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 are desperate for answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is important since a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these traits occasionally, those with ADHD are likely to show these traits to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on work, procrastinating, missing 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to receive the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will help you overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD is required to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be performed by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to collect as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During private adhd assessment uk will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you function in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from since they may have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor who will confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing 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 work. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD in particular if they belong to a minority group. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be not treated.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level below their potential however, these strategies can cause problems such as depression and anxiety as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish 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 allows patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
You should always check that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a good track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication, if required. 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. For example, some people are more comfortable with an therapist who is a member of their gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with the kink client.