How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can give a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD are likely to show these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel restless, and may also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination or an inability ability to think 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 seeking an assessment, it is essential that you do so to get the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to deal with them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and an in-depth interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you function in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other disorders you might have, since many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - such as an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the results of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to conduct a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who will confirm or deny a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on the specific needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that help to improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function at a level below their capacity however, these strategies can lead to problems like anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
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 people pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own - or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track record of working with adults suffering from ADHD. private adhd assessment can look up their website or phone number to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. private adhd assessment can also inquire whether they've dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.