How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private providers to provide them with.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete assessment with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD tend to display them to a much greater extent than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash choices, purchasing items without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work 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 hesitant to seek an assessment. But, it is necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals when it comes to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also go over 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 gathered from a variety of sources before determining 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 assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily activities. You could be asked to answer questions about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, for example, a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work or relationships.
private assessment for adhd uk meet with will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and what options are available for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medications (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will go over 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 conduct a private evaluation by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medication.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on your needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's chemical signals, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from diet changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of the minority group. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. These people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or even refused treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not 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 residents and interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their condition has on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level below their potential, but these could lead to issues such as depression and anxiety, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication, if required. Find a doctor with 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people might be more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.