How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private companies to provide them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is essential because a valid diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to access NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits on occasion, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity can manifest as the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding 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 hesitant about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is in relation to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information on your symptoms as they can as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you, and for how long. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, like an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the available options to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to obtain a private assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. 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, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the amount of brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to the minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be refused treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Additionally they are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level below their capacity but they can cause problems like anxiety and depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they require. private adhd assessment for private health care but are not guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private therapy, medication, 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 who suffer from ADHD. You can do this by checking at their website or calling them to make sure that they have the expertise you need. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they will be the one who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor with special training in 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 choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also consider your own personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.