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 are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are handing out unreliable assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete assessment by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial as an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain traits at times but those with ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination or an inability ability to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Although many adults are nervous about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so in order to receive the support and treatment you need. 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 strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients tell us that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This must be performed by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals in relation to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. You might be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from since they may have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to conduct a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to a minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas 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 evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function at a level below their capacity, but these could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their physician will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you're considering working with has a good track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or by calling them to confirm that they have the experience you need. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication, if required. Find a doctor with specialized 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.
private adult adhd assessment uk should also think about your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals prefer an therapist who is their gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with kink clients.