How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain traits on occasion, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD is characterized by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to receive the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
You'll need to go through a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This must be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist in ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather 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 background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who knows cost of private adhd assessment uk you well, such as an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is to get further confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships and work.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the results of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to obtain a private assessment by a specialist physician 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 inform you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medication.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD, especially when they are part of minorities. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their problems with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these may result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they require. Some people pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" that will 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 medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking up their website, or calling them to confirm they have the knowledge you require. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.