursue an assessment. However, this is essential to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. Many of our patients report that after being diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This must be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals in relation to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information collected from various sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be required to complete tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - for example, a family member, partner or a friend. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships or work.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a detailed report outlining the results of your evaluation and what options are available for treatment, such as the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to get a private assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on the needs of each individual you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability to manage time and work. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially if you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they could lead to issues like anxiety and depression as well as alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they need. Some people pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" which would permit them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure that private adhd assessments are considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or contacting them to ensure that they have the experience you require. You can also ask if they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one who prescribes your medication, if required. Find a doctor who has specialized training on 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. For instance, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.