How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private providers to provide them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics provide unreliable assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough assessment by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial because a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to get access to NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone has some of these characteristics occasionally, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making decisions that are reckless, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could 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 seek an assessment. However, it's essential to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from a variety of sources before determining an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, like someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the available options to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will outline their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to get a private assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if you have other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
Once the test is complete your how much is private adhd assessment doctor will then discuss the results and suggest a treatment plan. Based on your specific requirements, this could mean beginning psychotherapy or medication. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD, especially when they are part of minorities. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be difficult, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" which would permit patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly professional coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or contacting them to make sure that they have the expertise you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. Find a doctor who 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 think about your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.