How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private companies to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is important because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone will show certain traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD is characterized by a lack of focus or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability ability to think ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Many adults are reluctant to get a diagnosis. But, it is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will help you overcome them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. 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, since 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 impact your life and relationships, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also review your medical history and ask about your the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination, you will be required to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. private adhd assessment adults will also determine the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, such as someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the outcome of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract 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 suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting an assessment. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist physician who can either confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medications you're taking.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on your specific requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in regulating attention and movements. When the medication is used regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of the minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have interns or residents 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 often don't notice the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. private adhd assessment with high IQs are more likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these could lead to other problems like anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug addiction.
This story highlights the importance of 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 pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could mean having to continue paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or by calling them to ensure that they have the experience you need. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, because they will be the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor who has 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.