How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only person who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone has some of these characteristics at times but those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having difficulty 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 having a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so 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 also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it comes down to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily functioning. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the available options to treat your condition, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to get an individual assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medications you're taking.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on your needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in the development of 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 a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you don't have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their conditions have on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these may cause other issues like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS treatment due to the 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 go back to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm that they have the expertise needed. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. For instance, some individuals prefer a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. how to get a private adhd assessment is also possible to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with the kink client.