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 patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them with.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are handing out unreliable assessments. This has caused debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays some of these characteristics occasionally, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD can be identified by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines 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.
Many adults are hesitant about having a diagnosis, it is vital to seek one to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to help you overcome them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives are changed to 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 clinical interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
You'll need to go through an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist in ADHD. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as an expert.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the results of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Depending on the requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movements. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes, which can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially in the case of an ethnic minority. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. The people in these groups are also more likely to be cost of private adhd assessment uk misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties in organising, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function below their potential. However, these could result in other problems, such as anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" which would permit patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals prefer an therapist who is a member of their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.