How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private providers to provide them.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to go through a complete exam by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is essential because a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medication.
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 these traits to a greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus 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 hesitant to pursue an assessment. However, it's important to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming them. After being diagnosed, a lot 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 impact your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an in-depth clinical interview. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an extensive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is as it comes down to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine the impact they have 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 exercises. They will also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well - like someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. 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 a full explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could private adhd assessment cost uk be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
After the evaluation is completed your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of the minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function at a level below their capacity, but these could lead to issues such as depression and anxiety or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they require. Some people pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to an "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. Choose a doctor that has completed specialized training for adults with 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 consider your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with the kink client.