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 are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has led to some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete exam by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can give a formal diagnosis for medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD are likely to show these traits to a more severe degree than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused 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 an assessment. But, it is important to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A doctor 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 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 specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be required to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. You could be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, like a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the findings of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to have an assessment in private by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each patient, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of a minority group. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you do not have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function below their capacity, but these could lead to issues like anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
You should always check that any health professional you're considering working with has a solid track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking on their website or by calling them to confirm they have the knowledge you need. You click here can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor with special 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 a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may feel more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.