How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has sparked concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis for treatment. This is important 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 primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show certain traits at times, people with ADHD tend to display these traits to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior may include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks that require attention, avoiding 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 get an assessment. However, it's important to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to help you overcome these. After being diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment you will be asked to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and what options are available for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist physician who will confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medications you're taking.
After the assessment your doctor will review the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in regulating attention and movements. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD can benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from a minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these may lead to other problems like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they require. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. private adhd assessment adult may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor who has 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also take into account your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.