How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is essential because a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, and to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits at times, people with ADHD are likely to show these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also have issues 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 can be identified by difficulty staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines, or a lack of ability 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 a diagnosis. But, it is necessary in order to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test, and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as a specialist.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and review your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information gathered from various sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment, you will be required to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They'll also look at any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - for example, a family member, partner or friend. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the findings of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you're taking.
After the examination the doctor will go over the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each patient, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine, 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 efficiently.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can help to improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of an ethnic minority. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially 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 accept 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 struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function below their capacity, but these can lead to problems like anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to to pay for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always check if adhd private assessment working with has worked with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or call them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. Look for a doctor who has completed specialized 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may be more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with the kink client.